I understand that at the equator, you will have maximum centripetal force acting on you, whereas if you're standing directly on the pole you will have none. But because centripetal is a resultant force, why isn't the value of $g$ GREATER on the equator because you'd need a greater force to 'pull' you inwards to force you to travel in circular motion?
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The pull of gravity on Earth's surface depends on various factors: outward centrifugal force is greatest at Equator, this counteracts against the Earth's gravity and as a result the downward acceleration due to gravity at Equator is a teeny weeny bit lesser. – user6760 Apr 17 '15 at 09:00
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2possible duplicate of Why is Earth's gravity stronger at the poles? – John Rennie Apr 17 '15 at 09:01
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2Hi Hattie. It's always worth a quick search of this site as you'd be surprised how many questions have been asked before. In this case the link I've suggested precisely answers your question. – John Rennie Apr 17 '15 at 09:03