Changing order of integration in spherical coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves setting up a triple integral in spherical coordinates to calculate the volume of a region D, which is bounded below by the plane z=0, above by the sphere defined by x²+y²+z²=4, and laterally by the cylinder x²+y²=1. The original poster is seeking clarification on the correct limits of integration when changing the order of integration to dφdρdθ.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the limits of integration, particularly how the angle φ relates to the radius ρ in the context of the cylinder. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between φ and ρ, as well as the implications of the volume bounded by the cylinder and sphere.

Discussion Status

There are differing opinions on the correctness of the original solution provided. Some participants suggest that the original poster's interpretation is valid, while others initially disagree but later reconsider their stance. The discussion is exploring the implications of the coordinate system and the limits of integration without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the volume D includes regions where φ can vary freely, which may not have been fully accounted for in the original solution. There is an emphasis on the importance of carefully selecting the coordinate system and order of integration.

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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:

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

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:

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

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.
 

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