Does Uniform Gravity Equate the Center of Mass with the Center of Gravity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on proving that an object's center of gravity coincides with its center of mass under uniform gravity. A participant attempts to use calculus to integrate a uniform sphere but encounters difficulties, seeking a more general proof. It is noted that the center of mass and center of gravity differ in non-uniform fields, particularly in relation to Earth's gravitational field. To establish the equivalence under uniform gravity, it is suggested that demonstrating no net torque about the center of mass is essential. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear mathematical approach to this proof.
Steve Cox
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I wanted a proof that an object's center of gravity is the same as the center of mass by breaking the object into tiny pieces and then integrating over them.

Homework Equations


Well, the gravitational equation g=Gm1m2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using some calc three to integrate a uniform sphere using spherical shells. However, my answer wasn't working out and I would like a much more general proof.

Well, I just learned that the center of mass is different from the center of gravity of Earth because the gravitational field isn't uniform. Assuming gravity is uniform, how can we prove that the sum of all of the gravities are as gravity as a whole were acting on its center of mass?
coolbob13579@gmail.com
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Steve Cox said:
the center of mass is different from the center of gravity of earth
The centre of mass of a body is different from its centre of gravity in a non-uniform field. I don't know why you wrote "of earth" at the end. If Earth is the body, is it the sun's field?
Steve Cox said:
Assuming gravity is uniform, how can we prove that the sum of all of the gravities are as gravity as a whole were acting on its center of mass?
You would need to show that there is no net torque about the mass centre. It is not difficult.
 
2
Steve Cox said:

Homework Statement


I wanted a proof that an object's center of gravity is the same as the center of mass by breaking the object into tiny pieces and then integrating over them.

Homework Equations


Well, the gravitational equation g=Gm1m2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using some calc three to integrate a uniform sphere using spherical shells. However, my answer wasn't working out and I would like a much more general proof.

Well, I just learned that the center of mass is different from the center of gravity of Earth because the gravitational field isn't uniform. Assuming gravity is uniform, how can we prove that the sum of all of the gravities are as gravity as a whole were acting on its center of mass?
coolbob13579@gmail.com
The 'gravitational equation is F = Gm1m2/r^2
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

Similar threads

Back
Top