Why do objects experience acceleration due to gravity?

In summary, acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object falls towards Earth's surface, with a value of approximately 9.8 m/s^2. It can be calculated using the formula g = GM/r^2, but varies slightly depending on location and can change on other planets. Air resistance can decrease acceleration due to gravity, and it is always a positive value, but can be negative when an object is thrown upwards.
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gimblet
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Why do objects accelerate due to gravity?
 
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It depends on the context. If you are talking first semester physics or something like that, then the acceleration is due to the force of gravity according to Newton's law: a = F/m. If you are talking more sophisticated as in general relativity, then objects accelerate because spacetime moves past them. The surface of the Earth accelerates upwards at a rate of about 10 m/s<sup>2</sup> with respect to spacetime.
 

What is acceleration due to gravity?

Acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object falls towards the Earth's surface. It is typically denoted by the symbol "g" and has a value of approximately 9.8 meters per second squared.

How is acceleration due to gravity calculated?

Acceleration due to gravity can be calculated using the formula: g = GM/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant (6.67 x 10^-11 m^3/kg*s^2), M is the mass of the larger object, and r is the distance between the two objects.

Does acceleration due to gravity change?

Acceleration due to gravity does not change for a given location on Earth. However, it can vary slightly depending on the altitude and latitude of the location. It also changes on other planets or celestial bodies due to their different masses.

How does air resistance affect acceleration due to gravity?

Air resistance can decrease the acceleration due to gravity of an object falling through the air. This is because the force of air resistance acts in the opposite direction of gravity, slowing down the object's descent. The amount of air resistance an object experiences depends on its size, shape, and speed.

Can acceleration due to gravity be negative?

Acceleration due to gravity is always a positive value. However, if an object is thrown upwards, it will experience a negative acceleration due to the force of gravity acting in the opposite direction of its motion. This negative acceleration is often referred to as deceleration or retardation.

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