- #1
erb12c
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Homework Statement
I am having a hard time understanding where to begin with this problem. Here it is:
Consider a thin rod of length L and constant density n that lies on the x-axis with endpoints at x=0 and x=L.
(i) Find a formula for the gravitational potential Φ = Φ(x) at the (variable) point P located on the positive x-axis at coordinate x>L.
(ii) Find the gravitational field vector E=E(x) = -E(x)i at the point P and show that the gravitational intensity is E(x)=m/x(x-L), where m is the mass of the rod.
Homework Equations
Total mass due to mass density μ over Volume V m=∫μ dv
Potential Due to Mass Density η over Curve C Φ=∫η/r dl
The Attempt at a Solution
I do not know how to start a solution because first I am confused as to which equation I would use and then second I get confused as to how I find the variables. I have done this problem with a circular disk instead of a thin rod and it was easier because I could find r but now I am lost.