Find gravitational potent. energy - isotropic distribution

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SUMMARY

The gravitational potential energy of a mass m located inside an isotropic distribution of total mass M and radius R is derived using the formula Fg = -GmM(r)/r^2, where M(r) represents the mass contained within the radius r. The density ρ is defined as ρ = M/((4πR^3)/3), indicating a homogeneous sphere. The isotropic distribution affects the gravitational potential energy calculation, particularly for r < R, necessitating a different approach than the standard formula valid for r > R. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurate derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force equations
  • Familiarity with concepts of isotropic distributions
  • Knowledge of density calculations in physics
  • Basic grasp of Newton's law of universal gravitation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gravitational potential energy in isotropic distributions
  • Learn about the implications of homogeneous density on gravitational fields
  • Explore the differences in gravitational equations for r < R versus r > R
  • Review advanced topics in gravitational physics and potential energy calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying gravitational forces and potential energy, as well as educators and researchers focusing on gravitational theories and isotropic distributions.

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Homework Statement


I am told that the gravitational force of a mass m located inside an isotropic distribution of spherical radius R and total mass M is given by
Fg = -GmM(r)/r^2
where r is the distance between m and the center of distribution and M (r) is the mass contained below the distance r (weight between 0 and r). Suppose the sphere is homogeneous of constant density
ρ= M/((4πR^3)/3)
I need to find the gravitational potential energy inside the distribution as a function of M, m, R, r and G

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So far I have found the gravitational potential energy, but I don't know how the density is going to come into play. I also don't understand what the isotropic distribution is going to change in my answer and derivation.
upload_2016-11-6_13-27-4.png
 
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I recommend that you read the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_law_of_universal_gravitation, especially the section "Gravitational field". It seems like the formula you are using is not correct, since it is valid for ##r>R## (##R## being the radius of the sphere). Density is defined as the mass per volume.
 

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