Calculating Time to Reach End of Tunnel in Earth's Centerless Tunnel

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To calculate the time it takes for an object to reach the end of a tunnel that does not cross the Earth's center, the discussion emphasizes the need to consider simple harmonic motion principles. The problem assumes a frictionless environment and suggests that the tunnel acts like a smooth tube, allowing the object to slide without obstruction. Participants recommend using energy conservation principles and drawing a free body diagram to analyze the forces acting on the object. While calculus is not required, understanding the dynamics of motion within the tunnel is crucial. The conversation highlights the importance of clarifying the problem's assumptions to arrive at a solution.
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Homework Statement



suppose there is tunnel through the Earth which dose not cross center.
If the drop object in this tunnel, how many time it takes to reach end of tunnel?

earth is perfect sphere, there is no friction too
Giving data: Earth mass and radius

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



maybe low of energy conversation? :/ mgh = mv2/2 :rolleyes:

I had tried to use mathematical pendulums analogy,
but could not solve anyway :cry:p.s. we have to use school physics, no integrals and differentials
 
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I'm a little confused by the statement of the problem. If the tunnel does not go through the centre then it is not vertical, so an object 'dropped in' will hit the side. Maybe we have to assume it's sliding in a smooth tube.
You may not be expected to use calculus, but you will at least need to know something about simple harmonic motion. What have you been taught on that?
Draw a free body diagram for the object. What forces act on it? Find an expression for the force directing it to the midpoint of the tunnel when at distance x from that point.
 
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