Final answer:
The symbol 'g' represents the acceleration due to gravity, which is about 9.81 m/s² on Earth's surface and calculated using the gravitational constant G, Earth's mass M, and its radius r. G is a universal constant, essential for determining g, and crucial in many physics calculations and practical applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symbol g often represents the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.81 m/s² near the Earth's surface. This value can be calculated using the formula g = GM/r², where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the radius of the Earth. In Newton's equation, F = GmM, F represents the force due to gravity between two masses, m and M, separated by a distance. By equating F to mg and canceling the mass m on both sides, we can solve for g, giving us the familiar acceleration due to gravity. The gravitational constant G is a universal constant that is the same everywhere in the universe, and it plays a crucial role in determining g.
In physics-related calculations, knowing g is important, such as when calculating the gravitational potential energy (G.P.E.) using the formula G.P.E. = mgh. It is also used for various practical applications like geological exploration and in studying phenomena like plate tectonics.