Finding the centroid of a cardiod curve.

The centroid is given by the formula \bar{y} = \frac{\int_{0}^{2\pi} \int_{0}^{2sin^{2}\frac{\phi}{2}} (y)(dA)}{\int_{0}^{2\pi} \int_{0}^{2sin^{2}\frac{\phi}{2}} (dA)}. So you need to find the limits of integration for y and dA and then evaluate the integral.In summary, the conversation discusses a cardioid curve in plane polar coordinates and its parametrisation. The upper half of the curve is then revolved around the x axis to form a shape resembling an apple. The problem asks for the centroid of
  • #1
PhyStan7
18
0

Homework Statement



A cardioid or heart shaped curve is given in plane polar coordinates [itex]\rho[/itex],[itex]\phi[/itex] by the parametrisation [itex]\rho[/itex]=1-cos[itex]\phi[/itex] or equivilantly
[itex]\rho[/itex]=2sin[itex]^{2} (\frac{ϕ}{2})[/itex] for [itex]0\leq\phi[/itex][itex]\leq[/itex]2[itex]\pi[/itex]

A shape resembling an apple is generated by revolving the upper (+y) half of the cardioid curve about the x axis. Show using an integral of functions of [itex]\frac{ϕ}{2}[/itex], that the upper half of the cardioid curve lies at [itex]\bar{y}[/itex]=[itex]\frac{4}{5}[/itex]

Homework Equations



[itex]\bar{y}[/itex]=[itex]\int[/itex]ydA[itex]\div[/itex][itex]\int[/itex]dA

The Attempt at a Solution



Sorry about my awful latex usage, I have never used this stuff before! Basically I try the above integral. I found the area of the whole shape (above and below x axis) in a previous part as [itex]\frac{3}{2}[/itex][itex]\pi[/itex] by integrating the limits 0[itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\phi[/itex][itex]\leq[/itex]2[itex]\pi[/itex] and [itex]\rho[/itex] between 0 and 2sin[itex]^{2}[/itex][itex]\frac{ϕ}{2}[/itex] which I know is right.

For the top part of the integral I am trying it with y=[itex]\rho[/itex]sin[itex]\phi[/itex] with [itex]\phi[/itex] between 0 and [itex]\pi[/itex] and [itex]\rho[/itex] between 0 and 2sin[itex]^{2}[/itex][itex]\frac{ϕ}{2}[/itex] but it does not work as the extra [itex]sin\phi[/itex] means it is impossible to have a [itex]\pi[/itex] in the integral solution so the final answer for [itex]\bar{y}[/itex] will always be over [itex]\pi[/itex] . I think I am setting up the ydA integral wrong but am not sure how. Any guidance wouild be much appreciated, cheers.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For greater clarity I have attached the question ( part b i), I have already done a) and my attempt at a solution. I just think perhaps I am setting up the integral wrong, any hints to get me on the right track would be appreciated, thanks!
 

Attachments

  • Question.jpg
    Question.jpg
    31.8 KB · Views: 613
  • Question attempt.jpg
    Question attempt.jpg
    30.7 KB · Views: 513
  • #3
You're misinterpreting the problem. It's asking for the centroid of the curve, not the surface.
 

FAQ: Finding the centroid of a cardiod curve.

What is a centroid?

A centroid is the geometric center or average position of all the points in a shape or curve. It is often referred to as the center of mass.

How is the centroid of a cardioid curve calculated?

The centroid of a cardioid curve can be calculated by finding the average of the x and y coordinates of all the points on the curve. This can be done by using the formula:
x̄ = (1/N) * ∑x
ȳ = (1/N) * ∑y
where N is the total number of points and ∑x and ∑y are the sums of all the x and y coordinates, respectively.

Why is finding the centroid of a cardioid curve important?

Finding the centroid of a cardioid curve is important because it helps in understanding the distribution of mass in the curve. It also has various applications in engineering, physics, and mathematics.

Can the centroid of a cardioid curve be located outside the curve?

No, the centroid of a cardioid curve will always be located within the curve. This is because the cardioid curve is a symmetrical shape.

Is there a specific formula for finding the centroid of a cardioid curve?

Yes, there is a specific formula for finding the centroid of a cardioid curve, which is x̄ = a/2 and ȳ = 4a/(3π) where a is the radius of the cardioid curve.

Back
Top