How can we use a polar double integral to derive the volume of a sphere?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the volume of a sphere using a polar double integral. The sphere's radius is denoted as 'a', with the integral defined from r = 0 to a and θ from 0 to 2π. The equation of the sphere is expressed as x² + y² + z² = r², and the volume is calculated by integrating over the circle in the x-y plane and doubling the result. A common mistake identified is the confusion between the variable 'r' and the sphere's radius, which can lead to errors in the calculations.

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  • Understanding of polar coordinates and polar double integrals
  • Familiarity with the equation of a sphere in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of multivariable calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Ability to perform variable substitutions in integrals
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Hey everyone, My task this time is to derive the volume of a sphere using a polar double integral.

The sphere has radius [tex]a[/tex] we know that r goes from 0 to a in this integral.

The equation for a sphere is:

[tex]x^2 + y^2 +z^2 = r^2[/tex]
or [tex]f(x,y) = \sqrt{r^2 -x^2 -y^2}[/tex]
and it intersects the x-y plane in a circle:

[tex]x^2 + y^2 = r^2[/tex]So if we find the volume over this circle and under the positive half of the sphere and double it we should get the volume we want.

r goes from 0 to a, and [tex]\theta[/tex] goes from 0 to[tex]2\pi[/tex].

So we get:

[tex]2 \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^a f( r\cos\theta , r\sin\theta ) r dr d\theta[/tex]

My problem is that whenever I fill in the polar conversions for x and y my sphere equation becomes z=0. I know I'm missing something simple but I can't figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Because you're confusing your r's. One of them is a variable, the other is the radius of the sphere
 
wow! i must be tired! Thanks a lot shredder
 

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