# Homework Help: Gravitational Force in terms of Density?

1. Apr 29, 2017

### EthanVandals

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Express the gravitational force equation in terms of density.

2. Relevant equations
Density = mass/volume

3. The attempt at a solution
Based on the original equation for gravitational force, there are two masses involved in the calculation of the final force dependent on your radius, etc. I'm confused as how to convert it into terms of density however, because there's no volume in the Force(gravity) equation.

2. Apr 29, 2017

### zwierz

It seems something like that
$$\boldsymbol f(\boldsymbol r)=\gamma\int\frac{\rho(\boldsymbol r')}{|\boldsymbol r'-\boldsymbol r|^3}(\boldsymbol r'-\boldsymbol r) dV(\boldsymbol r')$$
here $\boldsymbol f$ is the mass density of gravity: the mass $\rho(\boldsymbol r)dV(\boldsymbol r)$ is exerted by the force $\boldsymbol f(\boldsymbol r) \rho(\boldsymbol r)dV(\boldsymbol r)$; here $\rho$ is density; $dV$ is the infinitesimal volume element; $\boldsymbol r$ is a radius vector

3. Apr 29, 2017

### EthanVandals

Thank you for the rapid response! Our class is algebra based physics, and our professor does not want us using things like integrals and other pieces of calculus. Is there a way to determine it algebraically? Thanks!

4. Apr 29, 2017

### TomHart

Can you rearrange that equation, solving for mass, then plug that back into the equation for gravity? That's the only thing I can figure. It seems like an unusual problem.

5. Apr 29, 2017

### haruspex

I suspect the question is worded poorly. My guess is it should be "express the equation for gravitational acceleration at the surface of a uniform sphere in terms of the radius and density of the sphere".
In the form given, it can be answered, but you would need to involve two densities and three "radii": the radius of each of two spheres and the distance between the centres.

Last edited: Apr 30, 2017
6. Apr 30, 2017

### EthanVandals

That's most likely what I will do. Thank you for the help! :) yeah, it is somewhat unusual..I'm not sure in what scenario I'd use it, but maybe it'll show up sometime in the fluids section.

7. Apr 30, 2017

### PeroK

$F = \frac{G\rho_1V_1\rho_2V_2}{r^2}$