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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for an object to reach the end of a tunnel that does not pass through the Earth's center. Participants emphasize the need to apply principles of simple harmonic motion and energy conservation, specifically using the equation mgh = mv²/2. The problem requires understanding the forces acting on the object within a smooth tunnel, necessitating the drawing of a free body diagram to analyze the forces directing the object towards the midpoint of the tunnel.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations (e.g., mgh = mv²/2)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of simple harmonic motion in physics
  • Study energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Learn how to construct and analyze free body diagrams
  • Explore the effects of gravitational forces in non-vertical tunnels
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion in non-standard gravitational environments.

lepori
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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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