Sphere-Cylinder Volume: Using Cylindrical Shells Method for Solid Calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of a solid remaining after a cylindrical hole of radius R is drilled through a sphere of radius 3 cm, using the cylindrical shells method. The correct integral for this calculation is identified as V = 4/3 * π (R^2 - 9)^(3/2). Participants clarify the integration process and confirm the final formula, emphasizing the importance of including the square root in the integrand. The conversation concludes with insights on determining volume based on the cylindrical hole's length alone.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically the cylindrical shells method
  • Familiarity with the formula for volume using integration: V = ∫2 * π * r * h dr
  • Knowledge of geometric properties of spheres and cylinders
  • Ability to perform definite integrals and manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the cylindrical shells method in various geometric contexts
  • Learn about the derivation and application of volume formulas for solids of revolution
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including substitutions and integration by parts
  • Investigate the relationship between dimensions of geometric shapes and their volumes
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Students in calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in solid geometry and volume calculations using integration techniques.

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Homework Statement


A cylindrical hole of radius R is drilled through the center of a sphere of radius 3. Use the method of cylindrical shells to find the volume of the remaining solid, given that the solid is 6 cm. high.


Homework Equations


V= ∫2* ∏rh dr (shell method)


The Attempt at a Solution



I think this is the form to be used for this problem, but I am probably mistaken.
2 * ∫2* ∏ * x (R^2 - x^2) dx with a= r and b= R
4∏ ∫x (R^2 - x^2) dx

Then I'm stumped on how to do this :/ Thank you for your help.
 
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Justabeginner said:

Homework Statement


A cylindrical hole of radius R is drilled through the center of a sphere of radius 3. Use the method of cylindrical shells to find the volume of the remaining solid, given that the solid is 6 cm. high.


Homework Equations


V= ∫2* ∏rh dr (shell method)


The Attempt at a Solution



I think this is the form to be used for this problem, but I am probably mistaken.
2 * ∫2* ∏ * x (R^2 - x^2) dx with a= r and b= R
4∏ ∫x (R^2 - x^2) dx

Then I'm stumped on how to do this :/ Thank you for your help.

You have a = r but there is no r in the problem. Do you mean a = 3? Otherwise your integral looks OK, so just integrate it.

[Edit] That should be ##\sqrt{R^2-x^2}## in that integrand.
 
Last edited:
Oh wow, I see what I did wrong. So my final answer turns out to be

4/3 * pi (R^2 - 9) ^(3/2)

Is this correct? Thank you.
 
Justabeginner said:
Oh wow, I see what I did wrong. So my final answer turns out to be

4/3 * pi (R^2 - 9) ^(3/2)

Is this correct? Thank you.

I didn't notice you left off the square root over the ##R^2-x^2## in your integral formula, but apparently you had it correct on your paper since that looks like the right answer.
 
Great, thank you so much! I feel more confident about how to do these problems now :)
 
One interesting corollary of this problem is that if you know the length of the cylindrical hole you can determine the volume remaining without knowing any other dimensions.
 
Thank you for your insight on that. I will keep that in mind if I ever come across such a problem again.
 

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