Q. At what depth below the surface of the earth, the value of $g$ is the same as that at a height of 5 km?

A) 1.25 km
B) 2.5 km
C) 5 km
D) 10 km
Explanation

(d) Acceleration due to gravity at depth $d$ below the surface earth
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ g_{d} = g\left( 1 - \frac{d}{R} \right)$
Acceleration due to gravity at height $h$ from the surface of the earth
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ g_{h} = g\left( g - \frac{2h}{R} \right)$
$Given\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ g_{h} = g_{d}$
$\therefore\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{2h}{R} = \frac{d}{R}$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ d = 2h$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ d = 10\ km\ $

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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