Deriving Sphere Volume using Spherical Coordinates: Why 0°-360°?

In summary, the conversation was about attempting to derive the volume of a sphere using triple integration with spherical coordinates. The person chose to use different limits for θ and φ, resulting in a failed derivation. They discussed using the correct volume element and how it would affect the integral.
  • #1
MHD93
93
0
I wanted to derive the volume of a sphere using triple integration with spherical coordinates, but instead of taking the limits of θ as (0° ≤ θ ≤ 180°), I chose to take (0° ≤ θ ≤ 360°), and therefore, for φ as (0° ≤ φ < 180°),

Now of course the integral of sin(θ) from 0° to 360° is zero, and the derivation failed..

Shouldn't it be the same result, why.. ?
Thank you
 
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  • #2
Mohammad_93 said:
I wanted to derive the volume of a sphere using triple integration with spherical coordinates, but instead of taking the limits of θ as (0° ≤ θ ≤ 180°), I chose to take (0° ≤ θ ≤ 360°), and therefore, for φ as (0° ≤ φ < 180°),

Now of course the integral of sin(θ) from 0° to 360° is zero, and the derivation failed..

Shouldn't it be the same result, why.. ?
Thank you

Hi Mohammad! :smile:

We usually write the volume element as sinθdrdθdφ because we use only 0 ≤ θ ≤ π …

but the element is really |sinθdrdθdφ| …

if you use that, your integral from 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π will work :wink:
 

1. What is the purpose of using spherical coordinates when deriving the volume of a sphere?

Spherical coordinates are a useful mathematical tool for describing the positions of points on a sphere. By using these coordinates, we can easily calculate the volume of a sphere by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts.

2. Why is the range of 0°-360° used in spherical coordinates when deriving the volume of a sphere?

The range of 0°-360° is used because it encompasses the entire surface of the sphere. By dividing the sphere into smaller sections with this range, we can calculate the volume more accurately.

3. Can the range of spherical coordinates be changed when deriving the volume of a sphere?

Yes, the range of spherical coordinates can be changed, but it is important to ensure that it still encompasses the entire surface of the sphere. It is also important to note that changing the range may make the calculations more complex.

4. What is the formula for deriving the volume of a sphere using spherical coordinates?

The formula for deriving the volume of a sphere using spherical coordinates is V = ∫∫∫ ρ^2 sinφ dρ dθ dφ, where ρ is the radial distance, φ is the angle from the positive z-axis, and θ is the angle from the positive x-axis.

5. Are there any real-world applications for using spherical coordinates to derive the volume of a sphere?

Yes, spherical coordinates are commonly used in engineering and physics for calculating the volume of objects that have a spherical shape, such as planets, balloons, and bubbles. They are also used in navigation and astronomy to determine the positions of celestial objects.

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