Volume of a rectangle through a sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume removed from a sphere of radius 2 when a square hole with sides of length 2 is cut symmetrically through its center. The sphere is expressed mathematically as f(x,y,z) = x² + y² + z² = 4. Participants suggest using double integrals to compute the volume, specifically the integral ∫_{-2}^{2}∫_{-1}^{1} y√(4-x²-y²) dy dx to find the volume of the caps removed from the sphere. The conversation emphasizes the importance of visualizing the problem to enhance understanding of the underlying mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and equations, specifically f(x,y,z) = x² + y² + z² = 4
  • Knowledge of double integrals and their application in volume calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of symmetry in geometric problems
  • Basic calculus skills, particularly in integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to set up and evaluate double integrals in polar coordinates
  • Study the method for calculating volumes of solids of revolution
  • Explore visualizing three-dimensional shapes and their cross-sections
  • Investigate the relationship between geometry and calculus in volume calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, educators teaching geometry and calculus concepts, and anyone interested in applying integrals to solve geometric problems involving volumes.

Locoism
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Homework Statement



Homework Statement


Suppose that a square hole with sides of length 2 is cut symmetrically through
the center of a sphere of radius 2. Show that the volume removed is given by
Screen_Shot_2011_11_13_at_11_12_35_PM.png

where
Screen_Shot_2011_11_13_at_11_12_49_PM.png



I'm not sure how to approach this, but I figure you can express the sphere in terms of f(x,y,z) = x^2+y^2+z^2=4
then I express z in terms of x and y
\sqrt{4-y^2-x^2}

But now I'm guessing I need to set up a double integral. Looking at bounds, -2<x<2 and -1<y<1,

\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-1}^{1}y\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}dydx

Is this the right way to go?
How then would I show it is given by the above integral?
 
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You are thinking about the hole going parallel to the z axis, right? Did you mean the integrand to be 2*sqrt(4-x^2-y^2)? And why should the x limits be different from the y limits if you want to cut out a square hole? The original question is a little confusing. You could just put F(x)=V. But I suspect they just want you do the dy integration and then use symmetry.
 
Locoism said:

Homework Statement



Homework Statement


Suppose that a square hole with sides of length 2 is cut symmetrically through
the center of a sphere of radius 2.
When you say "sides of length 2" do you mean the length of the hole through sphere or do you mean the lengtth of the edges where the hole comes out of the sphere?

In either case, I would calculate, first, the volume of the rectangular solid making up the hole. You don't need Calculus for that. Then I would calculate the volume of the two "caps" that are cut from the sphere. That will require a double integral.

Show that the volume removed is given by
Screen_Shot_2011_11_13_at_11_12_35_PM.png

where
Screen_Shot_2011_11_13_at_11_12_49_PM.png



I'm not sure how to approach this, but I figure you can express the sphere in terms of f(x,y,z) = x^2+y^2+z^2=4
then I express z in terms of x and y
\sqrt{4-y^2-x^2}

But now I'm guessing I need to set up a double integral. Looking at bounds, -2<x<2 and -1<y<1,

\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-1}^{1}y\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}dydx

Is this the right way to go?
How then would I show it is given by the above integral?
If the hole is of length 2, then the edges
 
Locoism said:
How then would I show it is given by the above integral?


Show, yeah, that's right. Now you livin' in the big house:

\text{myblackarea(x)}=\int_{-1}^{1} 2\sqrt{4-x^2-y^2}dy

\text{myvolume}=\int_{0}^{1} \text{2 myblackarea(x)}dx

And if you take the time to learn how to do this, you'll never have a problem with these integrals ever again. My point is, the act of creating the plot, cultivates an intutitive understanding of the underlying mathematics. So tell your teacher I said ask everyone in class to draw this picture even if it takes them 6 hours to figure out how.
 

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