Question

The acceleration due to gravity is zero at:

• A. the equator
• B. poles
• C. sea level
• D. the centre of the earth

Answer 1

The correct option is D

the centre of the earth

1. The acceleration due to gravity (g) is the measure of gravitational attraction that Earth exerts on a body.
2. The earth is not a perfect sphere. As the radius of the earth increases from the poles to the equator, the value of "g" becomes greater at the poles than at the equator.
3. The value of "g" decreases as we go up to the top of a mountain or higher up in the air.
4. The value of acceleration due to gravity on the earth is $9.8m{s}^{-2}$.
5. At the equator and at sea level its value is about $9.78m{s}^{-2}$and at the poles it is $9.83m{s}^{-2}$.
6. Acceleration due to gravity is given by,$g=G\frac{M_e}{R^2}$

(Where G = universal gravitational constant, $M_e$= Mass of the earth, and R = radius of the earth) at the centre, $R=0$, hence, $g=0$.

Therefore, the acceleration due to gravity is zero at the centre of the earth.

Hence, option (d) is correct.