What does gravitational field strength define?

Gravitational field strength is defined as the force experienced by a unit mass placed in a gravitational field. Specifically, it quantifies the amount of gravitational force per kilogram of mass. The standard unit for gravitational field strength is newtons per kilogram (N/kg).

Therefore, the answer indicating that it represents the force on a 1 kg mass exerted by a planet is accurate because it directly aligns with the definition of gravitational field strength (g). For Earth, this is approximately 9.8 N/kg, meaning a 1 kg mass would experience a gravitational force of about 9.8 N downwards.

Understanding this definition is crucial since it relates directly to the weight of an object, which is the product of mass and gravitational field strength. However, it's essential to differentiate gravitational field strength from other concepts such as the overall weight of an object in various fields or the acceleration of free-falling objects, which are distinct but related phenomena in physics.