1. What is Gravitational Acceleration?

Gravitational acceleration (g) is the acceleration due to gravity at a specific location on Earth's surface. It varies with latitude due to Earth's oblate spheroid shape and centrifugal force from rotation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the latitude-dependent gravitational acceleration formula:

Where:

• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( \phi \) — Latitude (degrees)

Explanation: The formula accounts for Earth's ellipsoidal shape and rotational effects, with gravitational acceleration increasing from equator to poles.

3. Importance of Gravitational Acceleration Calculation

Details: Accurate gravitational acceleration values are crucial for geophysical surveys, precision measurements, engineering calculations, and scientific research where local gravity variations matter.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude in degrees (-90° to +90°, where negative values indicate southern hemisphere). The calculator will compute the gravitational acceleration at that latitude.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does gravitational acceleration vary with latitude?
A: Gravity increases toward the poles due to Earth's oblate shape (equatorial bulge) and decreased centrifugal force away from the equator.

Q2: What is the range of gravitational acceleration on Earth?
A: Approximately 9.780 m/s² at the equator to 9.832 m/s² at the poles, with standard gravity defined as 9.80665 m/s².

Q3: Does altitude affect gravitational acceleration?
A: Yes, gravity decreases with altitude above sea level. This formula provides values at sea level for given latitude.

Q4: Are there other factors that affect local gravity?
A: Yes, local geological formations, topography, and tidal forces can cause minor variations in gravitational acceleration.

Q5: How accurate is this formula?
A: The formula provides good approximations for most applications, though precise geodetic work may require more sophisticated models.