Triple Integrals with Spherical Coordinates: Finding Limits

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limits of integration for triple integrals using spherical coordinates, specifically in the context of a problem involving a sphere defined by the equation \(z^2 + x^2 + y^2 = 4\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the limits of integration for \(\rho\), \(\theta\), and \(\varphi\) based on the geometry of the sphere. They derive \(\rho = 2\) and suggest \(\theta\) ranges from \(0\) to \(2\pi\). Questions arise about how to find the limits for \(\varphi\). Some participants suggest reviewing the definitions of spherical coordinates and consider the implications of the spherical shape on the limits.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the limits of integration, with some expressing confidence in the limits for \(\rho\) and \(\theta\). There is ongoing discussion about the appropriate range for \(\varphi\), with references to the properties of spheres and the need for further clarification on deriving limits from the given conditions.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific values and relationships in spherical coordinates, with some participants questioning the assumptions made about the limits and the definitions involved. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the limits for \(\varphi\) and seeks confirmation on their findings.

jualin
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have this question about triple integrals and spherical coordinates

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9343/81255254.th.jpg



Homework Equations



y = [tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\varphi[/tex] sin [tex]\theta[/tex]
x = [tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\varphi[/tex] cos [tex]\theta[/tex]
z = [tex]\rho[/tex] cos [tex]\varphi[/tex]
[tex]\rho[/tex]2 = z2 + y2 + x2

This is the way
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcIII/TISphericalCoords_files/eq0007MP.gif"

Thus I need to find the limits of integration for [tex]\rho[/tex] [tex]\theta[/tex] and [tex]\varphi[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the limits for the z to obtain z2.
Thus, z2 + x2 +y2 = 4
Using the identity for [tex]\rho[/tex]2 = z2 + y2 + x2 then [tex]\rho[/tex]2 = 4
which gives me a value of [tex]\rho[/tex] = 2.

To get [tex]\theta[/tex] I graphed the x limits of the integral. Since x = [tex]\sqrt{4-y<sup>2</sup>}[/tex] then x2 + y 2 =4. Therefore it is a circle of radius 2. Thus I assumed that [tex]\theta[/tex] goes from 0 to 2[tex]\pi[/tex].
Now my problem is to find the limits for [tex]\varphi[/tex] which I don't know how to get.

Any ideas on how to solve for [tex]\varphi[/tex] and also, can someone double check that the other limits of integration are correct?

Thank you!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
How do you derive the spherical coordinates? You can find the ranges of [tex]\phi[/tex] in the definition of spherical coordinates, so study your book again! And the ranges for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex] are correct.
 
rado5 said:
How do you derive the spherical coordinates? You can find the ranges of [tex]\phi[/tex] in the definition of spherical coordinates, so study your book again! And the ranges for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex] are correct.

Can I use the limits of y to get [tex]\phi[/tex]. For instance since y = 4 then can I say
[tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\phi[/tex] sin [tex]\theta[/tex] = 4 so sin [tex]\phi[/tex] = [tex]\rho[/tex] / sin [tex]\theta[/tex]

Now I am stuck there. Do I plug in a value for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex]. For instance 2 for [tex]\rho[/tex] and 2pi for [tex]\theta[/tex]. That would give me an undefined answer and sin [tex]\phi[/tex] is always defined. Where do I go from here?
Thank you for the quick response
 
Or since z2 +y2 + x2 = 4 is a sphere and spheres have a [tex]\phi[/tex] from 0 to [tex]\pi[/tex]. Can anybody double check that my limits of integration are correct?

Thank you
 
Last edited:
Yes your bounderies are now correct and I'm sure about that, because I have a similar example in my book with answer.

[tex]\rho[/tex] is between 0 to 2 and [tex]\theta[/tex] is between 0 to [tex]2\pi[/tex] and [tex]\phi[/tex] is between 0 to [tex]\pi[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K