Gravitational Force and Force of Gravity

Gravitational forces on Earth point from the surface toward the planet's center, with their lengths representing the local gravitational field strength. The centrifugal effect, caused by inertia, also affects objects on Earth's surface. As the Earth rotates, objects tend to continue in a straight line due to inertia, as if they were trying to fly off into space. However, gravity continuously changes this direction of motion, causing objects to move in a circular path around the Earth's rotation axis. The final force that affects objects on Earth's surface varies in magnitude and direction depending on location. The centrifugal effect is strongest at the equator and smaller near the poles.