In which location would you weigh more, at the bottom of Death Valley or atop a peak in the Sierra Nevada?

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Enhance your knowledge for the ASU PHY101 Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations. Get exam ready with ease!

You weigh more in Death Valley due to the influence of Earth's gravitational field, which is affected by both altitude and local geological features. At lower elevations, like the bottom of Death Valley, you're closer to the center of the Earth compared to higher elevations, such as atop a peak in the Sierra Nevada. This proximity to the Earth's center increases the gravitational pull on your body, resulting in a greater weight.

As elevation increases, gravity slightly decreases because the distance from the center of the Earth increases. Therefore, when you are at a higher altitude, such as in the Sierra Nevada, the gravitational force acting on you is weaker, leading to a lower weight compared to your weight at sea level or in a lower area like Death Valley.

In summary, weight is influenced by gravitational force, which is stronger at lower elevations, making Death Valley the location where you would weigh more.

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