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Q7.1(i):
Give the location of the centre of mass of a (i) sphere, each of uniform mass density. Does the centre of mass of a body necessarily lie inside the body ?

Solution :

1. Analysis of the Centre of Mass of a Uniform Sphere

By definition, the centre of mass ($CM$) of a system of particles is the weighted average position of all the mass in the system. For a continuous body with uniform mass density $\rho$, the position vector of the centre of mass $\vec{R}$ is given by the integral:

$$\vec{R} = \frac{1}{M} \int \vec{r} \, dm$$

Where:

  • $M$ is the total mass of the object.
  • $\vec{r}$ is the position vector of the infinitesimal mass element $dm$.

For a sphere of uniform density, the mass distribution is perfectly symmetrical about its geometric centre. Because every mass element $dm$ at position $(x, y, z)$ relative to the centre has a corresponding equal mass element $dm$ at $(-x, -y, -z)$, the integral of the position vectors across the entire volume cancels out to zero relative to the geometric centre [By Symmetry Argument].

Conclusion: The centre of mass of a uniform sphere coincides exactly with its geometric centre.

Radius $R$ CM

2. Analysis of Whether the Centre of Mass Must Lie Inside the Body

The centre of mass is a mathematical point representing the mean location of mass; it is not required by the laws of physics to reside within the physical boundaries of the object itself. The condition for the $CM$ to lie outside the body is that the body must possess a non-convex geometry or a specific distribution of mass where the "void" or "cavity" contributes significantly to the spatial average.

Object Type Location of CM Within Physical Boundary?
Solid Sphere Geometric Centre Yes
Uniform Ring Geometric Centre (Empty space) No
L-shaped Plate Point in the concave region No

Theoretical Justification: The integral $\vec{R} = \frac{1}{M} \int \vec{r} \, dm$ is a purely mathematical operation. If the mass $M$ is distributed such that large portions of space within the boundary of the bounding box have $dm = 0$ (as in a ring or a hollow shell), the weighted average can fall into that empty region [Per the definition of the centre of mass for non-solid systems].

Final Solution: The centre of mass of a uniform sphere is located at its geometric centre. No, the centre of mass of a body does not necessarily lie inside the body; it depends entirely on the mass distribution and geometry of the object.


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