Using Newtonian field equation to find the gravity inside a sphere

In summary, to work out the gravitational field at a distance r=R/2 from the centre of a spherically symmetric body of radius R, we can use the equation \nabla^{2}\psi=4\pi G \rho and the integral \psi=G\int_{V'}\rho\frac{1}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r^{'}}|}d^{3}\vec{r^{'}}, where V=4/3∏r3. After simplifying, the final solution is \frac{7}{6}\rho \pi r^{3}. However, it should be noted that there is a missing G*2*pi in one of the integrals.
  • #1
lostminty
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Homework Statement



work out g field at a distance r=R/2 from the centre of a spherically symmetric body of radius R.

Homework Equations



[itex]\nabla^{2}\psi=4\pi G \rho[/itex]

[itex]\psi=G\int_{V'}\rho\frac{1}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r^{'}}|}d^{3}\vec{r^{'}}[/itex]

[itex]-\int_{V}\nabla\cdot g dV = \int_{V}\rho dV[/itex]

V=4/3∏r3

The Attempt at a Solution



V=4/3∏r3

V1=4/3∏(R/2)3 = 1/6∏R3
V2=4/3∏R3
[itex]\int_{1/6\pi R^{3}}^{4/3\pi R^{3}}\rho dV[/itex]

[itex]=\rho(4/3\pi R^{3}-1/6\pi R^{3})[/itex]

[itex]=\frac{7}{6}\rho \pi r^{3}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
lostminty said:

Homework Statement



work out g field at a distance r=R/2 from the centre of a spherically symmetric body of radius R.

Homework Equations



[itex]\nabla^{2}\psi=4\pi G \rho[/itex]

[itex]\psi=G\int_{V'}\rho\frac{1}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r^{'}}|}d^{3}\vec{r^{'}}[/itex]

[itex]-\int_{V}\nabla\cdot g dV = \int_{V}\rho dV[/itex]

V=4/3∏r3

The Attempt at a Solution



V=4/3∏r3

V1=4/3∏(R/2)3 = 1/6∏R3
V2=4/3∏R3
[itex]\int_{1/6\pi R^{3}}^{4/3\pi R^{3}}\rho dV[/itex]

[itex]=\rho(4/3\pi R^{3}-1/6\pi R^{3})[/itex]

[itex]=\frac{7}{6}\rho \pi r^{3}[/itex]


should be a G*2*pi in the front of one of those integrals
 

FAQ: Using Newtonian field equation to find the gravity inside a sphere

What is the Newtonian field equation used for?

The Newtonian field equation is used to calculate the gravitational force between two objects based on their masses and the distance between them.

How does the Newtonian field equation differ from the general theory of relativity?

The Newtonian field equation is a simpler, classical approach to calculating gravity, while the general theory of relativity takes into account the effects of space and time on gravity.

How can the Newtonian field equation be used to find gravity inside a sphere?

The Newtonian field equation can be applied to a uniform sphere by treating it as a point mass at the center of the sphere. This allows for the calculation of the gravitational force at any point inside the sphere.

Are there any limitations to using the Newtonian field equation to find gravity inside a sphere?

Yes, the Newtonian field equation assumes that the mass of the sphere is evenly distributed and that the sphere is not rotating. This may not always be the case in real-world situations.

How is the Newtonian field equation related to the concept of gravitational potential energy?

The Newtonian field equation can be used to calculate the gravitational potential energy between two objects. This potential energy is the work required to move an object from one point to another in the presence of gravity.

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