Velocity of Item Falling Within A Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the velocity of an object falling within a sphere made of titanium, with references to gravitational effects and potential energy changes in a tunnel scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relevance of being inside the sphere and question the gravitational effects on an object falling within it. There is mention of integrating gravitational field variations and potential energy changes related to a tunnel through the sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the setup and exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding gravitational field variations and potential energy considerations.

Contextual Notes

There is a reference to a previous problem involving "Titanium Devouring Aliens," which may influence the context of the current question. Additionally, assumptions about gravitational attraction within the sphere are being examined.

PhysicsIsNotMe
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Is there a formula for the velocity of an item falling within a sphere of a specific material, say titanium, This is related to a problem I posted yesterday about Titanium Devouring Aliens.
 
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What does being inside the sphere have to do with anything?

(If you are wondering about the gravitational attraction of the sphere itself, shell of material has NO net gravitational attraction for anything INSIDE the sphere.)
 
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

at least show some work you might have put into it
 
I think PhysicsIsNotMe is talking about having a tunnel dug through a solid sphere. (Just like the hole to the center of the Earth problem that has been discussed here many times.)

You need to figure out how the gravitation field varies as you go beneath the surface of the sphere. You can then integrate to find the change in gravitational potential energy, from which you can find the KE for an object dropped into that hole as a function of distance fallen.
 

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