Mass of a sphere with a non-uniform density.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the mass of a sphere defined by the inequality x²+y²+z² ≤ 1, with a non-uniform density function given by ρ(x,y,z) = x+y+z. Participants are tasked with showing that the mass equals 3π/2.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss converting the density function into spherical coordinates and using triple integrals to compute the mass. There are questions about the integration limits and the complexity of the integrand due to the density function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on rewriting the integration limits and suggested multiplying out the integrand. Others have raised concerns about the implications of the density function potentially leading to negative mass, prompting further exploration of the problem's setup.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a possible typo in the problem statement regarding the density function, with suggestions that a different density function could yield a positive mass. Participants also note the need to restrict the integral to avoid negative mass issues.

Bergen
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A sphere is given by x^2+y^2+z^2 ≤ 1. The density is given by ρ(x,y,z) = x+y+z.
Show that the mass is 3π/2.


Homework Equations




m = ∫ρ ∂V

∂V=ρ^2sinϕ∂ρ∂ϕ∂θ

The Attempt at a Solution



I have converted the x, y and z in the density function to spherical coordinates, and by using triple integrals this is where I am now.

m = ∫∫∫(ρsin(ϕ)cos(θ)+ρsin(ϕ)sin(θ)+ρcos(ϕ))ρ^2sinθdρdθdϕ

I am struggeling to solve the integration due to the density function in the bracket.

Integration limits; θ = 2π→0. ϕ = π→0, ρ = 1→0

Best regards
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Bergen said:

Homework Statement



A sphere is given by x^2+y^2+z^2 ≤ 1. The density is given by ρ(x,y,z) = x+y+z.
Show that the mass is 3π/2.


Homework Equations




m = ∫ρ ∂V

∂V=ρ^2sinϕ∂ρ∂ϕ∂θ

The Attempt at a Solution



I have converted the x, y and z in the density function to spherical coordinates, and by using triple integrals this is where I am now.

m = ∫∫∫(ρsin(ϕ)cos(θ)+ρsin(ϕ)sin(θ)+ρcos(ϕ))ρ^2sinθdρdθdϕ

I am struggeling to solve the integration due to the density function in the bracket.

Integration limits; θ = 2π→0. ϕ = π→0, ρ = 1→0

Best regards

It would be better to write ##\theta: 0\to 2\pi##, ##\phi: 0\to \pi##, and ##\rho: 0\to 1## in the positive direction.

With regard to your question: Multiply out the integrand and show us your work. Show us where you are stuck.
 
Bergen said:

Homework Statement



A sphere is given by x^2+y^2+z^2 ≤ 1. The density is given by ρ(x,y,z) = x+y+z.
Show that the mass is 3π/2.


Homework Equations




m = ∫ρ ∂V

∂V=ρ^2sinϕ∂ρ∂ϕ∂θ

The Attempt at a Solution



I have converted the x, y and z in the density function to spherical coordinates, and by using triple integrals this is where I am now.

m = ∫∫∫(ρsin(ϕ)cos(θ)+ρsin(ϕ)sin(θ)+ρcos(ϕ))ρ^2sinθdρdθdϕ

That should be
<br /> m = \int_0^\pi \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^1 (r \sin \phi \cos \theta + r \sin \phi \sin \theta + r \cos\phi)r^2\sin\phi\,dr\,d\theta\,d\phi<br />
since
  • there are two exactly opposite conventions for defining the angular coordinates \theta and \phi, but in both the angle whose sine appears in dV is the angle whose cosine appears in the expression for z; and
  • you shouldn't use \rho for the radial coordinate if the question has already defined it as something else.
 
Bergen said:

Homework Statement



A sphere is given by x^2+y^2+z^2 ≤ 1. The density is given by ρ(x,y,z) = x+y+z.
Show that the mass is 3π/2.
There's a typo or mistake in this problem statement. That density function results in regions of negative mass. In fact, there will be exactly as much negative mass as positive mass. The mass of this sphere is identically zero.

A mass of 3*pi/2 will result if the density is given by ##\rho(x,y,z) = |x|+|y|+|z|##.
 
When i multiply out the bracket and factor out ρ I'm left with this:
ρ^3(sin^2(ϕ)cos(θ)+sin^2(ϕ)sin(θ)+sin(ϕ)cos(ϕ))

If I'm not mistaken, I have to separate ϕ and θ before I can integrate. That is what I don't know how to do. Maby by using some trigonometric identities?
 
Bergen said:
If I'm not mistaken, I have to separate ϕ and θ before I can integrate.
No need. When integrating wrt one, you can treat the other as a constant.
Don't forget to restrict the integral one octant to avoid the negative mass problem D H noticed.
 
Ok, think I got it now.
Thanks everyone!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K