Volume and plane intersecting sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a plane that is tangent to a sphere and is then tilted, resulting in the plane intersecting the sphere and dividing its volume. The original poster seeks to prove a specific volume equation related to the hemisphere formed by this intersection using geometric methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a visual representation of the angle theta to clarify the problem. There is mention of proving the volume using integration, with some uncertainty about the geometric approach requested by the original poster.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of how to approach the proof. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of integration, but there is no explicit consensus on the method to be used.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may not have a strong background in calculus, as the discussion is taking place in a precalculus context.

FortranMan
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Homework Statement



A plane is tangent to the surface of a sphere. You then tilt the plane at an angle theta along one axis, causing it to begin passing through the sphere and splitting the sphere's volume into two regions. I claim the volume of the hemisphere the plane has just passed through is found from the equation below. How do I prove this using geometry?

Homework Equations



[tex] V = \frac{\pi R^{3}}{3}( cos^{3}(\theta) - 3 cos(\theta) + 2 )[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Attach a picture please, to show what theta is.

ehild
 
You prove it with integration of the sphere sections.
I'm not sure what d'you mean "geometrically".
 
Quinzio said:
You prove it with integration of the sphere sections.
I'm not sure what d'you mean "geometrically".
I think he meant geometrically because he has not yet a working knowledge of calculus since this is in the precalculus section.
 

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