A certain planet is a uniform sphere of mass M and radius R of 5.1 x 10^6 m. A Mountain on the surface of the planet has a height of 2000 m. Suggest why the value of the gravitational field strength at the base of the mountain and at the top of the mountain are almost equal. Simple answer
The value of the gravitational field strength at the base of the mountain and at the top of the mountain are almost equal because the mountain's height is very small compared to the radius of the planet. The gravitational field strength depends on the mass and the distance from the center of the planet. Since the height of the mountain is negligible compared to the radius of the planet, the difference in distance from the center of the planet between the base and the top of the mountain is extremely small. Therefore, the gravitational field strength experienced at both locations is almost the same.
