What is the concept of a torus's center of mass and how can it be calculated?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass of a torus, specifically addressing the challenges in understanding the concept of a circular cross-section of the torus. The participants clarify that the radius of the cylinder (c) is equal to the distance from the center of the circular cross-section to the axis of the cylinder. It is established that the surface areas on either side of the divider are not equal due to their varying distances from the axis. The confusion surrounding the term "cross section of radius a centered on a circle of radius c" is resolved, leading to a clearer understanding of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of toroidal geometry
  • Familiarity with the concept of center of mass
  • Knowledge of circular cross-sections
  • Basic principles of rotational symmetry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of the center of mass for a torus
  • Explore the properties of circular cross-sections in 3D geometry
  • Learn about the application of integrals in calculating areas and volumes of solids of revolution
  • Investigate the implications of symmetry in physical systems
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Students studying physics or mathematics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and geometric properties of solids, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to the center of mass in toroidal shapes.

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Homework Statement



The question is attached in the picture. I did part (a) without much problems.. But I have no clue what part (b) is about at all! Even the solutions don't make much sense to me.



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to work out how the diagram would look like, illustrated in the second attachment. But still, I am lost...
 

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Look at a circular cross-section of the torus; since the cylinder is radius [itex]c[/itex], the same as the distance of the centre of the circular cross-section from the axis of the cylinder, the wall of the cylinder will divide the circular cross-section of the torus right down the middle. The surface area of the torus on either side of the divider will not be equal though, because one half is closer to the axis than the other half (Think of rotating a point around the axis, it scribes a cricle of circumference [itex]2\pi r[/itex] where [itex]r[/itex] is the distance from the axis)
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Look at a circular cross-section of the torus; since the cylinder is radius [itex]c[/itex], the same as the distance of the centre of the circular cross-section from the axis of the cylinder, the wall of the cylinder will divide the circular cross-section of the torus right down the middle. The surface area of the torus on either side of the divider will not be equal though, because one half is closer to the axis than the other half (Think of rotating a point around the axis, it scribes a cricle of circumference [itex]2\pi r[/itex] where [itex]r[/itex] is the distance from the axis)

I see! I've worked it out finally. Thanks! I wasn't sure what they meant by "cross section of radius a centred on a circle of radius c "..

Thanks for clearing it up!
 

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