Dimensional analysis and frustum of a cone

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dimensional analysis of the volume of a frustum of a cone, specifically evaluating the expression πh(r1^2 + r1r2 + r2^2) in relation to its dimensional consistency. Participants are exploring the geometrical properties and mensuration formulas relevant to the frustum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how the expression for volume relates to dimensional analysis, questioning how the dimensions align with the expected volume unit of [L^3]. There are discussions about the definitions of the variables involved and the relationships between the dimensions of the frustum.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and clarifications regarding the relationships between the dimensions of the cones involved and the volume formula. There is an acknowledgment of the confusion surrounding the dimensional analysis, with some participants expressing progress in their understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is a focus on proving the volume expression through dimensional analysis without providing direct solutions.

selig
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi
Im having some difficulty with the following question:
Figure P1.14 shows a frustrum of a cone. Of the following mensuration (geometrical) expressions, which describes (a) the total circumference of the flat circular faces, (b) the volume, and (c) the area of the curved surface?
(i) π(r1 + r2)[h2 + (r1 – r2)2]1/2 (ii) 2π(r1 + r2) (iii) πh(r1^2 + r1r2 + r2^2)

and I am at part b.
Since I already know that the volume of a frustum of a cone is number (iii) I have to now prove it.
The problem is that I am having some difficulty showing it with the use of dimensional analysis.

Since V=[L^3]
how is possible that πh(r^12 + r1r2 + r2^2) is equal to it?
I know that r=L and h=L but completely confused on how to set it up
can someone point me in the right direction? I don't


thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First start off with a cone, say cone A. If you slice off a smaller cone, say cone B, from the "top" of cone A, the solid that remains is a frustrum.

For this question, I believe [tex]r_1[/tex] is the radius of the circular base of cone A (equivalently, the larger flat circular face of the frustrum) and [tex]r_2[/tex] is the radius of the circular base of cone B (equivalently, the smaller flat circular face of the frustrum). I think the quantity h refers to the height of the frustrum.

Here are some useful hints for solving part (b) of the question:
1) How do you find the volume of a cone?
2) Cones A and B are similar; use this to express the heights of cones A and B in terms of [tex]r_1[/tex], [tex]r_2[/tex] and h.
3) Note that [tex]x^3 - y^3 \ = \ (x-y)(x^2+xy+y^2)[/tex].

To clarify some of the expressions in your original post,
Option (i) [tex]\pi(r_1+r_2)\sqrt{h^2+(r_1-r_2)^2}[/tex]
Option (iii) [tex]\frac{1}{3}\pi h (r_1^2+r_{1}r_{2}+r_2^2)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
thank you, I think I got it
 
I'm struggling on practically this exact problem right now in my textbook.

The way I see it, I get this:

L (L2 + L2 + L2) = L3 + L3 + L3 = 3L3

But I don't see how I can arrive at L3 from my end answer...
 
Meadman23 said:
I'm struggling on practically this exact problem right now in my textbook.

The way I see it, I get this:

L (L2 + L2 + L2) = L3 + L3 + L3 = 3L3

But I don't see how I can arrive at L3 from my end answer...

I just had to answer my own question here. The 3 disappears because it's dimensionless!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
922
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K