Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

if a coin was thrown in a manual tunnel made accross the core of earth. which of the following is true?

  1. it will cross other side of earth into space

  2. it will under go simple harmonic motion

  3. it will stop at the core of the earth

  4. none of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Assuming a uniform Earth density (ideal case), gravitational force inside the Earth is proportional to distance from center, exactly like a spring's restoring force. The coin accelerates toward the center, reaches maximum speed there, then decelerates, and returns - executing simple harmonic motion. Realistically, Earth's non-uniform density makes it approximately SHM.

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