Surface Area of Sphere above xy-Plane & in Cylinder

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surface area of the portion of the sphere defined by the equation x² + y² + z² = a² that lies above the xy-plane and within the cylinder x² + y² = b², where 0 ≤ b ≤ a. Participants clarify that this is not a surface integral but a surface area calculation. They recommend visualizing the problem using 3-D software like Mathematica and suggest checking the case when a = b as a method to validate the integration approach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical equations, specifically x² + y² + z² = a²
  • Familiarity with cylindrical equations, particularly x² + y² = b²
  • Basic knowledge of surface area calculations in multivariable calculus
  • Proficiency in using mathematical visualization tools such as Mathematica
NEXT STEPS
  • Study surface area calculations for spheres and cylinders in multivariable calculus
  • Learn how to use Mathematica for 3-D graphing and visualization
  • Explore the concept of surface integrals and their applications
  • Investigate the implications of boundary conditions in surface area problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and geometry, as well as anyone involved in mathematical modeling and visualization techniques.

mathwurkz
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Hi! I don't know how to approach this problem. I need a little bit of help please. Here is the problem:
Find the surface area of that portion of the sphere [tex]x^2 +y^2 + z^2 =a^2[/tex] that is above the xy-plane and within the cylinder [tex]x^2 + y^2 = b^2, 0 \leq b \leq a[/tex]
 
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Give us some input on the integral youre thinking about..
 
mathwurkz said:
Hi! I don't know how to approach this problem. I need a little bit of help please. Here is the problem:
Find the surface area of that portion of the sphere [tex]x^2 +y^2 + z^2 =a^2[/tex] that is above the xy-plane and within the cylinder [tex]x^2 + y^2 = b^2, 0 \leq b \leq a[/tex]

Two things Mathwurkz:

1. That's not a surface integral but rather a calculation to determine the surface area. Surface integrals are different. Check them out if you wish.

2. Draw a picture: Ideally, draw one in 3-D using Mathematica or other software. But even a cross section would be helpful. Once you have an accurate picture in mind, it's easier to construct the integral for the surface area.

Edit: One more thing Mathwurkz:

What happens when a=b? Then the problem is easy right? Anyway, that's a good way to check your integration: If it works for this simple case which is known by inspection, then that gives some confidence it's correct when b is less than a.
 
Last edited:

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