Need help in finding COM of a hollow hemisphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the center of mass (COM) of a hollow hemisphere. Participants are exploring the calculations and reasoning involved in determining the y-coordinate of the COM, with a focus on the geometry of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the y-coordinate of the COM but expresses difficulty in reaching the correct result. Participants question the definitions of variables used in the calculations, particularly the distinction between vertical and angled lines in the context of the geometry involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying concepts and addressing misunderstandings regarding the geometry of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct usage of variables, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take. The original poster is seeking further clarification on the principles involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a textbook that does not adequately explain the principles at play, leading to confusion among participants. The original poster is also questioning the validity of their approach based on the varying thickness of the slices in the hemisphere.

navneet9431
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Homework Statement


Hey everyone,
I'm studying for my physics and came across a question for the COM of a hemisphere.I made my attempt to calculate the COM.

Homework Equations


cmp3.gif


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to calculate the y coordinate of COM this way,please go through it-
IMG_20180819_180220.jpg

But,I am unable to reach the correct result.Please help me to proceed further!
I will be thankful for any help.
 

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##dy## in your drawing is not actually ##dy##. ##dy## would be a vertical line. That angled line ##ds## is longer, do you see that? Use ##\theta## to find its length. Then I think you'll get it.
 
verty said:
##dy## in your drawing is not actually ##dy##. ##dy## would be a vertical line. That angled line ##ds## is longer, do you see that? Use ##\theta## to find its length. Then I think you'll get it.
Thanks but I can see how dy is a vertical line!
Can you send a rough diagram showing that?
 
navneet9431 said:
Thanks but I can see how dy is a vertical line!
Can you send a rough diagram showing that?

##dy## is the thickness of the disc. ##ds## is the length of the edge. Do you understand?
 
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verty said:
##dy## is the thickness of the disc. ##ds## is the length of the edge. Do you understand?
Ok!
So what should I use for calculating the area of the element?
Should I use dy?
 
navneet9431 said:
Ok!
So what should I use for calculating the area of the element?
Should I use dy?

This should be in your book at some point. It'll explain why it works that way. But you need to use ##ds## or it won't give you the right answer.
 
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verty said:
This should be in your book at some point. It'll explain why it works that way. But you need to use ##ds## or it won't give you the right answer.
This is the main problem!
My textbook nowhere explains why it works that way.
Can I get a bit of expalantion about why it works that way?
 
navneet9431 said:
This is the main problem!
My textbook nowhere explains why it works that way.
Can I get a bit of expalantion about why it works that way?

Do you need a better book? It's not my policy to explain what a book could explain better anyway. Sorry.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
IMG_20180820_012419.jpg

See the image.
These are the horizontal slices of the element ds as shown in the pic.
I think I have made the diagram correct as dy is the horizontal thickness and ds is the thickness of the edge.
So,if we see logically then it would be incorrect to calculate the area of the element this way, area of the element= 2*pi*y*cot(theta)*d(s) as the thickness of edge of each slice of the element marked on the hemisphere is different.
So calculating the area of the element this way must be wrong,Am I correct?
 

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  • #12
navneet9431 said:
2*pi*y*cot(theta)*d(s)
I think you mean 2πx (the radius is horizontal in the diagram) and it should not be cot. ds is the hypotenuse.
 

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