Assume that the earth is a solid sphere of uniform | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Elementary Differential Equations

Chapter 2 Problem 2.4.12

Question

Assume that the earth is a solid sphere of uniform density, with mass M and radius R = 3960 (mi). For a particle of mass m within the earth at distance r from the center of the earth, the gravitational force attracting m toward the center is Fr = -GMr m/r2, where Mr is the mass of the part of the earth within a sphere of radius r. (a) Show that Fr = -GMmr/R3 (b) Now suppose that a small hole is drilled straight through the center of the earth, thus connecting two antipodal points on its surface. Let a particle of mass m be dropped at time t = 0 into this hole with initial speed zero, and let r(t) be its distance from the center of the earth at time t (Fig. 2.4. 1 3). Conclude from Newton's second law and part (a) that r"(t) = -er(t), where k 2 = GM/R3 = giRo (c) Take g = 32.2 ft/S2, and conclude from part (b) that the particle undergoes simple harmonic motion back and forth between the ends of the hole, with a period of about 84 min. (d) Look up (or derive) the period of a satellite that just skims the surface of the earth; compare with the result in part (c). How do you explain the coincidence? Or is it a coincidence? (e) With what speed (in miles per hour) does the particle pass through the center of the earth? (1) Look up (or derive) the orbital velocity of a satellite that just skims the surface of the earth; compare with the result in part (e). How do you explain the coincidence? Or is it a coincidence?

Solution

Step 1 of 5)

The first step in solving 2 problem number 12 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Assume that the earth is a solid sphere of uniform density, with mass M and radius R = 3960 (mi). For a particle of mass m within the earth at distance r from the center of the earth, the gravitational force attracting m toward the center is Fr = -GMr m/r2, where Mr is the mass of the part of the earth within a sphere of radius r. (a) Show that Fr = -GMmr/R3 (b) Now suppose that a small hole is drilled straight through the center of the earth, thus connecting two antipodal points on its surface. Let a particle of mass m be dropped at time t = 0 into this hole with initial speed zero, and let r(t) be its distance from the center of the earth at time t (Fig. 2.4. 1 3). Conclude from Newton's second law and part (a) that r"(t) = -er(t), where k 2 = GM/R3 = giRo (c) Take g = 32.2 ft/S2, and conclude from part (b) that the particle undergoes simple harmonic motion back and forth between the ends of the hole, with a period of about 84 min. (d) Look up (or derive) the period of a satellite that just skims the surface of the earth; compare with the result in part (c). How do you explain the coincidence? Or is it a coincidence? (e) With what speed (in miles per hour) does the particle pass through the center of the earth? (1) Look up (or derive) the orbital velocity of a satellite that just skims the surface of the earth; compare with the result in part (e). How do you explain the coincidence? Or is it a coincidence?
From the textbook chapter Linear Equations of Higher Order you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

Step 2 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Step 3 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Subscribe to view the
full solution

Title Elementary Differential Equations 6 
Author C. Henry Edwards David E. Penney
ISBN 9780132397308

Assume that the earth is a solid sphere of uniform

Chapter 2 textbook questions

×

Login

Organize all study tools for free

Or continue with
×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or continue with

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back