Integrating (triple) over spherical coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on setting up a triple integral in spherical coordinates to calculate the volume bounded by the surfaces defined by the equations $$z = \sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}$$ and $$z=\sqrt{1-x^2-y^2}$$, specifically in the first octant where $$x \ge 0$$ and $$y \ge 0$$. The correct volume element in spherical coordinates is $$dV=r^2 \sin(\theta) \, dr \, d\varphi \, d\theta$$. The bounding solids are hemispheres with radii 2 and 1, and the integration limits for the angles must reflect the constraints of the first octant, limiting the longitudinal angles to a quarter circle and the latitudinal angles to the top half.

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  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their application in integration
  • Familiarity with triple integrals and volume calculations
  • Knowledge of the geometric interpretation of hemispheres
  • Ability to manipulate polar and azimuthal angles in integration
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MorallyObtuse
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Hi,

Set up the triple integral in spherical coordinates to find the volume bounded by $$z = \sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}$$, $$z=\sqrt{1-x^2-y^2}$$, where $$x \ge 0$$ and $$y \ge 0$$.

$$\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^2 \int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}} r\ dz\ dr\ d\theta$$
 
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I don't think you're using spherical coordinates yet - your integrals look more like cylindrical. This problem could probably be done either way, but the problem did say to use spherical. So, assuming that $\varphi$ is the azimuthal angle, and $\theta$ is the polar angle (some authors switch these two), your volume element is given by
$$dV=r^2 \sin(\theta) \, dr \, d\varphi \, d\theta.$$
Can you continue from here?
 
Taylor Kane said:
Hi,

Set up the triple integral in spherical coordinates to find the volume bounded by $$z = \sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}$$, $$z=\sqrt{1-x^2-y^2}$$, where $$x \ge 0$$ and $$y \ge 0$$.

$$\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^2 \int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}} r\ dz\ dr\ d\theta$$

You should also note that both of the bounding solids are hemispheres centred at the origin, the top being of radius 2 and the bottom of radius 1.

But because we are told x >= 0 and y >= 0, we are only going to be in the first octant.

That means your longitudinal angles do NOT sweep out a full circle, they will only sweep out a quarter circle. Your latitudinal angles only sweep out the top half.
 

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