Finding the Center of Mass of a Hemisphere

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass of a hemisphere, specifically addressing the volume of an elemental disc. It clarifies that the volume formula includes the arc length, which is derived from the projection of the radius onto the yz-plane, represented as Rcos(θ)dθ. This projection is essential for accurately determining the volume of the disc. A request for a rough sketch to aid understanding highlights the complexity of the explanation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of visual aids in grasping the concept.
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Homework Statement


Center of Mass of a hemisphere

http://www.goiit.com/templates/default/images/chapters/center_mass/image064.gif
http://www.goiit.com/templates/default/images/chapters/center_mass/image068.gif
Why is volume of elemental disc = Rd\theta (cos \theta) (\pi R^{2}cos^{2} \theta) and not

Rd\theta (\pi R^{2}cos^{2}\theta)?
 
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Because the arc length is measured from the \theta=0 plane (yz plane) to the plane rotated through an angle d\theta, So the radius of the arc is the projection of R onto the \theta=0 plane which is Rcos(\theta) and so the arc length is Rcos(\theta)d\theta.
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Because the arc length is measured from the \theta=0 plane (yz plane) to the plane rotated through an angle d\theta, So the radius of the arc is the projection of R onto the \theta=0 plane which is Rcos(\theta) and so the arc length is Rcos(\theta)d\theta.

I don't get it. Could you please take some of ur precious time out, just to draw a very rough sketch in paint? Please!
 
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