Question

What is meant by acceleration due to gravity? Explain the variation in its value when an object moves from poles to the equator of Earth. what effect will this variation have on the weight of a mass of 300kg on poles at equator?

Answer 1

Acceleration due to gravity: https://byjus.com/physics/acceleration-gravity/ As we know g = GM/R2 Acceleration due to gravity (g) is inversely proportional to the square of the radius of the earth, The radius of the earth at poles is less compared to the equator as the earth is flattened at the poles and bulged at the equator. So, Acceleration due to gravity at the sea level and the equator is about9.78 m/s2. Acceleration due to gravity at poles is about9.8322 m/s2. Note:- if we move from the equator to the pole the acceleration due to gravity slightly increases. Case – I:If the mass of 300 kg is at eaquator: Weight at equator = mass × acceleration due to gravityat equator Weight at equator = 300 kg × 9.78 m/s2. Weight at equator = 2934 kgm/s2 Weight at equator = 2934 N Case – I:If the mass of 300 kg is at pole: Weight at Pole = mass × acceleration due to gravity at pole Weight at Pole = 300 kg × 9.8322 m/s2. Weight at Pole =2949.66m/s2. Result: Weight at Pole - Weight at equator =2949.66 N -2934 N =15.66 If 300 kg of an object is moved from equator to poles it’s weight will increase 15.66 N