Gravity is the term applied to the force with which the earth attracts every particle of matter (gravitation). The force of gravity is least at the equator, and gradually increases as we recede toward the poles. Thus a given mass, if tested by means of a spring-balance of sufficient delicacy, would appear to weigh least at the equator, and would seem to get heavier and heavier as the latitude increases. This is due to two causes: first, the centrifugal force at the equator is greater than that in high latitudes, because of the greater radius of the circle described at that place; and, second, the attraction is diminished by the greater distance of objects on the surface from the earth's centre. From both causes combined a body which weighs 194 lbs. at the equator would weigh 195 lbs. at either pole. Experiments to determine the force of gravity from point to point are made by determining the length of a pendulum that beats seconds at each place. By experiments made by Captain Kater at Leith Port it was found that the force of gravity at that place is such that a body, unresisted by air or otherwise, would acquire in one second, under its influence, a velocity of 32.207 feet per second. At Greenwich the acceleration is 32.1912 feet. The term gravity is now popularly used in place of the term gravitation. Research Gravity
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Gravity