Answer & Solution
Answer: Option
A
Solution:
The weight of a human body is the force exerted on it due to gravity, and it depends on the gravitational acceleration at a given location.
Option A: maximum at the poles – This is correct because the Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. The distance from the center of the Earth to the poles is less than the distance to the equator. Since gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the center of the Earth, gravity is stronger at the poles, making the weight of a human body maximum at the poles.
Option B: same at every place on the earth's surface – This is incorrect because the Earth's shape and rotation cause variations in gravitational force at different locations on its surface.
Option C: maximum at the equator – This is incorrect because the equator is farther from the Earth's center compared to the poles, resulting in a slightly weaker gravitational force and thus lower weight at the equator.
Option D: more on the mountains than planes – This is incorrect because altitude affects gravitational force, and as you go higher (such as on mountains), the distance from the Earth's center increases, resulting in a slightly lower gravitational force and less weight compared to sea level.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Option A: maximum at the poles, as gravitational force is strongest at the poles, leading to a higher weight compared to other places on Earth.
