Question

As the gravity of the moon is about one-sixth of that of Earth, we can assume that the acceleration due to gravity on the moon is _______.

1) one-sixth of the acceleration due to gravity on Earth
2) one-fourth of the acceleration due to gravity on Earth
3) one-third of the acceleration due to gravity on Earth
4) one-fifth of the acceleration due to gravity on Earth

Answer 1

The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is one-sixth that of Earth, approximating 1.6 m/s².

Step-by-step explanation:

The Moon's weaker gravitational force, about one-sixth of Earth's, leads to a reduced acceleration due to gravity. Earth's gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², so on the Moon, it becomes roughly 1.6 m/s²—about 16% of Earth's gravity. This lunar difference profoundly affects physical phenomena, influencing the weight of objects and the dynamics of motion. Astronauts on the Moon experience lighter weights and can jump higher due to the diminished gravitational pull. Understanding these gravitational variations is crucial for space exploration, impacting spacecraft trajectories, equipment design, and the physiological challenges faced by astronauts in low-gravity environments like the Moon.