How Do You Derive the Volume Formula for a Cone with Variable Radius and Height?

  • Thread starter Thread starter chris777
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    deriving
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the volume formula for a cone with variable radius and height. The participant seeks clarification on whether the provided formula, V = π/3 * (R(1 - x/2π))^2 * √(R^2 - (R(1 - x/2π))^2), is the one they need to derive. They mention using Pythagoras' theorem to relate the cone's dimensions, specifically R, r, and h. The goal is to express the volume in terms of R and determine which value of x maximizes the cone's volume. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear derivation process to achieve this.
chris777
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I can't figure out how to derive this. This is the formula for the volume of a cone. R is a constant and the side of the cone. Can be any real number.

If anyone could take a crack at deriving this id be very greatful!

V = \pi/3 * (R(1 - x/2\pi))^2 * \sqrt{(R^2 - (R(1 - x/2\pi))^2}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is that your formula or the one you need to derive? And what exactly are you tring to derive? The formula for the volume of a cone?
 
V=\frac{\pi r^{2}h}{3}

.If the (semi)cone is rectangular (the axis joining the top and the center of the base (assumed a circle)),then u can use Pythagora's theorem

R^{2}=r^{2}+h^{2} and then can express the volume in terms of "R" and either the height "h",or the radius of the circle (the base) "r".

Daniel.
 
r = R(1-x/2pi)
h = sqrt( R^2 - ( R (1-x/2pi)))

these are put into the formula for the volume of the cone. Now I need to derive that equation to know which x will give the max volume of the cone.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
27
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K