Calculating Mass of Solid Using Spherical Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the mass of a solid defined in spherical coordinates, specifically bounded above by \(\rho=3\) and below by \(\phi=\pi/3\). The density is stated to be proportional to the square of the distance above the xy-plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriate use of spherical coordinates, particularly the interpretation of the bounds given in terms of \(\rho\) and \(\phi\). There is uncertainty about the density function and how to express it in spherical coordinates. Questions arise regarding the correct relationships between the angles and the variables used in the integrals.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the integration limits and the nature of the solid, while others are clarifying the density function and its representation in spherical coordinates. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct setup for the integral, with no clear consensus yet on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the definitions of the angles \(\theta\) and \(\phi\) in spherical coordinates, as well as the implications of the density being proportional to \(z^2\). There is also mention of the need to ensure consistency in the angles used throughout the calculations.

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Homework Statement


W is the solid bounded above by [tex]\rho[/tex]=3 and below by[tex]\phi[/tex]=[tex]\pi[/tex]/3, calculate the mass W if the density at each point is directly proportional to the square of its distance above the xy plane.


The Attempt at a Solution



I am having a difficult time starting out this problem, I am assuming I need to use spherical coordinates considering the problem is given in terms of rho and phi, however it says bounded above by rho=3 and below by phi =pi/3, I thought phi determined the angle from the z axis to rho??

Any thoughts direction would be appreciated
 
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They didn't describe that very well, but it looks to me like they want you to integrate rho from 0 to 3 and phi from 0 to pi/3 and over all theta. The region looks like a cone with a spherical cap on it. I think by above and below they mean relative to the z axis.
 
I completely stuck
How do I determine what my density function will be?

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] [tex]\delta[/tex](x,y,z)[tex]\rho[/tex]^2sin[tex]\theta[/tex]d[tex]\rho[/tex]d[tex]\phi[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\rho[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex]3
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\pi[/tex]/3
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex]2pi

would I use [tex]\rho[/tex]^2??
 
Last edited:
No. They tell you that the density is proportional to z^2. What's z in spherical coordinates?
 
z=[tex]\rho[/tex]cos[tex]\phi[/tex]

z^2=([tex]\rho[/tex]cos[tex]\phi[/tex])^2 ??
 
Why the question marks?? Sounds right to me. They only said 'proportional to', so you might want to call it C*z^2, just for generality.
 
[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] [tex]\rho[/tex]^2cos^2[tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\rho[/tex]^2sin[tex]\theta[/tex]d[tex]\rho[/tex]d[tex]\phi[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\rho[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex]3
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\pi[/tex]/3
0[tex]\leq[/tex][tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\leq[/tex]2pi
 
Looks ok so far. But be careful about theta and phi. You said z=r*cos(phI) and then you put in cos(theta). theta and phi tend to get mixed up. There are two different conventions for this. Is theta the polar angle or phi?
 
my mistake, should be p^2cos^2(phi) p^2sin(theta)
can this be broken apart:

(Integral rho^4 from 0 to 3)*(Integral Cos^2 phi from 0 to pi/3)*(Integral sin theta from 0 to 2pi)

(1/5rho^5) * (pi/6 + .5sin(pi/3)cos(pi/3)) * (-cos(2pi) - -cos(0))

(48.6)(.2165)(0)=0 ?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
The angle in the z and the angle in the dV part of the integral should both be the same angle (the polar angle), shouldn't they? I'm just worried you are mixing formulas.
 

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