Double integral polar coordinates trouble

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a solid bounded by a cone and the upper half of a sphere using cylindrical coordinates. The original poster attempts to express this volume as a double integral, leading to confusion regarding the correct limits and the volume element in cylindrical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the equations of the cone and sphere into cylindrical coordinates. There are attempts to clarify the volume element and the nature of the integral required for the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the limits of integration for both the cone and the sphere, while others are questioning the setup of the integral and the interpretation of the volume element. Guidance has been offered to help clarify the relationship between the cone and sphere in cylindrical coordinates.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the use of double versus triple integrals, with participants noting that volume integrals typically require three dimensions. The original poster is also seeking further clarification on the limits of integration for the cone and sphere.

Andrew123
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Homework Statement



Consider the volume of a solid bounded by the cone: z = sqrt(x^2 + y^2) and the top half of the sphere x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 18 that is for z >= 0

Using cylindrical coordinates, express the volume as a double integral.


Homework Equations


easy to sketch.. we can pretty easily figure r = 3 and theta = 2 pi


The Attempt at a Solution



I got integral of sqrt(18 - r^2) r.dr.d(theta) over r = { (rcos(theta), rsin(theta) | 0 <= r <= 3, 0 <= theta <= 2pi


but answer says... [sqrt(18-r^2) - r ] r.dr.d(theta) where have i gone wrong


thanks in advance for the help!
 
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Remember that we are dealing with cylindrical coordinates here, *not* spherical coordinates. So r2 = x2 + y2 and the volume element is r.dr.d[itex]\theta[/itex] dz.

So let's try again. Can you express the equation of the cone in terms of *cylindrical* coordinates?
 
im so lost :( where did the other r come from?
 
also r.dr.d(theta).dz is triple integral not double?
 
Andrew123 said:
im so lost :( where did the other r come from?
Which r? The expression, [itex]r dr d\theta dz[/itex] is simply the volume element in cylindrical coordinates. In Cartesian coordinates, the equivalent expression would be [itex]dx dy dz[/itex].
Andrew123 said:
also r.dr.d(theta).dz is triple integral not double?
Indeed it is. Volume integrals *must* be triple integrals.
Andrew123 said:
Consider the volume of a solid bounded by the cone: z = sqrt(x^2 + y^2) and the top half of the sphere x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 18 that is for z >= 0

Using cylindrical coordinates, express the volume as a double integral.
However, triple integrals may be expressed as a double integral by evaluating one of the integrals, in this case the integral with respect to z.
 
[sqrt(18-r^2) - r ] i mean the r bold and underlined.

So i went for z limits o to sqrt(18)

with R = {(x,y,z) in polar form | 0 <= z <= sqrt(18), 0 <=r <= 3, 0 <= theta <= 2pi}

for what integral? this is so confusing.. its just a Q for a practise exam is there anyway you could work it through abit? I find i understand much better if i can look at it to see how it works.. thankyou
 
Andrew123 said:
[sqrt(18-r^2) - r ] i mean the r bold and underlined.
We'll get to that eventually.
Andrew123 said:
its just a Q for a practise exam is there anyway you could work it through abit? I find i understand much better if i can look at it to see how it works.. thankyou
That's not the way it works here. I'll guide you through the question, which will help you understand it better, but I won't provide a complete or partial solution.

Can you try answering my question:
Hootenanny said:
So let's try again. Can you express the equation of the cone in terms of *cylindrical* coordinates?
In other words instead of writing

[tex]z = f\left(x,y\right)[/tex]

Write it in the form

[tex]z = g\left(r,\theta\right)[/tex]
 
so z=r for the cone in cylindrical form. now we are minusing the area from under the cone from the area under the half sphere right? so that's where we get our sqrt(18-r^2) - r from? because the z value ranges from z= sqrt(18-r^2) to z=r
 
Andrew123 said:
so z=r for the cone in cylindrical form.
Correct.
Andrew123 said:
now we are minusing the area from under the cone from the area under the half sphere right? so that's where we get our sqrt(18-r^2) - r from? because the z value ranges from z= sqrt(18-r^2) to z=r
Let's take it one step at a time. So, as you correct write we also have the equation of the upper half sphere:

[tex]z = \sqrt{18-r^2}[/tex]

and for the cone:

[tex]z = r[/tex]

Now, we need to figure out the limits. Note that the limits will be different for the sphere and cone. What are the limits for the sphere?
 
  • #10
Sorry had to sleep.. limits for sphere would be sqrt(18-r^2) and 0 and for the cone would be sqrt(18) and 0?
 
  • #11
Andrew123 said:
Sorry had to sleep.. limits for sphere would be sqrt(18-r^2) and 0 and for the cone would be sqrt(18) and 0?
You need to be careful here, either the upper or lower limit in each case should be a function of the radius. Your limits for there sphere are correct: the smallest value z can take is zero (at the origin) and the largest value z can take is on the surface of the sphere (i.e. z = (18-r2)1/2.

Now can you apply the same logic to the cone? What is the smallest value that z can take inside the cone. What is the largest value?
 

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