The value of the acceleration due to gravity ($g$) on the earth depends on: 1. The mass of the earth. 2. The atmospheric pressure on the surface. 3. The mass of the object falling. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (a). Explanation The acceleration due to gravity ($g$) is derived from Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. It represents the acceleration experienced by an object solely due to the gravitational pull of a massive body, such as the Earth. - Statement 1 is correct: The mathematical expression for acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Earth is given by the formula: $g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$ where $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, $M$ is the mass of the Earth, and $R$ is the radius of the Earth. Consequently, the value of $g$ is directly proportional to the mass of the Earth. - Statement 2 is incorrect: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted per unit area by the weight of the air above a surface. It is a thermodynamic variable and does not influence the gravitational field strength ($g$). While atmospheric conditions may cause air resistance (drag) that opposes motion, the intrinsic value of acceleration due to gravity remains unaffected by pressure. - Statement 3 is incorrect: As indicated by the formula $g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$, the variable for the mass of the falling object ($m$) is absent. This signifies that acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the body being attracted. In the absence of air resistance, all objects fall with the same acceleration regardless of their mass. Key Takeaway: Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) depends exclusively on the mass and radius of the source body (Earth) and is independent of the properties (mass, shape, or density) of the falling object.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 3: Gravitation

mcqeasy

The value of the acceleration due to gravity ($g$) on the earth depends on:

The mass of the earth.
The atmospheric pressure on the surface.
The mass of the object falling.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The acceleration due to gravity ($g$) is derived from Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. It represents the acceleration experienced by an object solely due to the gravitational pull of a massive body, such as the Earth.

Statement 1 is correct: The mathematical expression for acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Earth is given by the formula:
$g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$
where $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, $M$ is the mass of the Earth, and $R$ is the radius of the Earth. Consequently, the value of $g$ is directly proportional to the mass of the Earth.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted per unit area by the weight of the air above a surface. It is a thermodynamic variable and does not influence the gravitational field strength ($g$). While atmospheric conditions may cause air resistance (drag) that opposes motion, the intrinsic value of acceleration due to gravity remains unaffected by pressure.
Statement 3 is incorrect: As indicated by the formula $g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$, the variable for the mass of the falling object ($m$) is absent. This signifies that acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the body being attracted. In the absence of air resistance, all objects fall with the same acceleration regardless of their mass.

Key Takeaway: Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) depends exclusively on the mass and radius of the source body (Earth) and is independent of the properties (mass, shape, or density) of the falling object.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Gravitation

With reference to the concept of Pressure, consider the following statements: 1. Pressure is defined as the area acting per unit thrust. 2. For a given force, pressure increases as the area of contact decreases. 3. The SI unit of pressure is Pascal (Pa). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following statements regarding the mass of an object is NOT correct?

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According to Archimedes’ Principle, the upward buoyant force experienced by a body immersed in a fluid is equal to:

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Which of the following instruments are based on Archimedes’ Principle? 1. Lactometers 2. Hydrometers 3. Odometers 4. Barometers Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements about the density of a substance: 1. It is defined as mass per unit volume. 2. If the density of an object is less than that of a liquid, it will sink in that liquid. 3. The density of a substance is a characteristic property. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The mathematical expression for acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Earth is given by the formula:
$g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$
where $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, $M$ is the mass of the Earth, and $R$ is the radius of the Earth. Consequently, the value of $g$ is directly proportional to the mass of the Earth.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted per unit area by the weight of the air above a surface. It is a thermodynamic variable and does not influence the gravitational field strength ($g$). While atmospheric conditions may cause air resistance (drag) that opposes motion, the intrinsic value of acceleration due to gravity remains unaffected by pressure.
Statement 3 is incorrect: As indicated by the formula $g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$, the variable for the mass of the falling object ($m$) is absent. This signifies that acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the body being attracted. In the absence of air resistance, all objects fall with the same acceleration regardless of their mass.