- All objects are attracted towards the earth by a force which is called The force of gravity.
- This force produces an acceleration which is called acceleration due to gravity and is denoted by 'g'.
- The value of 'g' on the surface of the earth is 9.8m/s^2.
- 'g' is an extremely important constituent of Physics and most of the Physics numerical problems involve the usage of 'g'.
Effect of The Shape of Earth on 'g'
1)Earth isn't a proper sphere, it's a geoid ( flattened at the poles )
2) g = GM/Re^2
The radius of the earth is lesser at the poles than the equator
Therefore, the value of 'g' will be more at the poles, ( according to calculations, by 0.018m/s^2, it will be more )
Variation In 'g'
We take the magnitude of 'g as 9.8 in general, but the value of 'g' varies:-
1) IF THE OBJECT IS ABOVE THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH,
g(at h) = g(1+2h/Re)
2) IF THE OBJECT IS BELOW THE SURFACE OF EARTH ( AT DEPTH )
g(at d) = g(1+d/Re)
As a final note, we also have to remember that 'g varies at different celestial bodies as well
EG :- 'g' on the earth = 9.8m/s^2
'g' on the moon = 1.64m/s^2
- Aryan Awasthi