Question 24: Gravitation

Question

The acceleration due to gravity at pole and equator can be related as

Accepted Answer

The correct option is C $$g_e < g_p$$.
Explanation:
The acceleration due to gravity, commonly denoted as $$g$$, varies depending on where you are on Earth's surface. Two key factors cause this variation: the shape of the Earth and its rotation.
Shape of the Earth:
The Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator. The radius of the Earth is smaller at the poles and larger at the equator. Since gravitational acceleration is inversely proportional to the square of the radius (distance from the center of the Earth), it is stronger where the radius is smaller (at the poles) and weaker where the radius is larger (at the equator).
EarthÃ¢ÂÂs Rotation:
The EarthÃ¢ÂÂs rotation also plays a significant role. At the equator, the centrifugal force due to rotation is maximum, which acts outward and reduces the effective gravitational pull. This centrifugal force is zero at the poles.
Combining these two factors, the effective gravitational acceleration at the equator ($$g_e$$) is less than that at the poles ($$g_p$$). Mathematically, this relationship can be represented as:
$$g_e < g_p$$
Hence, the correct answer is Option C $$g_e < g_p$$.

Answer

$$g_e=g_p < g$$

Answer

$$g_e=g_p=g$$

Answer

$$g_e < g_p$$

Answer

$$g_e > g_p$$

Gravitation

The acceleration due to gravity at pole and equator can be related as

Choose the correct answer: