The standard acceleration due to gravity is 32.174 ft/sec^2. Which of the following is equal to that value in ft/sec^2?

The standard acceleration due to gravity is 32.174 ft/sec^2. Which of the following is equal to that value in ft/sec^2?

• A. 9.8 ft/sec^2
• B. 32.174 ft/sec^2
• C. 32 ft/sec^2
• D. 9.8 m/sec^2

Answer: (B)

Gravity near Earth’s surface, in English units, is 32.174 ft/sec^2. That exact figure matches the standard acceleration expressed in feet per second squared, so it is the correct choice. The rounded 32 ft/sec^2 is close but not exact. The 9.8 ft/sec^2 would correspond to a different value in feet per second squared, and 9.8 m/sec^2 is the metric form of the same acceleration, not in ft/sec^2.

Gravity near Earth’s surface, in English units, is 32.174 ft/sec^2. That exact figure matches the standard acceleration expressed in feet per second squared, so it is the correct choice. The rounded 32 ft/sec^2 is close but not exact. The 9.8 ft/sec^2 would correspond to a different value in feet per second squared, and 9.8 m/sec^2 is the metric form of the same acceleration, not in ft/sec^2.