Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Jumping into hole right through the earth. ( No Answer,   3 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Jumping into hole right through the earth.
Category: Science > Earth Sciences
Asked by: unknowledgeable-ga
List Price: $15.00
Posted: 21 Jul 2005 11:23 PDT
Expires: 20 Aug 2005 11:23 PDT
Question ID: 546286
Theoretically speaking if you dug a hole from one end of the earth to
the other and jumped into the hole feet first would you come out the
other end feet first?
Also, supposing you came out of the other end would you carry on into
orbit.. ?( unlikely I know).
If the hole was a vaccuum would it alter the results?
Finally if you had to dig the hole manually, would you end up digging
upwards once you get past the 1/2 way point..

Thanks.
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Jumping into hole right through the earth.
From: justaskscott-ga on 21 Jul 2005 12:07 PDT
 
It seems that the rotation of the Earth means that you would not fall
straight through but would get pressed up against the side of the
hole.

"Re: What would happen if you could drill a hole through the Earth?"
by Max Sang (Apr. 7, 1997)
MadSci Network
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/may97/860447734.Ph.r.html

See also:

"Earth Hole," by Ivars Peterson (Week of June 19, 2004)
Science News Online
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040619/mathtrek.asp
Subject: Re: Jumping into hole right through the earth.
From: racecar-ga on 25 Jul 2005 09:20 PDT
 
If the hole ran from the north pole to the south pole, you would not
be pushed against the side, but otherwise you would.  If the hole was
too narrow to somersault in, then certainly feet first in means feet
first out.  You would not shoot out of the hole.  In the absence of
friction (air or otherwise) you would just come to a stop right as you
reached ground level.  And yes, you'd be digging upwards (through some
rather hot rock and metal) for the second half...
Subject: Re: Jumping into hole right through the earth.
From: qed100-ga on 28 Jul 2005 19:42 PDT
 
Incidentally, the free-fall journey of the hypothetical hole-naut
wouldn't be all that time consuming. The time to fall from one end to
the other is the same as the period of a circular orbit with radius
equal the distance from Earth's center at which the jumper initially
steps into free-fall.

The period of an orbit at Earth's surface is about 90 minutes, and so
the hole-naut will fall all the way through Earth to the other side in
about 90 minutes.

Given a hole through Earth's rotational axis, with no energy stealing
air within, the jumper could fall in at the north pole, come to a halt
at the south pole, then fall back towards the north pole, halt, and
start the whole trip over again. In broad principle, the jumper would
oscillate between the two poles indefinitely.

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy