The value of gravity (g) on the Moon is ______ of that on the earth's surface.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 1/6
The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon's surface ($g_m$) is approximately 1/6 of the acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface ($g_e$).
- $g_e \approx 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2$
- $g_m \approx 1.62 \, \text{m/s}^2$
- Ratio: $\frac{g_m}{g_e} \approx \frac{1.62}{9.8} \approx \frac{1}{6}$
This value is well-established from Apollo mission measurements and lunar gravity models. The lower gravity is primarily due to the Moon's smaller mass (about 1/81 of Earth's mass) and smaller radius.