Calculating Volume of a Sphere Cap: What Am I Missing?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the volume of a cap of a sphere with a given radius and height. The equations used involve integration and algebraic expansion. The mistake in the algebraic expression is identified and corrected.
  • #1
GunnaSix
35
0

Homework Statement


For a sphere of radius r find the volume of the cap of height h.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I can get it down to [tex]V \ = \ \pi \int_{r-h}^r (\pi r^2 - \pi y^2)dy \ = \ \pi {\left[(r^2y-\dfrac{1}{3} y^3) \right] }_{r-h}^r[/tex]

I expanded this to [tex]V=\pi (-\dfrac{2}{3} r^3+2r^2h-rh^2-\dfrac{1}{3}h^3)[/tex]

but the book has [tex]V=\pi h^2(r-\dfrac{1}{3} h)[/tex]

What am I missing/doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The calculus part is ok, except that you mistyped your integrand. The problem is in the algebra leading to your expression for V. For example, I can tell by looking at your integral expression that there shouldn't be any r^3 term in the result.
 
  • #3
do the expansion again?
 
  • #4
Yeah I got it. Forgot to carry the subtraction in the [tex] (r-h)^3 [/tex] expansion twice in a row and just assumed I was missing something instead of checking my algebra again. I should have seen that the [tex] r^3 [/tex] expressions would cancel out. Sorry.
 

FAQ: Calculating Volume of a Sphere Cap: What Am I Missing?

How do you calculate the integral volume of a sphere?

The integral volume of a sphere can be calculated using the formula V = (4/3)πr^3, where V represents the volume and r represents the radius of the sphere.

What is the significance of the integral volume of a sphere?

The integral volume of a sphere is important in many fields, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. It allows us to calculate the amount of space enclosed by a sphere, which is useful in various applications such as calculating the volume of a container or the displacement of a spherical object.

Can the integral volume of a sphere be negative?

No, the integral volume of a sphere cannot be negative. This is because volume is a measure of the amount of space occupied by an object, and it cannot have a negative value.

How does changing the radius of a sphere affect its integral volume?

As the radius of a sphere increases, its integral volume also increases. This is because the volume of a sphere is directly proportional to the cube of its radius. For example, if the radius doubles, the integral volume will increase by a factor of 8.

Is there a way to calculate the integral volume of a sphere using integration?

Yes, the integral volume of a sphere can also be calculated using integration. This involves using the integral formula for calculating volume, which is V = ∫∫∫dV, where dV represents the infinitesimal volume element.

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