Question

An instrument to measure the acceleration of gravity on Mars is constructed of a spring from which is suspended a mass of 0.4 kg. At a place on earth where the local acceleration of gravity is 9.81 m/s2 , the spring extends 1.08 cm. When the instrument package is landed on Mars, it radios the information that the spring is extended 0.40 cm. What is the Martian acceleration of gravity?

Answer 1

The Martian acceleration of gravity (as measured by this jury-rigged device) is

(0.4 cm/1.08 cm) x (9.81 m/s²)

That's  3.63 m/s² .

Google says  3.711 m/s², so I guess that's not too bad.  

Only about 2% wrong.