Changing order of integration in spherical coordinates

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The discussion revolves around setting up a triple integral in spherical coordinates to find the volume of a region bounded by a sphere and a cylinder. Participants debate the correct limits for the integration, particularly the dependence of the angle φ on the radius ρ due to the cylinder's constraints. It is clarified that the volume includes regions where ρ ranges from 0 to 1, allowing φ to vary freely from 0 to π/2. A cylindrical coordinate approach is also mentioned, which yields the same volume result as the original attempt but highlights the importance of careful coordinate selection. The conversation emphasizes the need for precision in defining integration limits to avoid confusion.
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Homework Statement



Let D be the region bounded below by the plane z=0, above by the sphere x^2+y^2+z^2=4, and on the sides by the cylinder x^2+y^2=1. Set up the triple integral in spherical coordinates that gives the volume of D using the order of integration dφdρdθ.

Homework Equations



The solution says that D is:

1.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



I thought that the solution was:

2.jpg


Could you please tell me where I’m going wrong? Many thanks!
 
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Your answer is correct. The solution is wrong.
 
Many thanks!
 
I'm afraid I don't agree with vela. The answer given is correct. The problem is the the value of φ on the cylinder depends on ρ. The equation of the cylinder is r = 1 where r is the polar radius. This gives r = ρsin(φ) = 1. If you are at the top of the cylinder φ = π/6 and ρ = 2 while at the bottom of the cylinder φ = π/2 and ρ = 1. φ is the function of ρ given by φ = sin-1(1/ρ). In the second integral, if you start at z axis and move in the φ direction, you start at φ = π/6 and how far you move depends on the value of ρ, and that value is sin-1(1/ρ) That gives the inner integral limits. Then ρ goes from 1 to 2 etc.

[Edit] Nope, I take it back. vela is right as he explains below.
 
Last edited:
You're describing the volume bounded by the cylinder and the sphere ρ=1, but the volume of D also include the region between ρ=0 and ρ=1 where φ can run unrestricted from 0 to π/2. That's what the OP's third integral corresponds to.

It's easy to write the volume in terms of cylindrical coordinates:

V=\int_0^1\int_0^{2\pi}\int_0^{\sqrt{4-r^2}} r\,dz\,d\theta\,dr

This integral evaluates to the same result as the OP's answer, but not the answer from the solution.
 
vela said:
You're describing the volume bounded by the cylinder and the sphere ρ=1, but the volume of D also include the region between ρ=0 and ρ=1 where φ can run unrestricted from 0 to π/2. That's what the OP's third integral corresponds to.

It's easy to write the volume in terms of cylindrical coordinates:

V=\int_0^1\int_0^{2\pi}\int_0^{\sqrt{4-r^2}} r\,dz\,d\theta\,dr

This integral evaluates to the same result as the OP's answer, but not the answer from the solution.

Ahhh yes, you're right. That's easy to miss; puts me in good company with the author :redface: And just emphasizes the point that you should choose your coordinate system and order of integration carefully, trying not to make the problem trickier than it is.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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