How to justify the shell theory by using Gauss Law?

In summary, as an object moves deeper under the surface of the Earth, the layers above it no longer exert gravitational force and only the mass underneath becomes significant. This statement is supported by Newton's shell theorem, which states that only the mass inside a given sphere affects the gravitational force on an object. This can be further explained through Gauss' law, which shows that the only mass that matters is inside a Gaussian sphere.
  • #1
Negi Magi
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"As the ball gets deeper under the surface of the Earth, the layers above it stop exerting gravitational force, and all that matters is the mass underneath."

How to justify this sentence is true?
 
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  • #2
Negi Magi said:
"As the ball gets deeper under the surface of the Earth, the layers above it stop exerting gravitational force, and all that matters is the mass underneath."

How to justify this sentence is true?

Well it was proven in general by Newton a few hundred years ago: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_theorem

Using Gauss' law, it's manifest in that you only consider the mass inside the Gaussian sphere. In a sense, Gauss' law embodies the shell theorem.
 

Related to How to justify the shell theory by using Gauss Law?

1. What is the shell theory and how does it relate to Gauss Law?

The shell theory is a concept in physics that describes the behavior of charged particles within a spherical shell. This theory is based on Gauss Law which states that the electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the enclosed charge.

2. How is Gauss Law used to justify the shell theory?

Gauss Law is used to justify the shell theory by showing that the electric field inside a uniformly charged spherical shell is zero. This means that there is no net force acting on a particle inside the shell, which supports the idea that the particles are evenly distributed on the surface of the shell.

3. Can Gauss Law be used to justify other shell theories besides the one for charged particles?

Yes, Gauss Law can be used to justify other shell theories such as the gravitational shell theorem, which states that the gravitational force inside a spherical shell is zero. This is because the gravitational field obeys a similar mathematical form as the electric field in Gauss Law.

4. Are there any limitations to using Gauss Law to justify the shell theory?

One limitation is that Gauss Law assumes a spherical symmetry, so it cannot be applied to non-spherical shells. Additionally, Gauss Law only applies to static electric fields, so it cannot be used to justify the behavior of charged particles in a changing electric field.

5. Are there any practical applications of using Gauss Law to justify the shell theory?

Yes, the shell theory and Gauss Law have practical applications in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric fields, such as in designing electrical circuits and studying the motion of particles in a plasma. They also have applications in astrophysics, such as in understanding the structure of stars and planets.

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