What is the value of acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared?

The value of acceleration due to gravity is commonly accepted as approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²). This measurement represents the rate at which an object accelerates towards the Earth when dropped, assuming that air resistance is negligible. The unit "meters per second squared" indicates how velocity changes as time progresses; specifically, it denotes that an object's velocity will increase by 9.8 meters per second for every second that it is in free fall due to gravity.

Understanding that acceleration due to gravity specifically refers to changes in velocity over time is essential. Thus, when interpreting the other choices, it becomes clear why they are not correct. The second option, 9.8 m/s, lacks the squared unit necessary for acceleration, as it merely indicates a velocity rather than an acceleration. The third choice, 9.8 kg/s², incorrectly combines the mass unit with time, suggesting a different physical concept (force per unit of mass) rather than acceleration. Lastly, the fourth option, 9.8 J/kg, is a measure of energy per unit mass, which relates to gravitational potential energy rather than the acceleration an object experiences due to gravity.

In summary, the correct representation of the acceleration due to gravity as