Question

The gravitational strength at the poles is greater than the gravitational strength at the equator. What will happen to an object when it moves from the poles to the equator?

A) Its mass will increase.
B) Its mass will decrease.
C) Its weight will increase.
D) Its weight will decrease.

Answer 1

When an object moves from the poles to the equator, its weight will decrease due to the lower gravitational strength at the equator caused by the Earth's rotation and shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object moves from the poles to the equator, its weight will decrease. This is because the gravitational strength at the equator is lower than at the poles. The decrease in weight is due to the combination of two factors:

1. The Earth's rotation: The Earth is not a perfect sphere and bulges at the equator due to its rotation. The increased distance from the center of the Earth at the equator reduces the gravitational force acting on the object, resulting in a lower weight.
2. The Earth's shape: The radius of the Earth is greater at the equator compared to the poles. The greater distance from the center of the Earth also reduces the gravitational force and therefore weight.