Finding Surface Area Cone through integration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surface area of a cone defined by the parametric equations x = u sin(a) cos(v), y = u sin(a) sin(v), and z = u cos(a) with integration limits 0 ≤ u ≤ b and 0 ≤ v ≤ 2π. The user initially computes the absolute value of the cross product of the partial derivatives r'(u) and r'(v), resulting in u sin(a). The integration of this expression leads to (π)(b^2) sin(a), which does not match the expected formula for the surface area of a cone. The user seeks assistance in resolving this discrepancy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric equations in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, specifically cross products
  • Familiarity with double integrals and their applications in surface area calculations
  • Basic concepts of cone geometry and surface area formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the surface area formula for a cone
  • Study the properties and applications of the cross product in vector calculus
  • Practice solving double integrals with varying limits
  • Explore parametric surface representations and their area calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable calculus and geometric applications, as well as anyone involved in mathematical modeling of surfaces.

maupassant
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Find the surface area of the cone with the following equations:
x= u sin(a)cos(v) , y= u sin(a)sin(v), z=u cos(a)
where 0<=u <=b , 0<=v<=2(pi), a is constant!

The Attempt at a Solution



Trying to solve this I first calculate the absolute value of the cross product of r'(u) and r'(v):

ABS(r'(u) x r'(v)) = SQRT(u^2 (sin(a) ^2)) = u sin(a)

Then I try to integrate this result by calculating


∫ ∫ (u sin(a)) du dv = ∫ (1/2)(b^2) (sin(a)) dv = (pi) (b^2) sin(a)

with 0<=u<=b and 0<=v<=2(pi) as limits of integration.


This result however does not correspond with the formula to find the surface area of a cone.
Could someone help out with this problem?
Thank you!

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Let a surface be X=(x(u,v),y(u,v),z(u,v)) . The element of area will be the cross product of Xu & Xv ( Xu is the partial derivative with respect to u &c.).Integrate this within the limits.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K