Final answer:
While the standard value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface is 9.81 m/s², it varies slightly at different locations such as 9.832 m/s² at the North Pole. The weight of a 50 kg body at the top of Mount Everest, with gravity at 9.77 m/s², would be 488.5 newtons.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question regarding the acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface than to calculate it anew, we usually use the standard value of 9.81 m/s². However, the actual value varies slightly with location due to Earth's shape and density differences; for example, at the North Pole, it is measured to be 9.832 m/s². Regarding the weight of a body of mass 50 kg on the top of Mount Everest, it can be found using the formula:
Weight = Mass × Gravity
The given acceleration due to gravity on the top of Mt. Everest is 9.77 m/s². So the weight of a 50 kg body would be:
Weight = 50 kg × 9.77 m/s² = 488.5 N
This means a 50 kg body would weigh 488.5 newtons at the top of Mount Everest.