Gravity, Acceleration of
The velocity imparted to a body in one second by the action of
gravitation at any standard point upon the earth’s surface in a vacuum.
This will vary at different places, owing principally to the variation
in centrifugal force due to the earth’s rotation. For standard valuation
it must be reduced to sea level. The following are examples of its
variation:
Equator, 978.1028 centimeters per second
Paris, 980.94 “
Greenwich 981.I7 “
Edinburgh, 981.54 “
Pole (N. or S.), 983.1084 (theoretical) “
As round numbers for approximate calculations 981 centimeters or 32.2
feet may be employed.
[Transcriber's note: The acceleration of gravity at the equator is also
reduced by the increased distance from the center of the earth
(equatorial bulge). Increased altitude reduces gravity. Reduced air
density at altitude reduces buoyancy and increases apparent weight.
Local variations of rock density affects gravity.]
