Correct Answer - Option 1 : decreases
CONCEPT:
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Gravitational acceleration: An acceleration that an object receives due to the force of gravity acting on it.
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Gravitational Acceleration: It is calculated by using the formula
\(g = {GM\over R^2}\)
where g is the gravitational acceleration, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the earth and R is the radius of the earth.
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When an object is at depth 'd', gravitational acceleration: It is calculated by
\(g_{_d} = g (1-{d\over R})\)
where gd is the gravitational acceleration at depth d, g is the gravitational acceleration at the surface, and R is the radius of the earth.
EXPLANATION:
Gravitational acceleration at the depth d is given by
\(g_{_d} = g (1-{d\over R})\)
As we go below the earth's surface, the depth 'd' will increase.
As d increases, \( (1-{d\over R})\) will decrease.
As \( (1-{d\over R})\) decreases, \(g (1-{d\over R})\) will also decrease.
So gd will decrease with depth.
- So as we go below the earth's surface, the gravitational acceleration decreases.
- Hence the correct answer is option 1.