Name the position on earth where the value of 'g' is maximum minimum justify your answer?

Question

Answer

Acceleration due to gravity 'g' decreases with increase in depth below the surface of the earth.

Acceleration due to gravity (g) is:

(i) Maximum at poles

(ii) Minimum at equator

(iii) zero at centre of earth

Answer

The value of g will be minimum at equator.

The value of g will be maximum at the pole.

Answer

The Position on Earth where the Value of 'g' is Maximum/Minimum

Introduction:
The acceleration due to gravity, denoted by 'g', is a fundamental physical constant that determines the force of gravity acting on an object. It varies depending on the position on Earth due to several factors, such as the shape of the Earth, altitude, and local geological features. In this discussion, we will explore the position on Earth where the value of 'g' is maximum and minimum.

Factors Affecting the Value of 'g':
The value of 'g' is influenced by the following factors:
1. Shape of the Earth: The Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape causes variations in the gravitational field, resulting in differences in 'g'.
2. Altitude: As we move away from the Earth's surface, the distance from the center of the Earth increases. Consequently, the gravitational force weakens, leading to a decrease in 'g'.
3. Local Geological Features: Variations in the density and distribution of mass within the Earth's crust can cause fluctuations in the gravitational field strength.

Position with Maximum 'g':
The position on Earth where the value of 'g' is maximum is at the poles. This can be justified by the following points:
- The Earth's shape plays a significant role in this phenomenon. As mentioned earlier, the Earth is slightly flattened at the poles. This means that the distance from the center of the Earth is smaller at the poles compared to the equator.
- The gravitational force acting on an object is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the object and the center of mass. Hence, as the distance decreases, the gravitational force increases.
- Since the poles are closer to the center of the Earth, the force of gravity at these locations is relatively greater, resulting in a higher value of 'g'.

Position with Minimum 'g':
The position on Earth where the value of 'g' is minimum is at the equator. This can be explained as follows:
- At the equator, the Earth's bulging shape causes the distance from the center of the Earth to increase compared to the poles.
- As the distance from the center of the Earth increases, the gravitational force weakens due to the inverse square law.
- Consequently, the value of 'g' is lower at the equator compared to the poles.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the value of 'g' is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator. This can be attributed to the Earth's oblate spheroidal shape, which affects the distance from the center of the Earth and, therefore, the strength of the gravitational force. It is important to note that 'g' may also vary at different altitudes and due to local geological features. Understanding these variations is crucial in various scientific fields, such as geophysics, engineering, and astronomy.

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