Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 5-11

Calculus of Variations — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · gravitational-potential-average-spherical-surface

Problem

Consider a massive body of arbitrary shape and a spherical surface that is exterior to and does not contain the body. Show that the average value of the potential due to the body taken over the spherical surface is equal to the value of the potential at the center of the sphere.

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