Question

As we go from the equator to the poles the value of acceleration due to gravity :

• A. remains the same
• B. increases
• C. decreases
• D. decreases upto a latitude of $45^{\circ }$ and then increases

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The acceleration due to gravity $(g)$ is given by
$g=\frac{G{M}_e}{R^2}$ where $R$ is radius,
$G$ the gravitational constant and $Mg$ the mass of earth.
Since, earth is not a perfect sphere, but slightly bulged from centre, its equitorial radius is $21km$ larger than polar radius.
Also, since $g\propto \frac{1}{R^2}$
Hence, $g$ is maximum at poles and minimum at equator.