Calculating Mass Inside a Unit Sphere using Spherical Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the total mass inside a unit sphere using spherical coordinates, specifically for a fluid with density defined by the function p = exp^(-(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^(3/2)). The correct formulation for mass involves a triple integral M = ∫(0 to 2π) ∫(0 to π) ∫(0 to 1) exp^(-p^3) * p^2 * sin(φ) dp dφ dθ. A calculation error was identified regarding the exponential term, which should include p^2 instead of p, leading to the correct density function being e^(-p^3).

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I don't know how to use LaTex or anything yet, so I'll just have to word this right.

Question: If the density of a fluid is given by

p = exp ^ -(x^2+y^2+z^2)^3/2

what is the total mass inside the unit sphere.

Since mass = integral (p dA)
where dA is the element of area

I switched to spherical coords...

M = [int(0..2*Pi)]:[int(0..Pi)]:[int(0..1) : [exp ^ -(p) ^ 3/2] * p^2*sin(phi) dp d(phi) d(theta)

where this is the triple integral of the function designated, with integration bounds listed in parantheses and the order of integration shown at the end of the equation.

I got the answer 2.213...if anyone sees any mistakes, please let me know. Sorry it's not easier to read...:rolleyes:
 
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What you use here actually is mass = the integral of p with respect to V, volume.

You did make a calculation error: in your integral for M, the expression for the mass should have a p2 term, not a p term, in the exponential (which will reduce to e-(p3))
 

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