Gravitational pull at the center of the Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the gravitational pull at the center of the Earth, specifically questioning whether the established theories, such as Newton's Shell Theorem, hold true inside a spherical mass. Participants debate the lack of experimental proof for gravity's behavior at extreme depths, noting that while gravity decreases as one approaches the center, no direct measurements have been taken due to the impracticality of drilling to such depths. The conversation highlights the distinction between accepted theories and empirical proof, emphasizing the need for experimental validation of gravitational principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Gravitation
  • Familiarity with the Shell Theorem in physics
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force and its mathematical representation
  • Awareness of experimental physics and limitations in geological studies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Shell Theorem and its implications for gravitational force inside a sphere
  • Explore experimental methods for measuring gravitational force at various depths
  • Study the relationship between gravity and mass distribution in planetary bodies
  • Investigate alternative theories of gravity and their experimental validations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, geophysicists, and students of physics interested in gravitational theory and its empirical validation, as well as anyone exploring the fundamental principles of gravity in relation to planetary formation.

  • #31
OK I give up. Apparently thinking outside the box is not allowed here. So for myself I'm bringing this to a close.

On the topic of Jupiter, yes I know that is the accepted theory. But, I was asking to postulate a new theory on planet formation not accepted theory on why we have what we have. And in terms of speculation, think with the new theories that we now have in place (accepted or not), not with theories that were used 30 years ago that helped form the current theory on planet formation.

Recall, Einstein literally woke up one morning with that great Aha moment and 6 weeks later we had a very famous equation. I'm not going to even begin to suggest that would happen here. But I have found in my own field of research, that occasionally throwing out accepted theory can lead (sometimes) to some pretty interesting concepts.

So guys, good bye and fun exploring.
 
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  • #32
Secant said:
OK I give up. Apparently thinking outside the box is not allowed here.
Thinking outside box is a tool for certain situations. You are using the wrong tool for the job. You are providing a solution to a non-problem. Thinking outside the box is inappropraite if the answer is inside the box.

And even if there weren't a satisfactory answer for this problem, what you are doing is not simply looking outside the box, you're looking in the next county. Why not look within a few feet of the box before getting on your bike and peddling?
 
  • #33
Secant said:
OK I give up. Apparently thinking outside the box is not allowed here. So for myself I'm bringing this to a close.

On the topic of Jupiter, yes I know that is the accepted theory. But, I was asking to postulate a new theory on planet formation not accepted theory on why we have what we have. And in terms of speculation, think with the new theories that we now have in place (accepted or not), not with theories that were used 30 years ago that helped form the current theory on planet formation.

Recall, Einstein literally woke up one morning with that great Aha moment and 6 weeks later we had a very famous equation. I'm not going to even begin to suggest that would happen here. But I have found in my own field of research, that occasionally throwing out accepted theory can lead (sometimes) to some pretty interesting concepts.

So guys, good bye and fun exploring.

Before you can think outside of the box you must know where the sides of the box are. You are not thinking outside of the box, in reality you are simply lost in a dark, dusty corner. When we try to turn on a light, you close your eyes.
 
  • #34
if you drill a hole to the center of the Earth and out the other side.

you drop your sack of bananas it will drop quickly to the center and pass it, then it will oscillate back to the center and pass it, then oscillate back to the center,...etc. forever
 
  • #35
rsala004 said:
if you drill a hole to the center of the Earth and out the other side.

you drop your sack of bananas it will drop quickly to the center and pass it, then it will oscillate back to the center and pass it, then oscillate back to the center,...etc. forever
Other than the fact that this has nothing to do with the topic...

It would only work if drilled through the polar axis. Anwhere else and your sack of bananas will intersect the wall as the Earth turns.

And then there's the matter of keeping the hole in vacuum.
 

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