Final answer:
The question revolves around calculating the acceleration due to gravity, which is a constant 9.8 m/s² on Earth. The provided equation helps calculate it based on the distance fallen and time taken.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the acceleration of gravity, which is a fundamental concept in physics specifically related to Newton's law of universal gravitation. In physics, the standard acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Earth is 9.8 m/s². This value remains constant irrespective of the object's motion, such as a ball being thrown upwards where the velocity is momentarily zero at the peak of its trajectory. However, the acceleration due to gravity can differ from one celestial body to another or due to significant changes in elevation on Earth. For instance, the acceleration on a white dwarf or a different planet would not be 9.8 m/s² due to their different masses and radii.
The equation given is relevant for situations where an object is undergoing constant acceleration. The format of the equation 2d = a * t² implies that the slope of the plot of 2d versus t² is equivalent to acceleration. Subsequently, if one needs to calculate the acceleration due to gravity based on distance fallen (d) and time taken (t), this equation could be used, allowing one to solve for 'a' when 2d and t² values are known.