Looks like 42 actually *is* the answer.

[T2A`]

Apparently, if you dig a straight tunnel between any two points (of some considerable distance) on the earth and let gravity do all the acceleration and deceleration, it takes 42 minutes to reach the destination every time. :o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAFUSbIs5KA

[thewalkingman]

Is there going to be a test after the video?

[hal]

I'm selling my car right now.

[SleepyHe4d]

What about terminal velocity? >.>

[dragonfliet]

I suppose the question was how long does it take to fall through the earth?

~Jason

[T2A`]

I suppose the question was how long does it take to fall through the earth?http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=6uM&q=the+answer+to+life%2C+the+universe%2C+and+everything&btnG=Search

:-)

[Sir_Brizz]

http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=6uM&q=the+answer+to+life%2C+the+universe%2C+and+everything&btnG=Search

:-)
Haha, I love how the "calculator" in Google equates that with 42. :)

[Jacks:SmirkingRevenge]

How long does it take to fall through the earth?



Correct for 400, and that's todays Daily Double!
http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/03/16/jeopary-history.jpg

[das_ben]

But don't points on the surface of the planet differ in distance from the center of gravity?

[aevirex]

*cough* friction *cough*

On a side note... If you would have something flying around the earth at a speed where gravitational force and centrifugal force is equal (at ground height respectively ~6370km) it would take the same time as well as a 6370km long pendulum (mass doesn't matter iirc) swinging above earth.

theoretically

[SleepyHe4d]

(at ground height respectively ~6370km)

What's your point? That's just a random number man. :lol: That's like saying I'll get to Dallas in 42 minutes if I go at whatever speed needed to get there in 42 minutes.

[aevirex]

What's your point? That's just a random number man. :lol: That's like saying I'll get to Dallas in 42 minutes if I go at whatever speed needed to get there in 42 minutes.

6370km is the radius of the earth. And my point is that period of all these oscillations are the same.

[SleepyHe4d]

Ohhh okay, it's a bit more meaningful now. Yeah, I interpreted that ground height part wrong. :lol: That's pretty tripped out considering the density of planets can vary.

[Fuzzle]

What about terminal velocity? >.>

If they were accounting for air resistance in the first place, you would barely even make it past the center. I'm pretty sure they're speaking in terms of vacuum.
And tons of lard along the rails.

[Soulja]

Anyone ever see that show with the train that could run from england to NYC in about 45 minutes? It's actually very possible with modern technology.

They take a tunnel, create a vacuum, and with magnets, propel the train at lightning fast speeds. Pretty cool.

[pine]

They'd have to put a big accordion in the middle, because New York and England are not permanent, stationary points with respect to each other. :x