Question

When you move from equator to pole, the value of acceleration due to gravity (g):

• A. increases
• B. decreases
• C. remains the same
• D. increases then decreases

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Key Idea: Equatorial radius is about 21 km larger than polar radius. Earth is not a perfect sphere but some what flat at the two poles. Its equatorial radius is nearly 21 km larger than polar radius. Also the value of g depends upon $R_e$ (radius of earth) as $g=\frac{G{M}_e}{R_e^2}$ Hence, as we go from equator towards the poles the radius $R_e$ goes on decreasing and hence the value of g goes on increasing.