Center of Mass (Triple Integral)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the center of mass of a solid T bounded by the cylinder defined by the equation y² + z² = 4 and the planes x = 0 and x = 3. The mass density at any point P within T is directly proportional to the distance from P to the yz-plane. The integral setup for calculating the center of mass was discussed, with the correct limits identified as x = 0 to x = 3, y = -2 to y = 2, and z = -√(4 - y²) to z = √(4 - y²). It was clarified that the density can be treated as constant over circular slices, allowing for simplification in the integration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triple integrals in multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates
  • Knowledge of mass density concepts in physics
  • Ability to perform integration with variable limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cylindrical coordinates in integration
  • Learn about mass density functions and their applications in physics
  • Explore examples of calculating center of mass using triple integrals
  • Review integration techniques for variable limits in multivariable calculus
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Students studying multivariable calculus, particularly those focusing on applications of triple integrals and center of mass calculations. This discussion is also beneficial for educators and tutors assisting students with similar homework problems.

Reefy
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Homework Statement



T is the solid bounded by the cylinder y^2+z^2=4 and the planes x=0 and x=3. The mass density at a point P of T is directly proportional to the distance between P and the yz-plane.

Find the center of mass of the solid T.

Homework Equations



y^2+z^2=4

x=0

x=3

The Attempt at a Solution



I drew the solid and got a cylinder extending from x=0 (yz-plane) all the way to x=3 with a radius of 2.

I also attempted to set up an integral but I think my main problem is figuring out what the density to integrate is.

I set up my integral as the integral from x=0 to x=3, the integral from y= -2 to y=2, and the integral from
z= -√(4-y^2) to z=√(4-y^2) dz dy dx.

Is that correct? I don't know how to go about determining my p(x,y,x) aka my density.Edit: Initially I tried to use x as my density but I couldn't integrate that so I tried y and then z but none of them worked out.
 
Last edited:
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No one knows? :confused:
 
Hi Reefy! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
Reefy said:
I set up my integral as the integral from x=0 to x=3, the integral from y= -2 to y=2, and the integral from
z= -√(4-y^2) to z=√(4-y^2) dz dy dx.

Is that correct?

Yes :smile:

(but in this case the density is constant over each circular slice, so you could just use πr2, and integrate only over x :wink:)
I don't know how to go about determining my p(x,y,x) aka my density.

Edit: Initially I tried to use x as my density but I couldn't integrate that …

You can't integrate ∫ x dx ? :confused:

(or ∫∫∫ x dxdydz)
 

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