Question

Write scientific reasons.

The value of gravitational acceleration (g) decreases as we go above the Earth’s surface.

Answer 1

1. As the height of an object from the surface of the earth increases, the distance between the object and the centre of the earth (r) increases.
2. But acceleration due to gravity (g) at distance ‘r’ from the centre of the earth is given as g = `"GM"/"r"^2`; therefore, acceleration due to gravity (g) decreases with the increase in ‘r’.
3. As a result, the value of gravitational acceleration (g) decreases as we go above the earth's surface.