If you dug a hole through the earth, and came out the other side what would happen?
If you were to dig a hole through the Earth and come out the other side, several hypothetical scenarios could unfold, depending on the conditions of the hole and your protection. Here's a breakdown of what might happen:
Hypothetical Scenario: Perfect Conditions
-
Temperature and Pressure: The first major obstacles are the extreme temperatures and pressures inside the Earth. Temperatures near the core can reach almost 11,000°F (6,093°C), and pressures are more than 3 million times greater than at the surface25. These conditions would instantly be fatal without advanced protective gear.
-
Gravity and Motion: As you fall through the hole, gravity would initially accelerate you downward. However, as you approach the Earth's center, the gravitational pull would weaken because the mass of the Earth is evenly distributed around you, resulting in zero net gravity at the center14. If the hole were evacuated of air, you would accelerate to incredibly high speeds, potentially reaching tens of thousands of kilometers per hour12.
-
Emergence: Assuming you survived the journey through the center, you would emerge on the other side of the Earth. Without air resistance, you would maintain your speed until slowed by gravity on the other side, eventually coming to rest24.
Realistic Considerations
-
Drilling the Hole: Creating such a hole is technologically impossible with current materials and technology. The Earth's interior includes molten magma and solid rock, making it unfeasible to maintain structural integrity25.
-
Air Resistance and Coriolis Effect: If air were present in the hole, air resistance would significantly slow your descent. Additionally, the Coriolis effect due to Earth's rotation would cause you to crash into the sides of the hole unless it was drilled through the poles25.
In summary, while the idea of digging a hole through the Earth is intriguing, it remains purely theoretical due to the extreme conditions encountered during such a journey.