Question

Answer the following question in detail.

At which place on the Earth’s surface is the gravitational acceleration maximum? Why?

Answer 1

1. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of the Earth depends on the latitude of the place as well as the rotation and shape of the Earth.
2. At poles, latitude θ = 90°.
   ∴ g' = g
   i.e., there is no reduction in acceleration due to gravity at poles.
3. Also, shape of the Earth is actually an ellipsoid, bulged at equator. The polar radius of the Earth is 6356 km which minimum. As
   g ∝ `1/"R"^2`, acceleration due to gravity is maximum at poles i.e., 9.8322 m/s².