Class 10 Science | Calculation of Acceleration Due to Gravity

Grade 10 Science: Gravitation

Calculation of Acceleration Due to Gravity

g = GM/R² · Earth: 9.81 m/s² · Poles and equator

By the end of this lesson you can

🧮

Derive g = GM/R²

⚖️

Explain why the falling body's mass does not matter

🪐

Use Jupiter to show that mass and radius both matter

🌍

Calculate g = 9.81 m/s² for the Earth

🧭

Explain why g is greater at the poles

Derivation

From force to g

FORCE

Law of gravitation: F = GMm/R²

NEWTON

Second law: F = mg

EQUATE

mg = GMm/R²

CANCEL

Divide by m: g = GM/R²

The notes are free to read in full.

Presenter notes: Today we find out where the value of g comes from, and we work out for ourselves why it is 9.81 m/s² on the Earth.