The acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface is g. At a height equal to Earth's radius above the surface, g' will be:
A. g/4
B. 2g
C. g/9
D. g/2
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Acceleration due to gravity at height h: g' = gR²/(R+h)², where R is Earth's radius. Given h = R, so g' = gR²/(2R)² = gR²/4R² = g/4. This inverse square law dependence arises from Newton's law of gravitation. At depth, variation differs, but for height, this formula applies. Memory aid: Double the distance from center ⇒ gravity becomes one-fourth. This standard result is frequently tested in gravitation sections of competitive exams. Always verify whether height or depth is specified, as formulas differ significantly.
This question belongs to:
Science
Physics
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