Question

A ball of mass m is dropped from a height h equal to the radius of the earth above the tunnel dug through the earth as shown in the figure. Choose the correct options.

(a) Particle will oscillate though the earth to a height h on both sides

(b) Particle will execute simple harmonic motion 

(c) Motion of the particle is periodic

(d) Particle passes the centre of earth with a speed v = √(2GM/R)

Answer 1

Correct option (a) Particle will oscillate though the earth to a height h on both sides, (c) Motion of the particle is periodic and (d) Particle passes the centre of earth with a speed v = √(2GM/R)

Explanation :

Particle performs SHM inside tunnel but not outside surface, so, if just performs periodic motion with amplitude, (R + h)