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Describe the shape of the Earth?
  • a)
    A sphere which bulges at the poles and flattens at the centre
  • b)
    A sphere which flattens at the poles and bulges at the centre
  • c)
    A sphere which bulges at the poles and at the centre
  • d)
    A perfect sphere
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Fig: Shape of the Earth
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Describe the shape of the Earth?a)A sphere which bulges at the poles a...
Shape of the Earth

The shape of the Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is more accurately described as an oblate spheroid - a sphere that is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.

Reasons for Earth's Shape

The shape of the Earth is due to two main factors:

1. Rotation: The Earth rotates on its axis, which causes a centrifugal force that pushes objects away from the center of the Earth. This force is stronger at the equator than at the poles, which causes the bulge at the equator.

2. Gravity: The Earth's gravity pulls objects towards its center, causing them to compress. This compression is greater at the poles than at the equator, which causes the flattening at the poles.

Measurement of Earth's Shape

The shape of the Earth has been measured by various methods, including:

1. Satellite measurements: Satellites can measure the Earth's gravity field, which can be used to determine its shape.

2. Geodetic measurements: Geodetic surveys use precise measurements of distances and angles to determine the shape of the Earth.

3. Global positioning system (GPS): GPS can provide accurate measurements of the Earth's shape by measuring the distance between GPS receivers on the Earth's surface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Earth's shape is an oblate spheroid - flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape is due to a combination of rotation and gravity and has been measured by various methods.
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Describe the shape of the Earth?a)A sphere which bulges at the poles and flattens at the centreb)A sphere which flattens at the poles and bulges at the centrec)A sphere which bulges at the poles and at the centred)A perfect sphereCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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