Parametric Equation for Surface Area of Revolution

In summary, the conversation discusses the equation for the surface area of a solid of revolution around a given axis, which can be written in parametric terms if the problem is given in terms of x(t) and y(t). The formula differs depending on whether the solid revolves around the x-axis or y-axis, with the upper and lower limits of integration determined by the given region's parametric equations.
  • #1
tandoorichicken
245
0
I know that the equation for the surface area of any solid of revolution around, say, the x-axis is
[tex] SA = 2\pi\int_{a}^{b} y\sqrt{1 + (\frac{\,dy}{\,dx})^2} \,dx [/tex]

What I need is the same formula except in parametric terms, like if the problem was given in terms of x(t) and y(t). Any takers?
 
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  • #2
If it revolves about the x-axis on the closed interval [a,b], then
[tex]SA = 2\pi\int_{a}^{b} y(t)\sqrt{[x'(t)]^2 + [y'(t)]^2} \,dt [/tex]

For example. if the surface are of the solid generated by revolving the region enclosed by the curve with parametric equations x(t), y(t) from t = 0 to t = pi/2, then the upper limit, b = pi/2, lower limit a = 0.

If it revolves about the y-axis on the closed interval [a,b], then
[tex]SA = 2\pi\int_{a}^{b} x(t)\sqrt{[x'(t)]^2 + [y'(t)]^2} \,dt [/tex]
 
  • #3


The parametric equation for surface area of revolution can be written as:
SA = 2\pi\int_{t_1}^{t_2} y(t)\sqrt{\left(\frac{\,dx}{\,dt}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\,dy}{\,dt}\right)^2}\,dt

This equation takes into account the changing values of x and y as t varies, and calculates the surface area by integrating over the specified range of t. It is important to note that the limits of integration, t1 and t2, will depend on the parametric equations used to describe the curve being rotated.
 

1. What is a parametric equation for surface area of revolution?

A parametric equation for surface area of revolution is a mathematical expression that relates the surface area of a three-dimensional object to its geometric parameters, such as its radius, height, and angle of rotation. It is commonly used in calculus to find the surface area of a solid of revolution, which is formed by rotating a two-dimensional curve around an axis.

2. How is a parametric equation for surface area of revolution derived?

A parametric equation for surface area of revolution is derived using the formula S = 2π∫f(x)√(1+(f'(x))^2)dx, where f(x) is the equation of the curve being rotated. This formula is based on the concept of infinitesimal approximations, where the surface area of the solid is calculated by adding up the surface areas of many thin slices of the object.

3. What are the limitations of using a parametric equation for surface area of revolution?

One limitation of using a parametric equation for surface area of revolution is that it can only be applied to objects that can be generated by rotating a two-dimensional curve around an axis. It also assumes that the object is smooth and has a continuous surface, which may not always be the case in real-life scenarios.

4. Can a parametric equation be used to find the surface area of any type of solid?

No, a parametric equation for surface area of revolution can only be used to find the surface area of solids that are generated by rotating a two-dimensional curve around an axis. For other types of objects, such as irregular shapes or polyhedrons, different equations or methods may need to be used to find the surface area.

5. Are there any real-world applications of a parametric equation for surface area of revolution?

Yes, a parametric equation for surface area of revolution has many real-world applications, particularly in the fields of engineering, architecture, and physics. It is used to calculate the surface area of objects such as pipes, cones, and bottles, which are commonly found in everyday life. It is also used in the design and analysis of structures, such as bridges and tunnels.

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