Determining the surface area on a 5 sided lunar esque shape

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the surface area of a five-sided shape, described as resembling a banana peel, where each side is modeled as a spherical lune on a sphere with a radius of 3 inches. Participants are exploring how to calculate the surface area given the unique geometry of the shape.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of using a simple length times width approach for calculating the area of the lunes. There is a suggestion that the relationship may be more complex, involving angles and the radius of the sphere. Some participants are exploring the formula for the area of a spherical lune and whether it can be applied to multiple lunes.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the geometry involved, with some participants providing insights into the formula for the area of a spherical lune. However, there is no consensus on how to apply this to the specific shape being discussed, particularly due to the lack of a visual representation of the figure.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the absence of a visual aid to clarify the shape's geometry, which may be impacting the discussion. The original poster expresses confusion and seeks further understanding of the problem.

GeometryIsHARD
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to figure out the surface area on a 5 sided shape where the sides can all be modeled by "lunes". The shape will end up looking like a banana peel. We are modeling the sides of the shape as lunes with varying angles on a sphere of radius 3 inches. I'm trying to figure out how I would determine the surface area of the banana peel.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Let me begin by saying I am quite confused... I have done a lot of thinking on this problem but seemingly to no avail. If I have 5 sides, could I do a length x width for each side and multiply it by 5? I need one of you genius's on this forum to help me understand what's going on here!
 
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GeometryIsHARD said:

Homework Statement


I'm trying to figure out the surface area on a 5 sided shape where the sides can all be modeled by "lunes". The shape will end up looking like a banana peel. We are modeling the sides of the shape as lunes with varying angles on a sphere of radius 3 inches. I'm trying to figure out how I would determine the surface area of the banana peel.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Let me begin by saying I am quite confused... I have done a lot of thinking on this problem but seemingly to no avail. If I have 5 sides, could I do a length x width for each side and multiply it by 5? I need one of you genius's on this forum to help me understand what's going on here!
What makes you think that the area of one lune = length multiplied by the width? How closely do your lunes resemble rectangles?
 
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Ah, i suppose not very close, was just taking a shot in the dark. Is there a similar equation for this situation? It must be a bit more complicated because it would include angles and radius of the sphere I suppose.
 
GeometryIsHARD said:
Ah, i suppose not very close, was just taking a shot in the dark. Is there a similar equation for this situation? It must be a bit more complicated because it would include angles and radius of the sphere I suppose.
It's not clear what this shape looks like, but here is more information on the geometry of spherical lunes:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_lune
 
so the surface area of a spherical lune is given by 2*θ*R^2, and since there are five lunes would it just be this multiplied by 5?
 
GeometryIsHARD said:
so the surface area of a spherical lune is given by 2*θ*R^2, and since there are five lunes would it just be this multiplied by 5?
As long as each lune is identical in having the same angle θ.

You've never attached a picture of this figure, so I can't say for certain. :frown:
 
a banana peel where each side can be modeled as a lune
 

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