Calculating Energy for Full Sphere of Radius R

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy required to construct a full sphere of radius R with a variable density defined as a*r. The user attempts to derive the energy using the formula W=Kq1dq2/r, where q1 is the mass of a smaller sphere and dq2 represents an infinitesimal mass element. The integration performed from 0 to R yields a result of (4a²πR⁷)/21, which does not match the expected solution. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating over spherical shells due to the variable density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically for volume integrals.
  • Familiarity with concepts of gravitational and electric fields.
  • Knowledge of variable density functions in physics.
  • Proficiency in using mathematical constants such as π in calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy calculations for variable density spheres.
  • Learn about the integration of mass over spherical shells in physics.
  • Explore the principles of gravitational and electric fields in relation to work done.
  • Review the application of the formula W=Kq1dq2/r in different contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and gravitational fields, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to energy calculations in variable density scenarios.

en.yokhai
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Homework Statement



hello

the question is :
what is the energy needed to build a full sphere, radii R, and with density a*r

The Attempt at a Solution



i did it this way, i assum that i have a little ball radii r, and i want to bring an intificimal sphere width dr, and use W=Kq1dq2\r

so:
q1= (a*4PIr^4)\3
dq2=a*4PIr^3

and i intigrate it from 0 to R, and my solution equals to (4a^2PIR^7)\21

and it is not as the solution says...

am i doing it right?

thanks
 
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Hi en.yokhai! :smile:

(have a pi: π and try using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box :wink:)
en.yokhai said:
q1= (a*4PIr^4)\3
dq2=a*4PIr^3

I don't think you can use 4/3 πr3 for q1

the density varies, so you have to integrate (over spherical shells) to find the mass. :wink:
 
en.yokhai said:

Homework Statement



hello

the question is :
what is the energy needed to build a full sphere, radii R, and with density a*r

The Attempt at a Solution



i did it this way, i assum that i have a little ball radii r, and i want to bring an intificimal sphere width dr, and use W=Kq1dq2\r

so:
q1= (a*4PIr^4)\3
dq2=a*4PIr^3

and i intigrate it from 0 to R, and my solution equals to (4a^2PIR^7)\21

and it is not as the solution says...

am i doing it right?

thanks

Sorry for being dense guys (my density varies somewhat too...). What is the force that this work is being done against? Electric field? Gravitational field? I don't quite get it from the problem as stated so far.
 
electric field, so the mass is not important...the charge is,namely the density
 

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