Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2020

The acceleration due to gravity on the earth’s surface at the poles is g and angular velocity of the earth about the axis passing through the pole is $\omega$. An object is weighed at the equator and at a height h above the poles by using a spring balance. If the weights are found to be same, then h is (h << R, where R is the radius of the earth)

  1. A ${{{R^2}{\omega ^2}} \over {2g}}$ Correct answer
  2. B ${{{R^2}{\omega ^2}} \over g}$
  3. C ${{{R^2}{\omega ^2}} \over {8g}}$
  4. D ${{{R^2}{\omega ^2}} \over {4g}}$

Solution

At equator, g<sub>1</sub> = g - R${\omega ^2}$ <br><br>At height h, g<sub>2</sub> = $g\left( {1 - {{2h} \over R}} \right)$ [as given h &lt;&lt; R] <br><br>$\because$ Weight same at poles and at h (so g<sub>1</sub> = g<sub>2</sub>) <br><br>$\therefore$ g - R${\omega ^2}$ = $g\left( {1 - {{2h} \over R}} \right)$ <br><br>$\Rightarrow$ ${R{\omega ^2} = {{2gh} \over R}}$ <br><br>$\Rightarrow$ ${h = {{{R^2}{\omega ^2}} \over {2g}}}$

About this question

Subject: Physics · Chapter: Gravitation · Topic: Gravitational Field and Potential

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