Special Cases for Gravity Force Inside Solid Objects

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the application of the shell theorem and gravitational forces within solid objects. It questions whether the zero gravitational force inside a spherical shell applies to ellipsoids and disks with mass concentrated at the perimeter. Additionally, it explores how gravitational forces are influenced within a multi-layered spherical solid that has varying densities, particularly in the middle layer with the least density. The implications of these scenarios on gravitational calculations are significant for understanding gravity in complex structures. Overall, the thread seeks to clarify these gravitational phenomena in specific geometrical contexts.
dougettinger
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I know about the shell theorem and that the force of gravity due to the mass of the spherical shell is zero inside. I have some questions that may easily be answered for other special cases using the shell theorm and the law of gravity.

1. Does this same conclusion hold for an ellipsoid and/or a disk with the shell on the exterior perimeter ?

2. How is the gravity force inside a spherical solid affected if it has two layers and a central core all with different but homogeneous densities ? Especially inside the middle layer that has the least density and least mass ?

Thoughtfully, Doug Ettinger
 
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