Volume of a sphere without cap

In summary, the problem is to determine the volume of a solid sphere with a spherical cap removed from its "north pole". The volume can be found by subtracting the volume of the cap from the volume of the sphere. The formula for the volume of a sphere is 4(pi)r^3/3, while the formula for the volume of a cap is (pi)h^2/3(3r-h). The cap in this problem is the region described in the Wikipedia entry for "spherical cap". It is suggested to use the same method for finding the volume of the cap as used for the volume of the sphere, or to integrate in one go by carefully choosing the limits of integration.
  • #1
thercias
62
0

Homework Statement


A solid sphere of radius R has a spherical cap, defined by the cone theta = alpha, removed from its "north pole". Determine the volume of the sphere without cap.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Well obviously, the volume would be volume of sphere - volume of cap.
I am able to derive the volume of the sphere and obtain the formula 4(pi)r^3/3, but I am not sure about the volume of the cap. Is this the same cap that is talked about? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_cap
If so, the volume would (pi)h^2/3(3r-h), and the answer could be found by subtracting the two quantities. My class focuses on deriving the quantities though, and I am confused and want to understand on where to start for deriving the volume of the cap.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
what does "theta=alpha" mean?
Do you mean that the apex angle of the cone is ##\alpha##? The half-angle at the apex?

The cap is the regeon described in the wikipedia entry you linked to - yes.
Why not use the same method for the volume of the cap that you used for the volume of the sphere?

For that matter - why not do it in one go by carefully choosing your limits of integration?
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap?

The formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap is (4/3)πr3, where r is the radius of the sphere.

2. Why is the formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap different from the formula for a regular sphere?

The formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap is different from a regular sphere because it does not take into account the volume of the cap, which is the portion of the sphere that has been cut off.

3. How do you find the radius of a sphere without cap if the volume is given?

To find the radius of a sphere without cap when the volume is given, you can rearrange the formula to r = ∛(3V/4π), where V is the volume of the sphere.

4. Can you use the same formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap for any size of sphere?

Yes, the formula for calculating the volume of a sphere without cap can be used for any size of sphere as long as the radius is known.

5. How can the concept of volume of a sphere without cap be applied in real life?

The concept of volume of a sphere without cap can be applied in real life in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and physics. For example, when designing a dome-shaped structure, the volume of the dome without the cap can be calculated to determine the amount of material needed. In physics, this concept can be applied when studying fluid dynamics and calculating the volume of fluid in a spherical container with an open top.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
800
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
647
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
562
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Back
Top