Solid of Revolution: Integration Boundaries Explained

In summary, pi*b*int [x^2*d(cosh(x/a))] between 0 and a is the equation for the curve y = b cosh(x/a) from x = 0 (y = b) to x = a (y = b cosh(1)). When the same area is rotated around the x-axis, the integration boundaries are -a and a.
  • #1
peripatein
880
0
Hi,
I have a question concerning solid of revolution.
The bowl-shaped volume formed by rotating the area circumscribed between y=bcosh(1) and y=bcosh(x/a) around the y-axis was given to us by the instructor as pi*b*int [x^2*d(cosh(x/a))] between 0 and a.
My question is why are the integration boundaries not -a and a, but 0 and a, OR, alternatively, why wasn't the final answer then multiplied by 2?
When the same area is rotated around the x-axis the integration boundaries are indeed -a and a. Why aren't the boundaries similar in both cases?
 
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  • #2
hi peripatein! :smile:
peripatein said:
The bowl-shaped volume formed by rotating the area circumscribed between y=bcosh(1) and y=bcosh(x/a) around the y-axis was given to us by the instructor as pi*b*int [x^2*d(cosh(x/a))] between 0 and a.

this is very confusing :confused:

do you mean the curve y = b cosh(x/a) from x = 0 (y = b) to x = a (y = b cosh(1)) ?

then your πx2dy formula gives you the whole horizontal disc of height dy, so there's no need to multiply it by 2 :wink:
 
  • #3
Hi tiny-tim,
But why aren't the integration boundaries -a and a, as they are in the case the rotation is around the x axis?
 
  • #4
peripatein said:
Hi tiny-tim,
But why aren't the integration boundaries -a and a, as they are in the case the rotation is around the x axis?

around the y-axis, you're slicing the volume into horizontal slices, and you must count each slice only once: each slice corresponds to two equal-and-opposite values of x, so you must use x only once, ie from 0 to a (or -a to 0)

(usually, we integrate wrt y, so obviously each value of y is used only once, but here he's "cheated" by using d(coshx/a) instead of y)

around the x-axis, you're slicing the volume into vertical slices, and again you must count each slice only once: but each slice corresponds to only one value of x, so you must go all the way from -a to a :wink:
 
  • #5
That makes sense. Thank you very much, tiny-tim! You've been very helpful :-)
 

1. What is a solid of revolution?

A solid of revolution is a three-dimensional shape that is formed by rotating a two-dimensional shape around an axis in space. This type of shape is commonly found in real-world objects such as bottles, cans, and cones.

2. How are integration boundaries used in finding the volume of a solid of revolution?

Integration boundaries are used to define the limits of the integral that is used to calculate the volume of a solid of revolution. They are typically represented by the start and end points of the rotation and are used to determine the range of integration for the function used to find the volume.

3. Can integration boundaries be negative?

Yes, integration boundaries can be negative. The boundaries are simply the start and end points of the rotation, and they can be placed at any value on the axis. Negative boundaries are commonly used when rotating a shape in the negative direction or when the axis itself is negative.

4. How do integration boundaries affect the volume of a solid of revolution?

The integration boundaries play a crucial role in determining the volume of a solid of revolution. They define the range of the integral and therefore, determine the amount of the volume being calculated. If the boundaries are incorrectly chosen or placed, the resulting volume will also be incorrect.

5. Can integration boundaries be fractions or decimals?

Yes, integration boundaries can be fractions or decimals. They do not have to be whole numbers and can take on any value along the axis. This is especially useful when dealing with more complex shapes, as fractions and decimals can help to more accurately define the boundaries of the rotation.

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