Volume of a sphere formula?

Prepare for the Praxis Elementary Education Mathematics Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Enhance your chances for exam success!

Multiple Choice

Volume of a sphere formula?

Explanation:
The main idea is that the volume of a sphere comes from stacking many thin disks, so the volume grows with the cube of the radius. At a height z from the center, the cross-sectional disk has radius sqrt(r^2 − z^2), so its area is π(r^2 − z^2). Integrate these disks from the bottom to the top (z goes from −r to r): V = ∫_{−r}^{r} π(r^2 − z^2) dz = π [r^2 z − z^3/3]_{−r}^{r} = π[(r^3 − r^3/3) − (−r^3 + r^3/3)] = π(4r^3/3) = 4/3 π r^3. So the volume is 4/3 π r^3. This also matches the idea that doubling the radius multiplies volume by 8.

The main idea is that the volume of a sphere comes from stacking many thin disks, so the volume grows with the cube of the radius. At a height z from the center, the cross-sectional disk has radius sqrt(r^2 − z^2), so its area is π(r^2 − z^2). Integrate these disks from the bottom to the top (z goes from −r to r):

V = ∫{−r}^{r} π(r^2 − z^2) dz = π [r^2 z − z^3/3]{−r}^{r} = π[(r^3 − r^3/3) − (−r^3 + r^3/3)] = π(4r^3/3) = 4/3 π r^3.

So the volume is 4/3 π r^3. This also matches the idea that doubling the radius multiplies volume by 8.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy