Question

The acceleration of the moon towards the earth is approximately 0.0027 m/s^2. The moon revolves around the earth once approximately every 24 hours. What would be the acceleration due to gravity of the earth of the moon towards the earth if it were to revolve once every 12 hours?

(a) Become half in magnitude

(b) double in magnitude

(c) Change direction but remain the same in magnitude

(d) Remains unchanged

I had been asked this question during an interview.

My query is from Acceleration due to Gravity below and above the Surface of Earth in section Gravitation of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) Remains unchanged

To elaborate: The value of acceleration due to gravity does not depend on the speed of revolution but only the distance between both the centres of gravity. Hence, the magnitude and direction would remain unchanged.