Volume of a Cone: Solve the Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter twoflower
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cone Volume
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the volume of a solid bounded by the planes z = 1 and z^2 = x^2 + y^2, which describes a cone oriented with its vertex at the origin. The original poster attempts to set up the volume integral using cylindrical coordinates but encounters an incorrect result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration for the volume calculation, with some suggesting that the maximum radius r should depend on z rather than being fixed. There is a consideration of the geometric interpretation of the cone versus a cylinder.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on correcting the limits of integration, indicating that the original setup was leading to the volume of a cylinder instead of a cone. The discussion reflects a productive exploration of the problem, with participants questioning and clarifying assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion over the integration limits and the geometric interpretation of the solid, indicating a need for clarification on how the cone's dimensions relate to the integration setup.

twoflower
Messages
363
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I have this problem:

Compute volume of solid bounded by these planes:

[tex] z = 1[/tex]

[tex] z^2 = x^2 + y^2[/tex]

When I draw it, it's cone standing on its top in the origin and cut with the [itex]z = 1[/itex] plane.

So after converting to cylindrical coordinates:

[tex] x = r\cos \phi[/tex]

[tex] y = r\sin \phi[/tex]

[tex] z = z[/tex]

[tex] |J_{f}(r,\phi,z)| = r[/tex]

I get

[tex] 0 \leq z \leq 1[/tex]

[tex] 0 \leq \phi \leq 2\pi[/tex]

[tex] 0 \leq r \leq 1[/tex]

And

[tex] V = \iiint_{M}\ dx\ dy\ dz\ =\ \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1} r\ dr\ dz\ d\phi[/tex]

But I got [itex]\pi[/itex] as a result, which is obviously incorrect :(

Can you see where I am doing a mistake?

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your limits of integration on r are wrong. Note that your maximum r changes as a function of z. What you are (correctly) calculating here is the volume of a unit cylinder, not a cone.

-Dale
 
DaleSpam said:
Your limits of integration on r are wrong. Note that your maximum r changes as a function of z. What you are (correctly) calculating here is the volume of a unit cylinder, not a cone.
-Dale

I thought so...anyway, I still can't see what's wrong. When I draw it in x-z 2D plane, I see that the cone is bounded by curve [itex]z = r[/itex] as a "right side" (which is what I got from expressing z from the original equations and using cylindrical coordinates) and [itex]z = -r[/tex] as a "left side". So because [itex]0 \leq z \leq 1[/itex] also [itex]0 \leq r \leq 1[/itex].<br /> <br /> Why isn't it correct?<br /> <br /> EDIT: Oh, I maybe see it now..Gonna try that and possibly write again..[/itex]
 
Well, you probably got it now anyway, but just in case I will tell you before I have to go for the evening. Basically instead of integrating r over 0 to 1 you need to integrate r over 0 to z.
[tex] V = \iiint_{M}\ dx\ dy\ dz\ =\ \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{z} r\ dr\ dz\ d\phi[/tex]

Do you see how this is a cone and the previous integration was a cylinder?

-Dale
 
Divide the cone into discs of thickness dz. The radius of each is equal to z, so area is piz^2. Now just integrate:

[tex]\int_0^1\pi z^2dz=\pi/3[/tex]
 
DaleSpam said:
Well, you probably got it now anyway, but just in case I will tell you before I have to go for the evening. Basically instead of integrating r over 0 to 1 you need to integrate r over 0 to z.
[tex] V = \iiint_{M}\ dx\ dy\ dz\ =\ \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{z} r\ dr\ dz\ d\phi[/tex]
Do you see how this is a cone and the previous integration was a cylinder?
-Dale

Yes, that's exactly how I finally did it. Thank you DaleSpam!

Krab said:
Divide the cone into discs of thickness dz. The radius of each is equal to z, so area is piz^2. Now just integrate:

Thank you Krab, nice approach actually...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K