Maximizing the weight of a cylinder cut from a sphere

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the weight of the largest straight circular cylinder that can be cut from a sphere, considering the relationship between mass, volume, and density. Participants explore mathematical relationships and geometric considerations related to the dimensions of the cylinder and sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the weight of the cylinder is given by the formula sqrt(3)P/3, where P is the weight of the sphere.
  • Several participants discuss the relationship between mass, volume, and density, suggesting that if the density is constant, the mass of the cylinder can be computed from the ratio of the volumes of the cylinder and sphere.
  • There is a suggestion to use the Pythagorean theorem to find the relationship between the radius and height of the cylinder in relation to the radius of the sphere.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in deriving the correct relationship and seeks assistance, indicating uncertainty in their approach.
  • Another participant provides a diagram to clarify the geometric relationships involved in the problem.
  • There are discussions about maximizing the volume of the cylinder and using it to find the weight, with references to critical points and derivative tests.
  • Participants mention substituting the volume of the sphere into the weight formula for the cylinder.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct geometric relationships or the method to derive the weight of the cylinder. There are multiple approaches and some expressions of uncertainty regarding the derivations and relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various assumptions regarding the geometry of the cylinder and sphere, and the discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on definitions of volume and density.

leprofece
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A sphere weighs P kg what is the weight of the higher straight circular cylinder that can cut from the sphere?

Answer sqrt(3)P/3
 
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Re: max and min 4

Assuming the mass density of the sphere is constant throughout, how are mass and volume related?

I suggest drawing a diagram of a cross section of the two objects through the axis of symmetry of the cylinder and try to find a relationship between the radius and height of the cylinder with the radius of the sphere. What do you find?
 
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
Assuming the mass density of the sphere is constant throughout, how are mass and volume related?

I suggest drawing a diagram of a cross section of the two objects through the axis of symmetry of the cylinder and try to find a relationship between the radius and height of the cylinder with the radius of the sphere. What do you find?

I can do that by pitagorean theoreme
 
Re: max and min 4

leprofece said:
I can do that by pitagorean theoreme

Yes, that's correct. What is the relationship between mass, volume and mass density?
 
Re: max and min 4

P or mass = d.v
 
Re: max and min 4

leprofece said:
P or mass = d.v

Yes, and if the density is constant, then we know mass and density are proportional to one another, and so we need only compute the ratio of the volume of the cylinder to that of the sphere, and multiply this by the mass of the sphere to get the mass of the cylinder.

So, what is the relationship between the dimensions (radius and height) of the cylinder with the radius of the sphere?

What is your objective function?
 
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
Yes, and if the density is constant, then we know mass and density are proportional to one another, and so we need only compute the ratio of the volume of the cylinder to that of the sphere, and multiply this by the mass of the sphere to get the mass of the cylinder.

So, what is the relationship between the dimensions (radius and height) of the cylinder with the radius of the sphere?

What is your objective function?

m= d.v
and sphre volume is 4pir3/3
Then m = d(4pir3/3)
r2= R2+ H2
i tried to derive v respect to r
m= d (4pi(R2+ H2)3
looking at the answer i don't know how to eliminate r and h to get (sqrt of 3)m/3 that is my book answer
 
Re: max and min 4

Look at a cross-section of the sphere and cylinder through their mutual center. You should find that your relationship (using the Pythagorean theorem) between the radius $R$ of the sphere and the radius $r$ and $h$ of the cylinder is incorrect. You have one side of the right triangle wrong.
 
Re: max and min 4

ohhh I can't find this relationship really I give up sorry
I would appreciate your helping
 
  • #10
Re: max and min 4

Here is a diagram...do you see from where I obtained the measures of the 3 sides of the right triangle?

View attachment 1960
 

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  • #11
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
Here is a diagram...do you see from where I obtained the measures of the 3 sides of the right triangle?

View attachment 1960
lets see
m= d.v
and sphre volume is 4pir3/3
Then m = d(4pir3/3)
r2= R2- (H/2)2
i tried to derive v respect to r
m= d (4pi(R2- (H/2)2])3/3
now can i derive from here??
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Re: max and min 4

I would just maximize the volume of the cylinder first, and then use the relationship between weight density and weight.

$$w_C$$ = weight of the cylinder

$$w_S=P$$ = weight of the sphere

Thus, we may state, given that both objects share the same weight density:

$$\rho=\frac{P}{V_S}=\frac{w_C}{V_C}$$

Hence:

$$w_C=\frac{V_C}{V_S}P$$

You already know the volume of the sphere, so all you need now is the volume of the cylinder. So, our objective function is the volume of the cylinder:

$$V_C=\pi r^2h$$

Subject to the constraint:

$$r^2+\left(\frac{h}{2} \right)^2=R^2$$

So, using the constraint, we may write the volume of the cylinder in terms of 1 variable, and it will be simpler to substitute for $r^2$:

$$V_C(h)=\pi\left(R^2-\left(\frac{h}{2} \right)^2 \right)h=\pi R^2h-\frac{\pi}{4}h^3$$

Now, differentiate this with respect to $h$ and equate the result to zero to determine the critical value(s).
 
  • #13
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
I would just maximize the volume of the cylinder first, and then use the relationship between weight density and weight.

$$w_C$$ = weight of the cylinder

$$w_S=P$$ = weight of the sphere

Thus, we may state, given that both objects share the same weight density:

$$\rho=\frac{P}{V_S}=\frac{w_C}{V_C}$$

Hence:

$$w_C=\frac{V_C}{V_S}P$$

You already know the volume of the sphere, so all you need now is the volume of the cylinder. So, our objective function is the volume of the cylinder:

$$V_C=\pi r^2h$$

Subject to the constraint:

$$r^2+\left(\frac{h}{2} \right)^2=R^2$$

So, using the constraint, we may write the volume of the cylinder in terms of 1 variable, and it will be simpler to substitute for $r^2$:

$$V_C(h)=\pi\left(R^2-\left(\frac{h}{2} \right)^2 \right)h=\pi R^2h-\frac{\pi}{4}h^3$$

Now, differentiate this with respect to $h$ and equate the result to zero to determine the critical value(s).

ok I got +/- 2Rsqrt3/3 as critical point
Now we need to put that respect to P:confused:
 
  • #14
Re: max and min 4

leprofece said:
ok I got +/- 2Rsqrt3/3 as critical point
Now we need to put that respect to P:confused:

First, I would demonstrate that this critical value is at a relative maximum. My preference here would be the second derivative test.

Then, you want to evaluate $V_C$ at this critical value, and then substitute that into the formula:

$$w_C=\frac{V_C}{V_S}P$$
 
  • #15
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
First, I would demonstrate that this critical value is at a relative maximum. My preference here would be the second derivative test.

Then, you want to evaluate $V_C$ at this critical value, and then substitute that into the formula:

$$w_C=\frac{V_C}{V_S}P$$

and how does Vs remains??
must I substitute this value too there??
 
  • #16
Re: max and min 4

leprofece said:
and how does Vs remains??
must I substitute this value too there??

$V_S$ is the volume of the sphere, so you want to substitute its formula there.
 
  • #17
Re: max and min 4

MarkFL said:
$V_S$ is the volume of the sphere, so you want to substitute its formula there.

OK I GOT THE ANSWER THANKS A LOT(Angel)
 

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