Question

Answer the following question in detail.

Draw a graph showing the variation of gravitational acceleration due to the depth and altitude from the Earth’s surface.

Answer 1

Variation of g due to depth and altitude from the Earth’s surface

Answer 2

The graph above illustrates the variation of gravitational acceleration (g) due to both depth (inside the Earth) and altitude (above the Earth's surface).

Explanation:

1. Gravitational Acceleration vs. Depth:
   • As we move deeper into the Earth, the gravitational acceleration decreases linearly.
   • This is because only the mass enclosed within the radius of depth contributes to gravity.
   • The relation is given by: `g_d = g_o (1- d/R)`
   • Where g₀ is surface gravity, d is depth, and R is the Earth's radius.
2. Gravitational Acceleration vs. Altitude:
   • As we move higher above the Earth’s surface, gravitational acceleration decreases according to the inverse square law:
     `g_h = g_o (1/(1+h/R)^2)`
   • Where h is the altitude above the surface.
   • The further we go, the weaker Earth's gravitational pull becomes.