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? asked in Science & MathematicsPhysics · 9 years ago

Does gravity change as you move closer to the poles?

I am doing research on gyro-compasses that can attain an accuracy = 1/100 of a degree. I understand that they take their measurements by resisting the force of rotation of the earth. I also understand that the rotation of the earth at the equator is faster than the latitudes that are closer to the poles.

The specific type of gyro I am researching is the wire suspended gyro where gravity is also part of the equation.

3 Answers

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  • billrussell42
    Lv 7
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Yes, by about 0.5%. Actually gravity does not change, but at the equator part of the force due to gravity is canceled by centrifugal force due to the earth's rotation, and part is also canceled due to the equatorial bulge. That cancelation does not occur at the poles so the apparent gravity increases.

  • Sue Ellen
    9 years ago

    I completely agree with the first answer

  • Nico Nicolai
    Lv 4
    9 years ago

    yes,because it`s a rotational movement(see equations) and the earth radius is smaller at the poles ...

    not only gyro-compasses resist to that movement,all objects on earth do this,you do it...

    here is gravity coming from,or your weight...

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