Question Detail
Question
The acceleration due to gravity at a height h above the Earth's surface (where h << R_E) is approximately given by:
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Using the binomial expansion on g_h/g = (1 + h/R_E)⁻² ≈ 1 - 2h/R_E (for h << R_E). Therefore, g_h ≈ g(1 - 2h/R_E). This shows gravity decreases with altitude.
Hint
Recall the binomial approximation: (1+x)ⁿ ≈ 1 + nx for small x.