Question

Consider the following statements about Earth's gravity:

1. Gravity is uniform throughout the planet.

2. Gravity is weaker at the equator than at the poles.

   Choose the correct statements

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 only

• Correct Answer: Option B) 2 only

• Earth's gravity is not uniform throughout the planet and varies based on several factors. Let me explain each statement:

• Statement 1: Gravity is uniform throughout the planet - This is Incorrect. Gravity varies across Earth's surface due to several factors:

• Altitude: Gravity decreases with height above sea level

• Latitude: Gravity varies from equator to poles

• Local geology: Dense rock formations increase local gravity

• Earth's rotation: Centrifugal force affects gravitational pull

• Statement 2: Gravity is weaker at the equator than at the poles - This is correct. This happens due to two main reasons:

• Earth's shape: Earth is an oblate spheroid (flattened at poles, bulging at equator). The equator is about 21 km farther from Earth's center than the poles, making gravity weaker there.

• Centrifugal force: Earth's rotation creates centrifugal force that partially counteracts gravity. This effect is maximum at the equator and zero at the poles.

• The difference in gravitational acceleration between poles and equator is approximately 0.5%, with gravity being about 9.78 m/s² at the equator and 9.83 m/s² at the poles.