MHB Confused by Spherical Wedge Graphing on z-y Plane

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The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the graphing of a spherical wedge on the z-y plane in a solutions manual. It highlights that while part (a) of the problem is straightforward with a triple integral, part (b) raises questions about the placement of the lines forming angles φ1 and φ2. The lines are actually cones with a fixed angle to the z-axis, and their representation on the z-y plane is primarily for illustrative purposes. The clarification emphasizes that these angles can be oriented in various directions, not limited to the z-y plane. Understanding this graphical representation is crucial for accurately interpreting the spherical wedge in the context of the problem.
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View attachment 4461

Part (a) is easy to do by setting up a triple integral, but for part (b), I was a bit confused by the diagram provided by the solutions manual:
View attachment 4462

Why is the spherical wedge (shaded) graphed on the z-y axis? In the most general case, shouldn't the two lines that form angle $\phi_1$ and $\phi_2$ be arbitrarily placed (such that $\phi < \pi /2$) and not necessarily lying on the z-y plane? Since it is to my understanding that $\phi$ is measured from the positive z-axis in any direction away from it, or did they draw it on the z-y plane for illustrative purposes?
 

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Hey Rido! (Smile)

You're quite right. Those lines represent cones that have a fixed angle with the z axis.
Indeed, it's for illustrative purposes that only the intersection with the z-y-plane has been drawn. (Wasntme)
 

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