Question

The value of acceleration due to the gravity of the earth:

• A. is the same at the equator and the poles
• B. is maximum at the equator
• C. zero at the poles
• D. minimum at the equator

Answer 1

The correct option is D

minimum at the equator

The explanation for the correct option :

Option D:

1. Gravitational acceleration 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. The radius of the Earth is inversely proportional to acceleration.

3. The radius is greatest at the equator.

4. As a result, in the equator, the acceleration due to gravity will be minimum.

The explanation for the incorrect option :

In option A:

1. Acceleration due to gravity is dependent on the radius of the Earth,

2. Since the radius is different at the poles and the equator.

3. So, gravity will be not the same at the poles and the equator.

In option B:

1.At the equator, the radius is maximum.

2. So, gravity will be minimum.

In option C:

1. The value of gravity at the poles is maximum as the radius is least at the poles.

Hence option D is correct, The acceleration due to gravity is minimum at the equator.