Question

Assume that the earth is a perfect sphere but of non-uniform interior density. Then, acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth _____

(a) will be towards the geometric centre

(b) will be different at different points on the surface

(c) will be equal at all points on the surface and directed towards the geometric centre

(d) cannot be zero at any point

This question was posed to me in a national level competition.

I need to ask this question from Acceleration due to Gravity below and above the Surface of Earth topic in division Gravitation of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) cannot be zero at any point

The explanation is: Since we assumed the earth to have a non-uniform density, the acceleration due to gravity will not be directed towards the geometric centre. Furthermore, for a perfect sphere, the acceleration due to gravity will be equal at all points on the surface and will be non-zero.