An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 10.2

The Sun — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · gravitational-force-hollow-shell

Problem

Prove that the gravitational force on a point mass located anywhere inside a hollow, spherically symmetric shell is zero. Assume that the mass of the shell is MM and has a constant density ρ\rho. Assume also that the radius of the inside surface of the shell is r1r_1 and that the radius of the outside surface is r2r_2. The mass of the point is mm.

Related theory

Browse the problem library