Finding the volume of a sphere sliced by a plane

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of the region above the plane z = 2 and inside the sphere defined by the equation x² + y² + z² = 9. The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the application of triple integrals in different coordinate systems.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using spherical coordinates and cylindrical coordinates for setting up the volume integral. There are attempts to clarify the limits of integration and the definitions of variables in spherical coordinates. Some participants express uncertainty about specific expressions used in the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have suggested alternative methods and provided insights into the setup of the integrals. There is no explicit consensus yet, as participants continue to seek clarification and explore different perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of using different coordinate systems and the necessity of visualizing the problem to determine the correct limits of integration. There is mention of potential errors in the original setup, and some participants are questioning specific assumptions made in the problem.

tasveerk
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Homework Statement


What is the volume of the region above the plane z = 2 and inside the sphere x2 +y2 +z2 = 9.


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


I am trying to use a spherical triple integral. I am mainly having trouble finding ∅.
This is what I have been trying ∫arccos(2/3)02∏32 ρ2sin∅dpdθp∅
The answer is 8∏/3. I am pretty sure there are errors in my setup
 
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You should plot the graph to help you visualize the volume and its boundaries.
Using spherical coordinates:
\iiint {\rho}^2 \sin \phi \,.d\rho d\phi d\theta

Then describe the region (the crucial step in determining the limits):
For \phi and \theta fixed, \rho varies from \frac{2}{\cos \phi} to 3
For \theta fixed, \phi varies from 0 to \cos^{-1} \frac{2}{3}
\theta varies from 0 to 2∏

In order to get the exact answer, you need to work with the inverse angles accordingly, without using their decimal counterparts, which will obviously give you a decimal answer.
 
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Would you mind explaining where you got 2/cos∅ from? Also, can you recommend a good utility to graph these functions?
Thanks!
 
tasveerk said:
Would you mind explaining where you got 2/cos∅ from?
Thanks!

What is the definition of z in terms of spherical coordinates?
Example, x in terms of spherical coordinates is given by: \rho \sin \phi \cos \theta

tasveerk said:
Also, can you recommend a good utility to graph these functions?

Personally, i just draw them on paper, and i recommend you do the same, unless you're allowed to bring special graphing equipments with you in the exams.
Maybe you could try this: http://www.wolframalpha.com/
Although, i think someone else might be better able to advise you on finding the best software for graphing in 3D.
 
The integration would be much easier in cylindrical coordinates. The volume element can be the thin slice of thickness dz at height z with radius ρ=√(9-z2).


ehild
 

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Using ehild's suggestion, you would get:

\iiint rdrd\theta dz

Description of region:
For r and θ fixed, z varies from z=\sqrt{(9-r^2)} to z=3.
For θ fixed, r varies from r=0 to r=√5
θ varies from 0 to 2∏

You should get the same answer.
 
I meant the integral
V=\int_2^3{\int_0^{\sqrt{9-z^2}}{r \int_0^{2\pi}{d\theta}dr}dz}
which is equivalent to integrating the volume element dV=ρ2πdz with respect to z from z=2 to z=3 where ρ=√(9-z^2)

V=\pi\int_2^3{(9-z^2)dz}

ehild
 
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