What is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth?

The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s². This value represents the rate at which an object will accelerate towards the Earth when it is in free fall, assuming negligible air resistance. It is a fundamental constant in physics and is crucial for understanding motion, particularly in the study of objects under the influence of gravitational force.

The specific value of 9.81 m/s² is derived from extensive measurements and is often rounded to simplify calculations, but it accurately reflects the gravitational force experienced at the surface of the Earth. Variations in this value can occur depending on altitude and geographic location, but the standard approximation used in physics is 9.81 m/s².

This standardization is important in various applications including engineering, physics problems involving projectile motion, and calculations in fields like astronomy and ballistics, where understanding gravitational effects is critical.