The value of g at any latitude θ may be obtained from the formula g=32.09(1+0.0053\sin^2\theta ) ft/s^2 which takes into account the effect of the rotation of the earth, as well as the fact that the earth is not truly spherical. Knowing that the weight of a silver bar has been officially designated as 5 lb, determine to four significant figures (a) the mass in slugs, (b) the weight in pounds at the latitudes of 0°, 45°, and 60°.
Solution:
a) A slug = 1\,\text{lb}\cdot \text{s}^2/\text{ft}
Use the following equation (Newton’s second law):
(Where W is weight, m is mass, and g is acceleration due to gravity)
m=\dfrac{W}{g}
m=\dfrac{5}{32.2}
m=0.1553\,\text{lb}\cdot \text{s}^2/\text{ft}
b) Use the equation given to us to figure out the acceleration of gravity at the specific angles.
g=32.09(1+0.0053\sin^2(0^0))
g=32.09 ft/s^2
Using our previous equation, we can figure out the weight.
W=mg
W=(0.1553)(32.09)=4.9836 lb
g=32.09(1+0.0053\sin^2(45^0))
g=32.175 ft/s^2
W=mg
W=(0.1553)(32.175)=4.9968 lb
g=32.09(1+0.0053\sin^2(60^0))
g=32.22 ft/s^2
W=mg
W=(0.1553)(32.22)=5.004 lb