Identifying a Solid By Its Bounds

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a solid defined by a volume integral in cylindrical coordinates. The integral involves bounds for r, θ, and z, and participants are attempting to visualize the solid represented by this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the evaluation of the integral and the resulting volume, with some suggesting it resembles a cone. Others question the implications of the bounds and whether the solid could also be interpreted as a cylinder. There is confusion regarding the use of the variable 'r' as both a dummy variable and an upper bound.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the solid's shape. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the bounding surfaces, but no consensus has been reached on the exact identity of the solid.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for confusion due to the use of the same variable in different contexts within the integral. There is also a discussion about the characteristics of the solid being bounded by both a cone and a cylinder, which adds complexity to the interpretation.

TranscendArcu
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Homework Statement



Sketch the solid whose volume is given by the following integral and then evaluate this integral:

∫(0≤r≤2)∫(0≤θ≤2π)∫(0≤z≤r) (r) dzdθdr

The Attempt at a Solution


So, I kind of cheated and evaluated the integral first. So I have

∫(0≤z≤r) (r) dz = rz, from z=0 to z=r, which I equate to r2.

Observing no θ term in r2, I multiply r2 by 2π to get: 2π*r2. I integrate this with respect to r.

2π ∫(0≤r≤2) r2 = 16π/3.

This seems to resemble hr2π/3, which is the volume of a cone. So I am tempted to believe this solid is a cone. My sketch of the cone has its "nose" at the origin, and it extends upward about the z-axis until z=2. The radius of this cone steadily increases from 0 at the nose to 2 at z=2.

But how would I be able to tell this solid from a cylinder? I think both would have the same bounds, right?
 
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You can't have a 'dummy' variable of integration like 'r' in your problem in the integration dz to also be the upper bound for the z variable. There must be two different r's there. I'd fix that first. That may be what's making this confusing.
 
Dick said:
You can't have a 'dummy' variable of integration like 'r' in your problem in the integration dz to also be the upper bound for the z variable. There must be two different r's there. I'd fix that first. That may be what's making this confusing.

Why not? :confused:

After the first 2 integrations we have a cylinder surface with radius r and height r.
TranscendArcu said:
This seems to resemble hr2π/3, which is the volume of a cone. So I am tempted to believe this solid is a cone. My sketch of the cone has its "nose" at the origin, and it extends upward about the z-axis until z=2. The radius of this cone steadily increases from 0 at the nose to 2 at z=2.

But how would I be able to tell this solid from a cylinder? I think both would have the same bounds, right?

You have it right. The solid is bounded by a couple of surfaces of which one is a cone.
However, the resulting solid is not a solid cone.
Consider from where to where the bounds run.

Since the max z-coordinate varies with the radius, it's not a solid cylinder, although a cylinder is another bounding surface.
 
I like Serena said:
Why not? :confused:

You're right, of course. Too late at night, I think.
 
So you say this object is bounded both a cone and a cylinder. Then I can only imagine a solid that has a cylindrical surface (with a height from 0 to 2), yet (and my descriptive ability is failing me) also has a depression in the shape of a cone on its top (radius from 0 to 2). To say it another way, suppose a round pencil is tightly enclosed enclosed by a cylinder, then the region I thinking of will be the empty space between the tip of the pencil and where the pencil achieves its maximum diameter.

Yes? No? Incomprehensible?
 
Yes, very comprehensible!
 

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