Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around solving a triple integral involving gravitational potential energy, specifically the integral
$$
-\rho Gm\iiint\frac{r'^2\sin\theta}{\sqrt{R^2 + r'^2 - 2Rr'\cos\theta}}d\theta d\rho dr'
$$
with specified limits for the variables. Participants explore various approaches to evaluate the integral and discuss the implications of their findings.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Mathematical reasoning
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that integrating with respect to $\rho$ (or $\phi$) simplifies the problem by multiplying by $2\pi$.
- There are discussions about the interpretation of the variable $r'$ and its relationship to $R$ and $a$.
- One participant presents a series of integrals leading to a potential energy expression, but questions arise about the validity of the assumptions made regarding the limits of integration.
- Another participant points out that the expression $\sqrt{(r'-R)^2}$ does not equal $(r'-R)$ unless $r' > R$, prompting further examination of the conditions under which the integral is evaluated.
- There is a suggestion that the attractive force inside a solid sphere is determined only by the subsphere between the observer and the center, with forces from the outer sphere canceling out.
- Participants discuss the implications of taking limits as $R \to \infty$ and how that affects the evaluation of the integral.
- One participant confirms that the expression for the integral can be simplified under certain conditions, leading to a specific form for the gravitational potential energy.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the assumptions made regarding the limits of integration and the interpretation of variables. There is no consensus on the final evaluation of the integral, and multiple approaches and interpretations are presented.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that the evaluation of the integral depends on the relationships between $r'$, $R$, and $a$, and that certain assumptions may lead to different results. The discussion highlights the complexity of the integral and the need for careful consideration of the conditions under which it is evaluated.