Find Mass of Ball B w/ Triple Integrals & Cylindrical Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the mass of a ball defined by the inequality "x^2+y^2+z^2≤a^2" using cylindrical coordinates, where the density is proportional to the distance from the z-axis. Participants explore the setup of the triple integral necessary for this calculation and the challenges associated with integrating it.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the density should be expressed as K*sqrt(x^2+y^2) or K*r, seeking clarification on the correct formulation.
  • The initial setup of the triple integral is presented, with limits defined for z, r, and θ, but the participant expresses difficulty in performing the integration due to the presence of two r^2 terms.
  • Another participant suggests using spherical coordinates instead, claiming that the integration would be simpler in that system.
  • A participant insists on using cylindrical coordinates as specified by the book and asks for confirmation on the correctness of their setup.
  • There is a suggestion that the integration should be straightforward, with a specific integral expression provided, but the reasoning behind the difficulty is questioned.
  • One participant points out an omission of an additional r factor in the integral setup, which is acknowledged and corrected by the original poster.
  • Further advice is given to use a "sin/cos" substitution to facilitate the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the complexity of the integration process and whether cylindrical or spherical coordinates are more appropriate. There is no consensus on the ease of integration or the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved aspects regarding the integration limits and the specific form of the density function, as well as the implications of using different coordinate systems.

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Find the mass of a ball B given by "x^2+y^2+z^2≤a^2" if the density at any point is proportional to its distance from the z-axis using cylindrical coordinates So is the density equal to K*sqrt(x^2+y^2), or K*r?


Using triple integral of f(rcosθ, rsinθ, z)*r*dz*dr*dθ) I got the following: the triple integral of K*r^2dz*dr*dθ, and the limits for the integral w/ respect to z being from -sqrt(a^2-x^2-y^2) to sqrt(a^2-x^2-y^2), which becomes -sqrt(a^2-r^2) to sqrt(a^2-r^2), limits w/ respect to r being from 0 to a and w/ respect to theta from 0 to 2*pi.

Doing it I find the integral very hard to integrate because I can't do u-subsititon with two r^2's.

Am I doing anythign wrong? Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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U can very well use spherical coordinates.I'm sure the integration is immediate.

Daniel.
 
I can't. the stupid book asks us to use cylindrical coordinates.

Is my setup right though?
 
Why?What's the point...?Why is it hard to integrate...

[tex]M=k\int_{0}^{2\pi}d\varphi \int_{0}^{a}r^{2} \ dr \int_{-\sqrt{a^{2}-r^{2}}}^{+\sqrt{a^{2}-r^{2}}} \ dz[/tex]

I think it's trivial.

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
You forgot a r...in cylindrical coordinates you there's an extra r.
 
You're right,i edited.Then do it...It's not difficult.You can make a "sin/cos" substitution and solve it easily.

Daniel.
 

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