Need help with finding Center of Gravity with given radius and height

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the center of gravity of a bucket with varying radius, filled with water. The bottom and top radii of the bucket are provided, along with its height. Participants are tasked with determining the center of gravity relative to the bottom of the bucket using calculus concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to approach the problem using calculus, expressing uncertainty about the lack of a specific equation for integration. Some participants suggest switching to cylindrical coordinates and integrating mass, while others question how to derive an equation from the given points.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods of integration and the implications of not having a specific formula. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of integrals and cylindrical coordinates, but there is no explicit consensus on how to proceed without a given equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of integrating without a defined equation, raising questions about the assumptions and definitions necessary for the problem. The original poster is also reminded to ignore the weight of the bucket itself.

yang09
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Homework Statement



Caution: Ignore the weight of the bucket
itself.
The bottom and the top of a bucket have
radii rb = 15 cm and rt = 26 cm respectively.
The bucket is h = 36 cm high and filled with
water.
Where is the center of gravity relative to
the center of the bottom of the bucket?
Answer in units of cm.

Homework Equations



Xcm = (X1M1)/(M1)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm enrolled in a Calculus Physics so I know that I should be using Calculus and not regular physics formula.
Do I have to integrate the problem, but the only problem is that no equation is given. That's where I am stuck at.
I don't want you to tell me how to do it, but can you give me a hint as where I should start off.





 
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The centre of gravity is going to be on the z axis, but you do not know how high above the point (0,0,0) it is. If you take this point to be the centre of the bottom of the bucket. Switch over to cylinderical co-ordinates and find \bar{z}\int dM=\int z dM
 
I still don't get it. You say integrate the Mass, but you're not given any formula to integrate. You're only give points. If I was given a formula, I know how to integrate but your not given one to integrate. Do you make one up with the points?
 
I know how to find Center of gravity using integrals only when an equation is given.
I don't know how to find it without an equation.
How would I go about and integrate without an equation?
 
If you wanted to know the volume you would integrate

\int_0^h \pi (R_1+(R_2-R_1)\frac{z}{h})^2 dz

if the mass is uniform you can extend this to the formula you were given earlier?

Doing that I get 18.8cm
 
Last edited:

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