Region of Cone in Cylindrical Coordinates: Wondering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the region defined by the set \( D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\} \) and its representation in cylindrical coordinates. Participants explore the geometric interpretation of this region, specifically whether it represents a cone and the implications for integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the surface \( z= \sqrt{x^2+y^2} \) represents a cone up to \( z=1 \).
  • It is noted that the region has rotational symmetry around the z-axis, which makes it suitable for cylindrical coordinates.
  • There is a question about the nature of the cone and its symmetry, with some participants expressing confusion about whether a cone is "round."
  • Participants discuss that using cylindrical coordinates does not require the region to be a cylinder, similar to how Cartesian coordinates do not require a cuboid.
  • There is a suggestion that cylindrical coordinates are used when dealing with inequalities involving \( x^2+y^2 \), while spherical coordinates are used for inequalities involving \( x^2+y^2+z^2 \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the region represents a cone and that cylindrical coordinates are appropriate for integration in this context. However, there are differing interpretations regarding the symmetry of the cone and the conditions under which different coordinate systems are used.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of symmetry in relation to the cone, as well as the conditions for using different coordinate systems for integration.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

Which region does the set $D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\}$ represent?

The surface $z= \sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ is a cone, or not? But why when we want to calculate an integral over $D$ we use cylindrical coordinates? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

Which region does the set $D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\}$ represent?

The surface $z= \sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ is a cone, or not? But why when we want to calculate an integral over $D$ we use cylindrical coordinates? (Wondering)

Hey mathmari!

Yep. It's a cone up to z=1. (Nod)

It has rotational symmetry around the z-axis, but not around any other axis.
That makes it a prime candidate for cylindrical coordinates, and not for spherical coordinates.
More specifically, if we substitute $\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$, we have one variable less to deal with, which is only the case in cylindrical coordinates. (Nerd)
 
I like Serena said:
It has rotational symmetry around the z-axis, but not around any other axis.

What do you mean? I got stuck right now. (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
What do you mean? I got stuck right now. (Wondering)

Isn't a cone round?
Doesn't it map to itself when we rotate it around the z-axis?
 
I like Serena said:
Isn't a cone round?
Doesn't it map to itself when we rotate it around the z-axis?

Yes.

We have the following:

View attachment 7420
 

Attachments

  • cone.JPG
    cone.JPG
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mathmari said:
Yes.

We have the following:

Yep. (Nod)

It means that when we integrate over $D$, the integrals will generally be easier.
We should probably look at an example to see why that is exactly. (Thinking)
 
I like Serena said:
Yep. (Nod)

It means that when we integrate over $D$, the integrals will generally be easier.

So, to use the cylindrical coordinates it is not necessary to have a cylinder as the region $D$ ? (Wondering)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mathmari said:
So, to use the spherical coordinates it is not necessary to have a cylinder as the region $D$ ? (Wondering)

Indeed.
Just like we don't need a cuboid to integrate in cartesian coordinates. (Thinking)
 
I like Serena said:
Indeed.
Just like we don't need a cuboid to integrate in cartesian coordinates. (Thinking)

Ah ok. Do we use the cylindrical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2$ and the spherical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2+z^2$ ? (Wondering)
 
  • #10
mathmari said:
Ah ok. Do we use the cylindrical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2$ and the spherical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2+z^2$ ? (Wondering)

Yes.
It usually makes the integration a lot easier. (Mmm)
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Yes.
It usually makes the integration a lot easier. (Mmm)

Ah ok! Thank you so much! (Yes)
 

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