What is the acceleration due to gravity?

In summary, an astronaut is attempting to measure the acceleration due to gravity on a distant planet. They hang a 0.055-kg ball from a wire with a length of 1.5 m and a linear density of 3.1 x 10^-4 kg/m. The astronaut measures the time for a transverse pulse to travel the length of the wire, which is 0.085 s. The mass of the wire is negligible compared to the mass of the ball. The equation for the speed of a wave in a string is used to determine the acceleration due to gravity.
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Homework Statement



To measure the acceleration due to gravity on a distant planet, an astronaut hangs a 0.055-kg ball from the end of a wire. The wire has a length of 1.5 m and a linear density of 3.1 multiplied by 10-4 kg/m. Using electronic equipment, the astronaut measures the time for a transverse pulse to travel the length of the wire and obtains a value of 0.085 s. The mass of the wire is negligible compared to the mass of the ball. Determine the acceleration due to gravity.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 
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  • #2
Do you have an equation for the speed of a wave in a string, based on its density and the tension? If not, try http://www.transtutors.com/physics-homework-help/waves/transverse-wave.aspx. (The 3/4 symbols should be equals signs.)
 

FAQ: What is the acceleration due to gravity?

What is the acceleration due to gravity?

The acceleration due to gravity, denoted by the symbol g, is the acceleration that an object experiences when falling towards the Earth's surface. It is a constant value that is approximately equal to 9.8 meters per second squared.

How is the acceleration due to gravity calculated?

The acceleration due to gravity can be calculated by dividing the force of gravity acting on an object by its mass. The formula for this is g = F/m, where F is the force of gravity and m is the mass of the object.

Does the acceleration due to gravity vary on different planets?

Yes, the acceleration due to gravity can vary on different planets. This is because the force of gravity is dependent on the mass and distance of the planet. For example, the acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is approximately 1.6 meters per second squared, while on Jupiter it is approximately 24.8 meters per second squared.

Why is the acceleration due to gravity considered a constant value?

Although the force of gravity can vary depending on the mass and distance, the acceleration due to gravity is considered a constant value because it is the same for all objects near the Earth's surface. This is because the mass and distance of the Earth do not change significantly for objects in our daily lives.

How does air resistance affect the acceleration due to gravity?

Air resistance is a force that opposes motion and can affect the acceleration due to gravity. It can cause objects to fall at a slower rate than the expected acceleration due to gravity, as it exerts an upward force on the object. This is why objects with a larger surface area, like parachutes, experience a slower acceleration due to gravity compared to smaller objects like a ball.

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