Maximum Latitude Difference for Equal Centripetal and Gravitational Acceleration

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The discussion revolves around the maximum difference in latitude between two locations that experience the same total centripetal and gravitational accelerations. It highlights that variations in these accelerations are influenced by factors such as the Earth's oblate shape, geological conditions, elevation, and celestial movements. While gravity generally varies continuously across the Earth's surface, the centripetal force can be corrected for using models of the Earth's shape. The conversation also touches on the intriguing possibility that, under certain conditions, two widely separated points could have the same acceleration values. The importance of accuracy and sensitivity in measurements is emphasized, as well as the negligible impact of geological variations in most scenarios. A reference to a scientific resource is suggested for further exploration of the topic.
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In either the northern or southern hemisphere, what is the maximum difference in latitude between two places measuring the same total centripetal and gravitational accelerations?
 
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... it depends on your accuracy/sensitivity. No two different latitudes on one hemisphere have the exact same values.
 
I thought a standard weight measured over the Earth's surface would vary continuously.
 
Gravity is also a function of geology, elevation, and time (due to the movement of celestial bodies).

I don't know the answer but I am curious ... Why do you ask the question?
 
Loren Booda said:
I thought a standard weight measured over the Earth's surface would vary continuously.
For the most part yes, absolutely. The correction due to the centripetal force is pretty simple, and for any given model of oblate-ness, you can correct for that. Most likely variations due to geology (etc) would be entirely negligible, but again, it depends on your situation and sensitivities.

Actually, depending on the particular nature of the obliquity, it is possible that at different latitudes your weight would be the same (finding different balances between centripetal force and variations due to radius and asymmetry)---but it would depend on the particular models.
 
billiards said:
I don't know the answer but I am curious ... Why do you ask the question?
I find it aesthetically intriguing how two most widely separated points would have the same magnitude of acceleration as mapped on the Earth's surface.
 
Hmm at this point maybe a reference to http://www.csr.utexas.edu/grace/science/ would help?

[URL]http://www.csr.utexas.edu/grace/gallery/animations/ggm01/ggm01-200.gif[/URL]
 
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