Calculus III: Sketching Solids with Spherical Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on sketching solids using spherical coordinates, specifically for the solid defined by the parameters 0≤ θ ≤π/2, 0≤ φ ≤π/6, and 0≤ ρ ≤2cosφ. The solid resembles a bowl with a maximum radius of ρ=√3. The range of ρ is contingent on φ, starting from 0 to 2 when φ=0, and narrowing to 0 to 2cosφ as φ approaches π/6. Understanding the relationship between ρ, φ, and θ is crucial for accurately graphing the solid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their notation
  • Familiarity with the concepts of ρ (radius), θ (azimuthal angle), and φ (polar angle)
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions, particularly cosine
  • Experience with graphing three-dimensional solids
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of spherical coordinates in depth
  • Learn how to convert between spherical and Cartesian coordinates
  • Explore graphing techniques for three-dimensional shapes using software like GeoGebra
  • Investigate the implications of varying φ and θ on the shape of solids
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, particularly those studying multivariable calculus, educators teaching spherical coordinates, and anyone interested in visualizing three-dimensional solids.

acid_rain
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I really have difficulty with spherical coordinates graphings. can someone help me with this problem?

Sketch the solid consisting of all points with spherical coordinates (ρ,θ,φ) such that 0≤ θ ≤π/2, 0≤ φ ≤π/6, and 0≤ ρ ≤2cosφ

thanks so much!

i think this looks like a bowl with radius ρ= root 3,
then I don't understand how to graph theta and phi according to that range. that's where i got stuck.
 
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The "range" of ρ is dependent upon the value of φ. So if you start at φ=0. At this point, all the ρ btw 0 and 2 are permitted. But as φ progresses towards π/6, ρ can ony take value btw 0 and 2cosφ. And at φ=π/6, it can only take values btw 0 and [itex]\sqrt{3}[/itex]. In btw, the range of rho decrease as cosφ decreases btw 0 and π/6, i.e. very slowly at the beginning (the crest of the cos) and then steadily until π/6.

Now that you've got the range of ρ and φ covered, just complete the volume by making θ vary.
 

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