Calculate acceleration due to gravity of hemisphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational acceleration at the center of the plane face of a hemisphere derived from a uniform spherical asteroid. The original gravitational acceleration is denoted as ##g_0##. Participants emphasize that the standard equation for gravitational acceleration, ##g = \frac{GM}{r^2}##, is inadequate due to the loss of spherical symmetry after the asteroid's destruction. Instead, they suggest using calculus to integrate over the hemisphere, specifically by finding the gravitational field on the axis of a disk and summing contributions from disks of varying radii.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational acceleration and the equation ##g = \frac{GM}{r^2}##
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly integration techniques
  • Familiarity with spherical and cylindrical coordinates
  • Concept of gravitational fields and their calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gravitational fields from disk shapes in classical mechanics
  • Learn about integrating in spherical coordinates for gravitational problems
  • Explore the concept of gravitational potential and its relation to acceleration
  • Investigate the effects of symmetry in gravitational calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying gravitational fields, astrophysics enthusiasts, and educators seeking to explain complex gravitational concepts.

Kara386
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Homework Statement


This isn't actually a coursework problem, but I can't solve it and I'd definitely be interested in the answer!

The acceleration due to gravity at the surface of a uniform, spherical asteroid is ##g_0##. Half of the asteroid is destroyed in a collision, leaving only a hemisphere with the same density and radius as the original sphere. Determine the value, in terms of ##g_0##, for the gravitational acceleration at the centre of the plane face of the hemisphere.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm a bit stumped because I've only ever dealt with situations where ##g = \frac{GM}{r^2}##. So is that equation a kind of point mass thing? Because the hint says you can't just use that equation. The spherical symmetry that I'm guessing is usually assumed doesn't work, but how does the equation get adapted then? It probably involves calculus and maybe integrating ##dr## ##d\theta## ##d\phi## or something, but I can't quite work out exactly what you'd integrate!

Thanks for any help/hints! :)
 
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Find the gravitational field on the axis of a disk, then add disks of varying radii over the hemisphere.
 

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