# Answer the following question in detail. At which place on the Earth’s surface is the gravitational acceleration minimum? Why? - Physics

Answer the following question in detail.

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

#### Solution

1. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of the Earth depends on latitude of the place as well as the rotation and shape of the Earth.
2. At equator, latitude θ = 0°.
∴ g' = g - Rω2
i.e., the acceleration due to gravity is reduced by amount Rω2 (≈ 0.034 m/s2) at equator.
3. Also, the shape of the Earth is actually an ellipsoid, bulged at the equator. The equatorial radius of the Earth is 6378 km, which is maximum. As g ∝ 1/"R"^2, acceleration due to gravity is minimum on the equator i.e., 9.7804 m/s2.
Concept: Variation in the Acceleration Due to Gravity with Altitude, Depth, Latitude and Shape
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#### APPEARS IN

Balbharati Physics 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 5 Gravitation
Exercises | Q 3. (viii) | Page 98