MCQ Detailed View

The correct answer is Poles. The intensity of Earth’s gravitational field is not uniform across the planet. It varies due to the Earth’s rotation and its slightly oblate shape (flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator).

Gravity is defined as the force per unit mass acting on a body due to Earth’s mass. The formula for gravitational acceleration near the surface is:

g=GMr2g = \frac{G M}{r^2}g=r2GM

Where:

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  $G$ = universal gravitational constant

  
  


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  $M$ = mass of Earth

  
  


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  $r$ = distance from the center of the Earth

  
  

At the poles, the radius of the Earth is slightly smaller than at the equator, so the distance $r$ is less, making gravitational acceleration slightly higher. Additionally, the centrifugal force due to Earth’s rotation reduces the effective gravity more at the equator than at the poles. This is why objects weigh slightly more at the poles than at the equator.

The equator has the lowest effective gravity due to the combined effect of Earth’s rotation and larger radius. The center of the Earth is a special case; gravity there is effectively zero because the gravitational forces from all directions cancel each other out. On the surface, gravity varies depending on latitude, being maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator.

Understanding these variations is important in geophysics, satellite calculations, and navigation systems. Gravity anomalies also help scientists study the Earth’s structure and mass distribution.

🔑 Key Facts:

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  Gravity is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator.

  
  


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  Earth’s oblateness and rotation affect gravitational intensity.

  
  


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  Center of the Earth has zero net gravity.

  
  


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  Surface gravity varies slightly with latitude.

  
  


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  Important for satellites, geophysics, and navigation.

  
  

👉 Final Answer: The intensity of the gravitational field of Earth is maximum at the Poles.