Triple Integral in Cylindrical Coordinates

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a triple integral in cylindrical coordinates, specifically for the region defined by a cylinder and two planes. The original poster presents a problem involving the integral of the square root of the sum of squares of Cartesian coordinates, transitioning to cylindrical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to evaluate the integral using specific bounds and expresses confusion over the results obtained. Some participants question the formulation of the volume element in cylindrical coordinates and clarify the necessity of including the radial component in the infinitesimal volume element.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing clarifications regarding the volume element in cylindrical coordinates. There is an exploration of the implications of integrating with respect to different components, and the original poster expresses appreciation for the insights shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of cylindrical coordinates and the correct formulation of integrals, with some assumptions about the understanding of volume elements being questioned.

daveyman
Messages
88
Reaction score
0
Revised question is below.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org

Homework Statement


Evaluate [tex]\int\int\int_E{\sqrt{x^2+y^2} dV[/tex] where E is the region that lies inside the cylinder [tex]x^2+y^2=16[/tex] and between the planes z=-5 and z=4.

Homework Equations


For cylindrical coordinates, [tex]r^2=x^2+y^2[/tex].

The Attempt at a Solution


The inside of the integral becomes [tex]\sqrt{r^2}=r[/tex]. Then I integrated using the following bounds: [tex]\int _0^{2*\pi }\int _{-5}^4\int _0^4r drdzd\theta[/tex]

However, this gives me an answer of [tex]144\pi[/tex]. I've tried several things in Mathematica and I finally tried [tex]\int _0^{2*\pi }\int _{-5}^4\int _0^4r^2drdzd\theta[/tex] which actually gave me the right answer of [tex]384\pi[/tex]. However, integrating over [tex]r^2[/tex] makes no sense.

Any ideas?
 
The infinitesimal volume element in cylindrical coordinates is [itex]dV=rdrd\theta dz[/itex] not just [itex]drd\theta dz[/itex]
 
Thank you for your quick response! I have one more question, though.

Doesn't the [tex]dr[/tex] take care of the radial component of the volume? Why does it need to be [tex]r dr[/tex]?

I realize this is a naive question, but I really appreciate your help.
 
Last edited:
[itex]dr[/itex] does take care of the radial component, but the tangential component is [itex]r d\theta[/itex] not [itex]d \theta[/itex]...remember that the arc length subtended by an angle [itex]\theta[/itex] is [itex]r \theta[/itex]...the same is true for the infinitesimal change in arc length.
 
Oh I get it. Thank you so much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K