Removing Infinitesimal Mass Elements from a Hollow Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of removing an infinitesimal mass element (dm) in the context of a hollow sphere. Participants are exploring the implications of this in relation to mass distribution and integration, particularly in deriving properties like moment of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how to effectively eliminate the infinitesimal mass element dm, with some suggesting that it relates to the density of the hollow sphere. Others are exploring the relationship between mass and area, and the potential need for integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants are providing insights into the relationship between mass, density, and geometry, while others express uncertainty about the problem's requirements and seek clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of needing a constant related to density, which some participants indicate is unknown. The problem context involves a hollow sphere with an infinitesimally small thickness, which may affect the approach to the integration of dm.

PSOA
How do I get rid of infinitesimal mass element dm?
 
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PSOA said:
How do I get rid of infinitesimal mass element dm?

I assume you're trying to derive the moment of inertia of a hollow sphere, but you should really be more specific when posting questions.
 
I am not determining the moment of inertia. I didn't specify what I was doing because I just wish to know of to solve this particularly problem. How to get rid of dm?
 
Your differential mass is the rate of change in the mass. It will depend on the object's density (g/cm^3, kg/m^3, etc).

In your case, you have a hollow sphere, so the mass will change in relation to the area (assuming the sphere has an infinitely small thickness). That would be g/cm^2, kg/m^2, etc.

That should allow you to change your variable to dr, the differential radius, since the volume and/or the area will depend upon the radius.
 
But I need the constant sigma M/A (equivalent to density) which I do not know.
 
Maybe Integrate? I don't really understand your problem.
 
I need to [tex]\int dm[/tex] for a spherical shell.
 
PSOA said:
I need to [tex]\int dm[/tex] for a spherical shell.

Look at the thread that started this.
 
Last edited:

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