If a tunnel is bored through the center of the earth and a stone is dropped into it, then the
Correct answer: C. stone will perform simple harmonic motion
- A. stone will stop at the centre of the earth
- B. stone will move out from the other side of the tunnel
- C. stone will perform simple harmonic motion
- D. none of these
Explanation
If a tunnel is bored through the center of the Earth and a stone is dropped into it, the stone will experience the gravitational force pulling it towards the center of the Earth. As it falls toward the center, it will gain speed due to the acceleration of gravity. Once it passes the center, the gravitational force will act in the opposite direction, causing the stone to slow down and eventually start moving back toward the center. This back-and-forth motion resembles simple harmonic motion.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2010 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple harmonic motion is oscillation in which acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position. Work includes displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, period, frequency, amplitude and energy, with applications to springs and simple pendulums. The restoring force and the conditions for SHM distinguish it from general periodic motion.
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