Question

The acceleration due to gravity at the poles and the equator is g_p and g_e respectively. If the earth is a sphere of radius R and rotating about its axis with angular speed ω, then g_p – g_e is given by 

(a) ω²/R 

(b) ω²/R² 

(c) ω²R² 

(d) ω²R

Answer 1

Correct option (d)

Explanation:

Acceleration due to gravity at a place of latitude λ due to the rotation of earth is

Answer 2

If g_p be the acceleration due to gravity at the pole then

g_p= GM/R^2

If g_ebe the acceleration due to gravity at the pole then

g_e= GM/R^2-w^2R

Hence g_p-g_e=w^2R