Spherical Coordinates Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a triple integral in spherical coordinates, specifically ∫∫∫н (x² + y²) dV, where H is defined as the hemispherical region above the x-y plane and below the sphere x² + y² + z² = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates and the implications for the integral. There are questions about the interpretation of the integral, specifically regarding whether it is calculating volume or evaluating a function over the hemisphere. Some participants express confusion about the limits of integration and the proper formulation of the differential volume element dV.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, clarifying the setup and addressing misconceptions. Some have provided corrections to earlier statements, and there is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical expressions involved. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being examined, particularly regarding the nature of the integral and its limits.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential errors in the formulation of the differential volume element and the limits of integration. Participants are also reflecting on their past experiences with similar problems, indicating a learning process in progress.

meeatingrice
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Hi, I am having trouble starting off this question. Could someone help me start off? Thanks in advance...

Use spherical coordinates to evaluate
∫∫∫н (x² + y²) dV,
where H is the hemispherical region that lies above the x-y plane and below the sphere x² + y² + z² = 1.
 
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In spherical coordinates, [itex]x=\rho cos(\theta)sin(\phi)[/itex], [itex]y= \rho sin(\theta)sin(\theta)[/itex], z= [itex]\rho cos(\phi)[/itex] so
[itex]x^2+ y^2= \rho^2 sin^2(\theta)[/itex], [itex]dV= \rho^2 sin(\phi)d\rho d\theta d\phi[/itex], and the limits of integration are [itex]\rho[/itex] from 0 to 1, [itex]\theta[/itex] from 0 to [itex]2\pi[/itex], and [itex]\phi[/itex] from 0 to [itex]\pi/2[/itex].
 
Last edited by a moderator:
HallsofIvy said:
In spherical coordinates, [itex]x=\rho cos(\theta)sin(\phi)[/itex], [itex]y= \rho sin(\theta)sin(\theta)[/itex], z= [itex]\rho cos(\phi)[/itex] so
[itex]x^2+ y^2= \rho^2 sin^2(\theta)[/itex], [itex]dV= \rho^2 sin(\phi)d\rho d\theta d\phi[/itex], and the limits of integration are [itex]\rho[/itex] from 0 to 1, [itex]\theta[/itex] from 0 to [itex]2\pi[/itex], and [itex]\phi[/itex] from 0 to [itex]\pi/2[/itex].

Thanks HallsofIvy for the reply. So is this basically is this just finding a volume to the hemisphere that's below the x-y plane? Sorry with the questions, I"m new to this... :-p
 
meeatingrice said:
Thanks HallsofIvy for the reply. So is this basically is this just finding a volume to the hemisphere that's below the x-y plane? Sorry with the questions, I"m new to this... :-p
No, it's not. For one thing, you said it was the portion of the sphere above the x-y plane, not below. More importantly, it's not finding the volume because that would be just [itex]\int \int \int dV[/itex], not [itex]\int \int \int (x^2+ y^2) dV[/itex]. You are integrating the function x2+ y2 over the unit hemisphere above the xy-plane.
 
Clarification, from a casual observer

Is sine supposed to be squared in dV? If not, why?

Also, what's the difference between "evaluating a hemisphere" as stated in the original problem and "finding volume"? When I took VectorCalc, this kind of stuff used to stump me all the time.

And lastly, how do you know what the limits are for each variable, e.g. 0 to 1, 0 to 2pi, etc?
 
the sin2 was my error. I have edited it.

The problem did not say "evaluate a hemisphere" (I don't know what that could mean). It said "evaluate the integral" on the hemisphere.
Surely you know what it means to "evaluate an integral".
 
since x=psin(thie)cos(theta) and y= psin(thie)sin(theta) squaring both quantanties would give you p^2sin^2(thie)cos^2(theta) + psin^2sin(thie)sin^2(theta) and using an identity give yous p^2sin^2(thie) + p^2sin^2(thie) since the theta's would equal one. Then adding these together this would give you 2p^2sin^2(thie) wouldn't it. then multiplying by p^2sin(thie) give you the thing you integrate first by rho, then theta, and finaly thie right. This is problem18 on p887 of James Stewart Calculus Concepts and Contexts 3
 

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