Question

As the altitude increases, the acceleration due to gravity:

• A. Remains constant
• B. Becomes zero
• C. Decreases
• D. Increases

Answer 1

The correct option is C Decreases

$g=\frac{Gm}{R^2}$

Let acceleration due to gravity at a height $h$ =$g_1$

$g_1=\frac{Gm}{(R+h{)}^2}$

$\frac{g_1}{g}=(1+\frac{h}{R}{)}^{-2}$

Expanding by binomial theorem and neglecting higher powers

$\frac{g_1}{g}=(1-2\frac{h}{R})$

$g_1=g(1-2\frac{h}{R})$

So as altitude increases acceleration decreases