Triple integral and center of mass

In summary, to find the center of mass for a cone with height h and base radius r, you can use the function p=z and the limits 0 to R for r and 0 to h for height, assuming the base sits on the xy plane. The density increases linearly with z, which is along the z axis.
  • #1
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A cone of height h and base radius r has density equal to distance from its base. Find it's center of mass.

How do I write a function for the density? Is it p=h-z? And what are the limits of r if I want to do this in cylindrical coordinates?

Thanks in adv.
 
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  • #2
Your density p increases with h
h is along the z axis.

x = rcos(theta), y=rsin(theta) z = z.

The density increases with base, so assuming the base sits on the xy plane, your density will just be linear to z. p=z. The Your limit for r I think would just be 0,R since it is an undefined base. Same with height, 0,h
 
  • #3


To write a function for the density, we can use the given information that the density is equal to the distance from the base. This means that the density varies along the height of the cone, with the highest density at the base (distance = 0) and decreasing as we move towards the top (distance = h). Therefore, we can write the density function as p(z) = h-z, where z represents the height from the base.

To find the center of mass, we will need to use a triple integral in cylindrical coordinates. The limits for r will depend on how the cone is oriented. If the cone is standing upright, with the base at the bottom and the point at the top, then the limits for r would be from 0 to r, since the radius of the cone is constant. However, if the cone is lying on its side, with the base as the circular end, then the limits for r would be from 0 to h-z, since the radius of the cone varies with the height.

The triple integral to find the center of mass would be:

x̅ = 1/M ∭ρ(x,y,z)xdV
y̅ = 1/M ∭ρ(x,y,z)ydV
z̅ = 1/M ∭ρ(x,y,z)zdV

Where M is the total mass of the cone, and dV is the volume element in cylindrical coordinates, which is r dr dθ dz.

We can substitute the density function p(z) = h-z into the triple integral, along with the limits for r and solve for the center of mass. This process may be simplified by converting the integral into polar coordinates before solving.

I hope this helps you to better understand how to approach this problem. Remember to always check your units and make sure they are consistent throughout the calculations. Good luck!
 

1. What is a triple integral?

A triple integral is a mathematical tool used to calculate the volume of a three-dimensional object. It involves integrating a function over a three-dimensional region.

2. How is a triple integral related to center of mass?

The triple integral is used to calculate the center of mass of a three-dimensional object. It calculates the average location of the mass in the object, taking into account the distribution of mass throughout the object.

3. What are the limits of integration in a triple integral?

The limits of integration in a triple integral depend on the shape and orientation of the three-dimensional object being integrated. They are typically determined by the bounds of the three-dimensional region being integrated over and the equations that define the boundaries of that region.

4. Can a triple integral be used for non-geometric objects?

Yes, a triple integral can be used for non-geometric objects as long as the object can be represented as a three-dimensional region and the function being integrated can be defined for that region.

5. What are some real-life applications of triple integrals and center of mass?

Triple integrals and center of mass are used in many fields of science and engineering, such as physics, engineering, and astronomy. They are used to calculate the volume and mass of complex objects, determine the stability of structures, and analyze the distribution of mass in astronomical bodies.

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