Intersection of a sphere and a cone. (projection onto the xy-plane)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the intersection of a sphere centered at the origin with radius 'a' and a cone with its vertex at the origin and an angle phi of π/3. The goal is to derive the equation of their intersection projected onto the xy-plane. To achieve this, one must equate the z-values of both the cone and the sphere, leading to the xy equation of the projection when z=0. This approach simplifies the problem and allows for the calculation of the cone's volume based on the sphere's radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their equations.
  • Knowledge of conic sections, specifically the geometry of cones.
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and their applications in projections.
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly volume calculations of solids of revolution.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations of spheres and cones in three-dimensional space.
  • Learn how to derive polar equations from three-dimensional intersections.
  • Explore volume calculation techniques for conical shapes.
  • Investigate projection methods in coordinate geometry.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying geometry and calculus, as well as anyone involved in physics or engineering applications requiring spatial analysis of shapes.

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Part of a chapter review problem.

Say you have a sphere centered at the origin and of radius 'a'.

And you have a (ice-cream) cone which has it's point at the origin and phi equal to ∏/3.

How do I find the equation of their intersection? Which is the projection onto the xy plane.

Basically, I have to find the volume of the cone given the radius of the sphere (curvature of ice-cream) and phi = ∏/3... My answer needs to be in polar form, so I need to find the region of the projection, which has the same equation as their intersection, where z=0...


Now I'm confusing myself... Any help would be nice.

Cheers.
 
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Set the z value on the cone equal to the z value of the sphere. (Actually, the z2 values are easier). That will give you the xy equation of the projection onto the xy plane.
 

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