Need help in finding COM of a hollow hemisphere

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the center of mass (COM) of a hollow hemisphere, with a focus on the correct approach to determining the y-coordinate of the COM. The original poster struggles with understanding the distinction between the vertical thickness (dy) and the angled line (ds) used in their calculations. Participants emphasize the importance of using ds for accurate area calculations and suggest that the textbook may not adequately explain this concept. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in understanding integration principles and the geometry involved in the problem. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the complexities of applying theoretical concepts to practical problems in physics.
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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