Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: oilinki on 21/06/2019 22:05:39

Title: Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
Post by: oilinki on 21/06/2019 22:05:39
Ok, there was a person, rather shar person claiming that there could be a srright between these two cities, passing the core.

Does the srightes way between these two cities actually pass the core?

I can't do the math, I hope one of you actually can.

Would a imagenary tunnel between Peging and Helsinki never pass anything under the manttle. Would it ever pass the core.

For you all wannabes, this is not for you. This question is for those who understand.. and who have IQ's over 120.
Title: Re: Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
Post by: Colin2B on 22/06/2019 00:00:39
Ok, there was a person, rather shar person claiming that there could be a srright between these two cities, passing the core.
That person told you wrong.
If you start from Helsink you end up in the South Pacific, SE of New Zealand.
If you start from Beijing you end up in Argentina.
Title: Re: Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
Post by: Janus on 22/06/2019 01:16:02
The red line represents the straight-line path.  The yellow sphere represents the extent of the outer core.

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So the question is, What do you mean by "pass the core"?   Do you mean "pass through" the core, or do you mean "bypass" the core without entering it?  An if you mean bypass, do you mean it has to be close miss or does any miss count?  It is obvious that the line never enters the outer core, nor does it come very close.  so the answer to your question depends on exactly what the question is. 
Title: Re: Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
Post by: Colin2B on 22/06/2019 08:39:17
So the question is, What do you mean by "pass the core"? 
You’re right, the question is so poorly thought out and written that it is ambiguous.
I took it to mean a line to the antipodean point on the earth surface.
Title: Re: Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
Post by: evan_au on 22/06/2019 09:25:13
Quote from: OP
Do Peking and Helsinki lie on a straight line through Earth's core?
You just need to look at a map - both Helsinki and Beijing are in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Cities on the other side of the Earth are in opposite hemispheres (or both on the equator).

Similarly, both cities are east of the Greenwich meridian.
- If one is East, the other must be West.

I am interested to know what is significant about these two cities?
- Is it just the common saying which implies that China is on the far side of the world (from wherever you are?)

PS: Meanwhile, I'm hoping to find out what is significant about Helsinki next month...  ;D