Snowball Shape Debate: Circle vs Sphere

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the shape of a snowball, with participants debating whether it is a circle or a sphere. The consensus is that a snowball is technically a sphere, as it is a three-dimensional object, while a circle is a two-dimensional shape. Additionally, the conversation touches on snowflakes, which are described as having a six-pointed star shape rather than being circular. The distinction between a "ball" and a "sphere" is also clarified, emphasizing that a sphere refers to the surface of a ball.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric shapes: circles and spheres
  • Basic knowledge of snowflake formation and characteristics
  • Familiarity with dimensional concepts in geometry
  • Awareness of terminology differences between "ball" and "sphere"
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the geometric properties of spheres and circles
  • Explore the formation and structure of snowflakes
  • Study the differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes
  • Investigate the terminology used in geometry regarding shapes and solids
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in geometry, particularly those exploring the properties of shapes and the science of snowflakes.

Asian Girl
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
What is the shape of snowball? i thought it's circle but my friend said it's a sphere.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Asian Girl said:
What is the shape of snowball? i thought it's circle but my friend said it's a sphere.

Hi Asian Girl! :smile:

I think you mean snowflake.

If so, I agree with you: :smile:
Large, well formed snowflakes are relatively flat and have six approximately identical arms …

For more details, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow#Snowflakes".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why would a snowflake be shaped like a sphere?
 
Defennder said:
Why would a snowflake be shaped like a sphere?

You'll have to ask Asian Girl's friend! :smile:

… you're trying to get an introduction, aren't you … ? :wink:​
 
tiny-tim said:
You'll have to ask Asian Girl's friend! :smile:

… you're trying to get an introduction, aren't you … ? :wink:​
My question (and, I suspect, Defennder's, except for a typo) would be "Why would a snowflake be shaped like a circle". All snowflakes are more like 6 pointed stars.

I don't know what language Asian Girl speaks but it might be a translation problem. A circles is "flat"- two dimensional- in a plane. A sphere is 3 dimensional.


(Very strictly speaking, a snowball is a "ball"- a "sphere" is the surface of a ball.)
 
HallsofIvy said:
All snowflakes are more like 6 pointed stars.

But a 6 pointed star is like a circle …

… especially when it's spinning beautifully! :!)
 

Similar threads

Intersection of a few surfaces
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How do I find the circumference and Area of this figure?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Graduate Hopf fibration of 3-sphere
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
Doublet flow in Fluid Dynamics between two spheres or cylinders
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Comparing V and SA of a torus vs sphere
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Hopf fibration, Bloch sphere and quantum rotations - interactive site
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Effect of time on density distribution+shape of uniformly dense sphere
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
4K
Medical How does human eye decode different geometric shapes such as circle?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School What Is the Fourth Dimension and How Does It Work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Triangles on Spheres: Isosceles and Shortest Distance Inferences
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K