Question

The value of acceleration due to gravity:

• A. is same on the equator and the poles
• B. is least on the poles
• C. is least on the equator
• D. increases from pole to equator

Answer 1

The correct option is C

is least on the equator

The explanation for the correct option :

Option C:

1. The acceleration due to gravity is given by $g=\frac{G{M}_E}{R_E}$ where G is the universal gravitational constant, M_E is the mass of the Earth, and R_E is the radius of the Earth
2. Acceleration due to gravity is inversely proportional to the radius of the Earth.
3. At the equator, the radius of the Earth is maximum.
4. Hence, the acceleration due to gravity is least at the equator.

The explanation for the incorrect option :

In option A:

Since the radius at the Equator and the poles are different, so the value of acceleration at the poles and equator is not the same.

In option B:

The radius at the poles is minimum and hence the value of acceleration will be maximum at the poles.

In option D:

The radius of the Earth increases from the poles to the equator, and acceleration is inversely proportional to the radius. So, acceleration will decrease as we move from the poles to the equator.

Hence, the correct option is (C) is least at the equator