Spherical Coordinates and Centre of Mass

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving spherical coordinates and the calculation of the x-coordinate of the center of mass for a volume defined by specific inequalities in spherical coordinates. The context includes understanding the implications of uniform density within the specified region.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between spherical coordinates and the center of mass, with questions about the density function and the integration process required for the calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on necessary concepts, such as the differential volume element in spherical coordinates. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions regarding the density function, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to show work before receiving assistance, highlighting the educational context of the discussion. The original poster expresses uncertainty about spherical coordinates and the density function, which may affect their approach to the problem.

JaysFan31
Wondering if someone could help me get this answer. I don't get spherical coordinates at all.

The volume of the region given in spherical coordinates by the inequalities
3 less than or equal to rho less than or equal to 5
0 less than or equal to phi less than or equal to pi/6
-pi/6 less than or equal to theta less than or equal to pi/6
is filled with uniform material. Find the x-coordinate of the centre of mass.

Thanks for any help.

John
 
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You need to show your work before you get help. What are your thoughts/ideas on this problem?
 
Ok. I know that the centre of mass is the triple integration of density x-bar over just the triple integration of the mass. I guess I don't know what the density function is. I'm pretty sure that x=rhosin(phi)cos(theta).

I'll integrate with the given bounds. But what is the density function?
 
Well, what happens if the density is 1 (with appropriate units)?
 
You will also need to know that the "differential of volume" in spherical coordinates is
[tex]\rho^2 sin(\phi)d\rho d\theta d\phi[/tex]
(I'm sure that's in your textbook!)
 

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