Finding Volume Using Polar Coordinates: Inside Sphere and Outside Cylinder

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of a solid defined by the sphere \(x^2+y^2+z^2=16\) and the cylinder \(x^2+y^2=4\) using polar coordinates. The correct setup involves integrating the function \(\sqrt{16-r^2}r\) over the specified limits, with \(r\) ranging from 2 to 4 and \(\Theta\) from 0 to \(2\pi\). The final volume calculation yields \(\frac{4}{3}12^{3/2}\pi\), which is confirmed as correct despite initial concerns about the expected volume formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their application in three-dimensional space.
  • Familiarity with the equations of spheres and cylinders in Cartesian coordinates.
  • Knowledge of double integrals and their use in volume calculations.
  • Ability to perform substitutions in integrals for volume determination.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of polar coordinates in three-dimensional integrals.
  • Learn about the geometric interpretations of volume calculations involving spheres and cylinders.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including triple integrals for complex volumes.
  • Review examples of volume calculations using polar coordinates to reinforce understanding.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and solid geometry, as well as anyone involved in engineering or physics requiring volume calculations in polar coordinates.

EV33
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Homework Statement



Use polar coordinates to find the volume of the given solid.

Inside the sphere x²+y²+z²=16 and outside the cylinder x²+y²=4.

Homework Equations



x=rcosΘ,y=rsinΘ, x²+y²=r²

The Attempt at a Solution



2∫∫ (√(16-r²)r)drdΘ R{(r,Θ)l 0<Θ<2∏, 2<r<4}

I was wondering if this is the correct set up. I solved the equation for the sphere for z, and then substituted my x²+y², and I used that as the function which I want to integrate under because Its the function that goes the highest. Then I figured that the radius was going from 2 to 4 because that is the radius of each of the shapes. I chose to go from 0 to 2pi because I know that I need to roatate 360 degrees. I multiplied by two because i know the functions are symmetric.
 
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1) Why does r not vary from 0 to 4? (EDIT: I overlooked the cylinder)

2) Why do you have only two integrals if your integrating over a region in three-dimensional space?

Remember that in general the volume of some solid S in three dimensional space is given by
<br /> V = \int_S dx dy dz = \int_S r drd\Theta dz<br />
So the third question:

3)Why is the function you are integrating - √(16-r²)r) - different from r?
4) What does the capital R in your formula mean?
 
Last edited:
I had it not vary from 0 to 4 because it has to be inside the sphere but outside the cylinder which has a radius of 2. It is in two integrals because the problems at this point in the book only want you using double integrals.
 
Ok, as I see it now you had implicitly performed the z-integral
<br /> \int_0^{\sqrt{16-r^2}}dz=\sqrt{16-r^2}<br />

already.

Then the set-up looks correct to me.
 
Awesome. Thank you so much.
 
You're welcome. If you want your final result checked just post it.
 
sounds good. After the first integral I am getting (2/3)*(12)^(3/2), and then when I do the second integral I end up getting (4/3)*(12)^(3/2)*pi.

That answer worries me a little bit because I would expect it to be equal to this (4/3)*pi*4³-pi*2²*2*sqrt(2) but its not.
 
EV33 said:
sounds good. After the first integral I am getting (2/3)*(12)^(3/2), and then when I do the second integral I end up getting (4/3)*(12)^(3/2)*pi.

That answer worries me a little bit because I would expect it to be equal to this (4/3)*pi*4³-pi*2²*2*sqrt(2) but its not.

Why would you expect that? The answer
<br /> \frac{4}{3}12^{3/2}\pi = 32\sqrt{3}\pi<br />
is correct.

The volume you consider is NOT the volume of the sphere minus the volume of the cylinder because at the poles the cylinder is not contained in the sphere.
 
oh I see what you are saying. I don't know why I didn't realize that. Thank you.
 

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