Gravity Variation Explained: Minimum 'g' at Equator
The acceleration due to gravity, denoted by the symbol $g$, varies across the Earth's surface. This variation is influenced mainly by two factors:
- Earth's Rotation: The Earth rotates, creating an outward centrifugal force. This force counteracts gravity and is maximum at the Equator, reducing the effective gravitational pull. It is zero at the Poles.
- Earth's Shape: The Earth is an oblate spheroid, bulging at the Equator and flattened at the Poles. This means the distance from the Earth's center is greater at the Equator than at the Poles. Gravity weakens with increased distance from the center.
Combining these effects:
- The centrifugal force is greatest at the Equator.
- The distance from the Earth's center is greatest at the Equator.
Both factors cause the value of $g$ to be lowest at the Equator.
Thus, a student observes minimum 'g' at the Equator.
Similar Questions
- Astronauts inside spaceship feel _____ weight.
Important Questions from Gravity
Who among the following was the first to conclude that in vacuum all objects fall with the same acceleration g and reach the ground at the same time?
Who among the following is credited with postulating three laws of planetary motion?
When did Henry Cavendish report the measurement of the gravitational constant with the mass and density of the Earth?
Which of the following law states that, "The force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses?"
Which of the following statements about the movement of planets is true?
A. A planet's orbit is elliptical with the Sun at one of two focal points.
B. The orbit of a planet is circular with the sun in the center.
C. The orbit of a planet is elliptical with another planet in one of the two center-points.
D. The orbit of a planet is circular with another planet in the center.
