A Level Physics Practice Exam

What is the gravitational field strength used in the calculation?

1. 9.0 N kg-1

2. 9.8 N kg-1

3. 10.0 N kg-1

4. 9.5 N kg-1

The correct answer is: 9.8 N kg-1

The gravitational field strength commonly used in calculations near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 N kg⁻¹. This value represents the acceleration due to gravity and is derived from the gravitational force experienced by an object with a mass of 1 kg placed in the Earth's gravitational field. While values like 10.0 N kg⁻¹ might be used for ease of calculation in some contexts, particularly in introductory physics problems, the more precise and widely accepted standard value is 9.8 N kg⁻¹. This precision takes into account variations due to factors such as altitude and latitude but gives a good estimate for most calculations occurring at sea level. Other options, such as 9.0 N kg⁻¹ and 9.5 N kg⁻¹, are not typically used as standard values for gravitational field strength in physics problems involving calculations near the Earth's surface. Therefore, the most accurate and commonly accepted answer is 9.8 N kg⁻¹.