Question

Which of the following statements are incorrect?
1. Gravitational acceleration 'g' depends on mass of the earth.
2. Gravitational acceleration 'g' depends on mass of the object.
3. Gravitational acceleration 'g' depends on radius of the earth.
4. None of the above is incorrect statement.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Gravitational acceleration 'g' depends on mass of the object.

CONCEPT:​

• Gravitational acceleration: An acceleration that an object receives due to the force of gravity acting on it.

It is calculated by using the formula:

\(g = {GM\over R^2}\)

where g is the gravitational acceleration, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the earth and R is the radius of the earth.

When an object is at depth 'd', gravitational acceleration is calculated by:

\(g_{_d} = g (1-{d\over R})\)

where gd is the gravitational acceleration at depth d, g is the gravitational acceleration at the surface, and R is the radius of the earth.

EXPLANATION:

Gravitational acceleration is given by:

\(g = {GM\over R^2}\)

Here acceleration depends on:

1. the mass of the earth (M)
2. the radius of the earth (R)
3. gravitational constant (G)

 

• So the gravitational acceleration does not depend on the mass of the object.
• It is the same for all objects whether it has less mass or more mass.
• Hence the correct answer is option 2.