Effect of earth shrinking on gravity – Rankers Physics
Topic: Gravitation
Subtopic: Acceleration Due to Gravity and its variation

Effect of earth shrinking on gravity

If the radius of the earth were to shrink by one percent, its mass remaining the same, the value of \(g\) on the earth’s surface would
increase by 0.5%
increase by 2%
decrease by 0.5%
decrease by 2%

Solution:

Since \(g = \frac{GM}{R^2}\), for a small percentage change: \(\frac{\Delta g}{g} \times 100 = -2 \frac{\Delta R}{R} \times 100\). Since \(R\) decreases by \(1%\), \(g\) increases by \(2%\).

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