Triple Integrals with Spherical Coordinates: Finding Limits

In summary, the conversation is about finding the limits of integration for \rho, \theta, and \varphi in a triple integral using spherical coordinates. The problem involves graphing and using identities to solve for the limits. After some discussion, it is determined that the limits for \rho and \theta are correct, but the limits for \varphi need to be found using the definition of spherical coordinates. Eventually, it is confirmed that the limits for \varphi should be between 0 and \pi.
  • #1
jualin
8
0

Homework Statement



I have this question about triple integrals and spherical coordinates

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9343/81255254.th.jpg



Homework Equations



y = [tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\varphi[/tex] sin [tex]\theta[/tex]
x = [tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\varphi[/tex] cos [tex]\theta[/tex]
z = [tex]\rho[/tex] cos [tex]\varphi[/tex]
[tex]\rho[/tex]2 = z2 + y2 + x2

This is the way
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcIII/TISphericalCoords_files/eq0007MP.gif"

Thus I need to find the limits of integration for [tex]\rho[/tex] [tex]\theta[/tex] and [tex]\varphi[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the limits for the z to obtain z2.
Thus, z2 + x2 +y2 = 4
Using the identity for [tex]\rho[/tex]2 = z2 + y2 + x2 then [tex]\rho[/tex]2 = 4
which gives me a value of [tex]\rho[/tex] = 2.

To get [tex]\theta[/tex] I graphed the x limits of the integral. Since x = [tex]\sqrt{4-y2}[/tex] then x2 + y 2 =4. Therefore it is a circle of radius 2. Thus I assumed that [tex]\theta[/tex] goes from 0 to 2[tex]\pi[/tex].
Now my problem is to find the limits for [tex]\varphi[/tex] which I don't know how to get.

Any ideas on how to solve for [tex]\varphi[/tex] and also, can someone double check that the other limits of integration are correct?

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
How do you derive the spherical coordinates? You can find the ranges of [tex]\phi[/tex] in the definition of spherical coordinates, so study your book again! And the ranges for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex] are correct.
 
  • #3
rado5 said:
How do you derive the spherical coordinates? You can find the ranges of [tex]\phi[/tex] in the definition of spherical coordinates, so study your book again! And the ranges for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex] are correct.

Can I use the limits of y to get [tex]\phi[/tex]. For instance since y = 4 then can I say
[tex]\rho[/tex] sin [tex]\phi[/tex] sin [tex]\theta[/tex] = 4 so sin [tex]\phi[/tex] = [tex]\rho[/tex] / sin [tex]\theta[/tex]

Now I am stuck there. Do I plug in a value for [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\theta[/tex]. For instance 2 for [tex]\rho[/tex] and 2pi for [tex]\theta[/tex]. That would give me an undefined answer and sin [tex]\phi[/tex] is always defined. Where do I go from here?
Thank you for the quick response
 
  • #4
Or since z2 +y2 + x2 = 4 is a sphere and spheres have a [tex]\phi[/tex] from 0 to [tex]\pi[/tex]. Can anybody double check that my limits of integration are correct?

Thank you
 
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  • #5
Yes your bounderies are now correct and I'm sure about that, because I have a similar example in my book with answer.

[tex]\rho[/tex] is between 0 to 2 and [tex]\theta[/tex] is between 0 to [tex]2\pi[/tex] and [tex]\phi[/tex] is between 0 to [tex]\pi[/tex]
 

FAQ: Triple Integrals with Spherical Coordinates: Finding Limits

What are the limits for triple integrals with spherical coordinates?

The limits for triple integrals with spherical coordinates depend on the shape of the region being integrated. In general, the limits for the radius (r) will be from 0 to the maximum value of the radius, the limits for the inclination angle (θ) will be from 0 to π, and the limits for the azimuthal angle (φ) will be from 0 to 2π.

How do I convert a triple integral from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates?

To convert a triple integral from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates, the following formulas can be used:
x = r sinθ cosφ
y = r sinθ sinφ
z = r cosθ
And the Jacobian determinant for spherical coordinates is r² sinθ. By substituting these equations into the original integral and multiplying by the Jacobian, the integral can be expressed in terms of spherical coordinates.

What is the purpose of using spherical coordinates for triple integrals?

Spherical coordinates are useful for evaluating integrals over regions with spherical symmetry. This includes shapes such as spheres, cones, and cylinders. By using spherical coordinates, the problem can often be simplified and the limits of integration can be easier to determine.

Can you provide an example of a triple integral with spherical coordinates?

Sure, an example of a triple integral in spherical coordinates would be:
∭ (x² + y² + z²) dV
Where the limits of integration for r are from 0 to 2, for θ are from 0 to π, and for φ are from 0 to 2π. This would represent the volume of a sphere with radius 2.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using spherical coordinates for triple integrals?

One common mistake is forgetting to include the Jacobian determinant when converting from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates. It is also important to correctly identify the limits of integration for each variable and to use the correct formulas for the conversion. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the orientation of the coordinate system when setting up the integral.

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