Force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground

In summary, the force needed to unstick a semi sphere from the ground is proportional to thesurface area of the semi sphere multiplied by the pressure inside the semi sphere. The net force is always worth 2\pi r^2. If you pull on the flat face of the semi sphere instead of the hemisphere, the force is half as much.
  • #1
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0. Homework Statement

What is the force required to unstick a semi sphere from the ground if the pressure inside the semi sphere is lesser than the one outside it?
Assume the semi sphere has a radius of [tex]r[/tex].


1. The attempt at a solution

[tex]\Delta P = \frac{F_{\text {net}}}{A}[/tex] where [tex]A[/tex] is the surface area of the semi sphere, that is [tex]A=2\pi r^2[/tex] and P is the pressure.
So I get that the net force (pointing upward) is worth [tex]2\pi r^2 \Delta P[/tex].
I wonder if I'm correct.
 
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  • #2
Not so fast. I assume that one pulls in a direction perpendicular to the flat face. Now suppose that instead of pulling on the hemisphere, you pulled on the flat face. Then the area would be just πr2 giving half as much force. This is the correct answer because the force has the same magnitude and direction over the flat face so it is fair to say that "force is pressure times area" in this case. For the hemisphere, you have to do an integral in which case you will get the same answer. Area elements dA near the "equator" generate little force to oppose the direction of the pull along the "pole."
 
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  • #3
Ok thanks kuruman. I over simplified the problem, now I know how it is.
 
  • #4
This problem is haunting my brain.
I'm trying to do it via the integration method.

I can use the fact that the surface area of the hemisphere is [tex]2\pi r^2[/tex] and it remains to find the force acting on a differential of area ([tex]dA[/tex]) and integrate it. But I don't success in it.
I realize that only the vertical component of the force matters, that is [tex]F\sin \theta[/tex] but I have to replace [tex]F[/tex] by [tex]\Delta PA[/tex]. I have some difficulties when it comes to find the [tex]A[/tex] (more precisely the [tex]dA[/tex]). So I'd have [tex]dF=\Delta P dA[/tex] because the pressure is constant. Hence [tex]F=\Delta P \int dA[/tex].

As you can see I'm confused.

Can someone help me a bit more?
 
  • #5
Take the axis of symmetry of the hemisphere to be z and assume that you pull along the z-axis. Use standard spherical angles θ and φ. Note that θ is measured from the z-axis. An area element on the surface of the sphere is

dA = r2sinθ dθ dφ

The force on this element is dF = p dA in a direction radially in and perpendicular to the surface. The z- component of this is

(dF)z = r2sinθ cosθ dθ dφ

Integrate. It is best to double the force over half a hemisphere because of the unconventional limits of integration for θ.
 
  • #6
kuruman said:
Take the axis of symmetry of the hemisphere to be z and assume that you pull along the z-axis. Use standard spherical angles θ and φ. Note that θ is measured from the z-axis. An area element on the surface of the sphere is

dA = r2sinθ dθ dφ

The force on this element is dF = p dA in a direction radially in and perpendicular to the surface. The z- component of this is

(dF)z = r2sinθ cosθ dθ dφ

Integrate. It is best to double the force over half a hemisphere because of the unconventional limits of integration for θ.
Thanks infinitely. Although I did calculus III (didn't ace it) I feel that was a bit over my head. I'll think about it.
 

FAQ: Force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground

What factors affect the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground?

The force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground is affected by several factors, including the weight of the sphere, the type of surface it is stuck to, and the coefficient of friction between the sphere and the surface. Additionally, the angle at which the force is applied and the shape of the sphere can also impact the force needed.

How is the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground calculated?

The force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground can be calculated using the equation F = µN, where F is the force, µ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force (equal to the weight of the sphere in this case). This equation takes into account the factors that affect the force, as mentioned in the previous answer.

Can the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground be reduced?

Yes, there are a few ways to reduce the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground. One way is to decrease the coefficient of friction by using a lubricant or changing the surface material. Another way is to increase the angle at which the force is applied, as this can decrease the normal force acting on the sphere. Additionally, changing the shape of the sphere to one with a flatter surface can also reduce the force needed.

How does the shape of the sphere affect the force needed to unstick it?

The shape of the sphere can have a significant impact on the force needed to unstick it from the ground. A sphere with a flatter surface will have a larger contact area with the ground, resulting in a larger normal force and therefore, a higher force needed to unstick it. On the other hand, a sphere with a more curved surface will have a smaller contact area and require less force to unstick.

Is the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground the same in all directions?

No, the force needed to unstick a semi sphere on the ground will vary depending on the direction in which the force is applied. This is because the angle at which the force is applied can impact the normal force and therefore, the force needed to overcome the friction and unstick the sphere. Generally, the force needed will be greater when pulling directly upwards compared to pulling at an angle.

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