Question

Write scientific reasons.

The value of acceleration g is greater at the pole than at the equator.

Answer 1

1. The shape of the earth is not perfectly spherical. It is slightly flattened at the poles and bulged at the equator.
2. As a result, the radius of the earth at the poles is less than that at the equator.
3. But acceleration due to gravity (g) on earth’s surface is given as g = `"GM"/"R"^2`; therefore, acceleration due to gravity increases with the decrease in radius of earth and vice versa.
4. Hence, the value of acceleration due to gravity (g) is greater at the pole than at the equator.