What is the acceleration of a freely falling body due to the attraction of gravity?

What is the acceleration of a freely falling body due to the attraction of gravity?

• A. 6.5 m/sec
• B. 9.8 m/sec
• C. 12.4 m/sec
• D. 15.3 m/sec

Answer: (B)

The acceleration of a freely falling body due to the attraction of gravity is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²) near the Earth's surface. This value, known as the acceleration due to gravity, is a fundamental constant in physics and serves as a crucial element in various calculations relating to motion and forces. This acceleration affects all objects equally, regardless of their mass, assuming no other forces (like air resistance) are acting on them.

This principle underpins many physical concepts related to motion, such as free fall, projectile motion, and the behavior of objects in gravitational fields. The value of 9.8 m/s² is derived from extensive empirical measurements and is foundational in both classical and modern physics. It highlights how gravity acts uniformly on objects, making it an essential factor in understanding the principles of physics.