Surface area of a shifted sphere in spherical coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the surface area of a sphere shifted by distance R in the z-direction using spherical coordinates. The integral for surface area, given by $$S= \int\int \rho^2 \sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$, was incorrectly evaluated, leading to an erroneous result of $$\frac{8 \pi R^2}{3}$$. The mistake was identified as an incorrect assumption of constant ρ in the integral, necessitating a recalculation of the metric for the new parametrization. The correct approach involves incorporating the variable nature of ρ in the integration process.

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  • Spherical coordinates and their definitions
  • Surface area integrals in multivariable calculus
  • Understanding of parametrization in calculus
  • Basic knowledge of spherical geometry
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MilkyWay2020
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Homework Statement



find the surface area of a sphere shifted R in the z direction using spherical coordinate system.

Homework Equations



$$S= \int\int \rho^2 sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$

$$x^2+y^2+(z-R)^2=R^2$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to use the sphere equation mentioned above and solve for ρ, using the definition of ρ and z in spherical coordinate system, this gives me:

$$x^2+y^2+z^2+R^2-2 R z= R^2$$
$$\rho^2-2 R \rho cos(\theta)= 0$$
$$\rho= 2 R cos(\theta)$$

then substitute in the integral:

$$S= \int\int 4 R^2 cos(\theta)^2 sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$

and integrate with the following boundaries:

θ: 0 → π/2
Φ: 0 → 2π

this gives a wrong answer of:

$$\frac{8 \pi R^2}{3}$$

What am I missing? This is a very basic problem but I cannot put my hand on the mistake.
 
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MilkyWay2020 said:

Homework Statement



find the surface area of a sphere shifted R in the z direction using spherical coordinate system.

Homework Equations



$$S= \int\int \rho^2 sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$

$$x^2+y^2+(z-R)^2=R^2$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to use the sphere equation mentioned above and solve for ρ, using the definition of ρ and z in spherical coordinate system, this gives me:

$$x^2+y^2+z^2+R^2-2 R z= R^2$$
$$\rho^2-2 R \rho cos(\theta)= 0$$
$$\rho= 2 R cos(\theta)$$

then substitute in the integral:

$$S= \int\int 4 R^2 cos(\theta)^2 sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$
With your choice of variables shouldn't that be a ##\sin\phi## in the integral?
 
You need to recalculate the metric for the new parametrization. Your form of the integral implicitly assumes ##\rho=\text{constant}##.
 
Haborix said:
You need to recalculate the metric for the new parametrization. Your form of the integral implicitly assumes ##\rho=\text{constant}##.

I was afraid someone would post this specific answer. I had my doubts, but I thought the problem is too easy to get complicated. I think I was wrong about that.

Thank you, I am able to find the solution I am looking for.
 
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