Volume
Many three-dimensional solids can be generated by revolving a curve
about the x-axis or y-axis.
First example.
Second example. If we revolve the
semi-circle given by
about the x-axis, we obtain a sphere of radius r. We can derive the familiar
formula for the volume of this sphere.
Finding the Volume of a Sphere
Consider a cross-section of the sphere as shown. This cross-section is a circle with
radius f(x) and area π[f(x)]2.
Informally speaking, if we "slice" the sphere vertically into discs,
each disc having infinitesimal thickness dx, the volume of each disc
is approximately π[f(x)]2 dx.
If we "add up" the volumes of the discs, we will get the volume of
the sphere:
This is called the Method of Discs. In general, suppose
y = f(x) is nonnegative and continuous on [a,b]. If the region
bounded above by the graph of f, below by the x-axis, and on the
sides by x = a and x = b is revolved about the x-axis, the volume
V of the generated solid is given by
We can also obtain solids by revolving curves about the y-axis.
Revolving a Region about the y-axis
If we revolve the region enclosed by y = x2 and y = 2x,
0 ≤ x ≤ 2, about
the y-axis, we generate the three-dimensional solid shown.
Let's find the volume of this solid. If we "slice" the solid
horizontally, each slice is a "washer" (it: "rondella"). The outer radius is
__ √ y |
( since y = x2 → x = |
__ √ y ), |
the inner radius is y/2
(y = 2x → x = y/2), and the thickness is dy.
The volume of each washer is therefore
[π( |
__ √ y
|
)2-π(y/2)2] dy. |
Then the volume of the entire solid is given by
∫ |
4
0
|
[π( |
__ √ y
|
)2-π(y/2)2] dy |
|
= |
|
|
= |
|
|
= |
|
|
= |
|
Another Method
Look again at the volume of the solid generated by revolving the
region enclosed by y = 2x, y = x2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 about the y-axis. This time, we will
view the solid as being composed of a collection of concentric cylindrical
shells
("gusci": see; la parola significa anche "conchiglie",
ma non in questo caso)
of radius x, height 2x-x2, and infinitesimal thickness
dx. The volume of each shell is approximately given by the lateral surface
area ( = 2π·radius·height) multiplied by
the thickness:
"Adding up" the volumes of the cylindrical shells,
This is called the Method of Cylindrical Shells. Suppose
f(x), g(x), F(y), G(y) satisfy all the requirements given
earlier. Then, for a region revolved about the y-axis,
|
or |
V = |
∫ |
b
a
|
2πx[f(x)-g(x)] dx. |
|
|
For a region revolved about the x-axis,
|
or |
V = |
∫ |
d
c
|
2πy[F(y)-G(y)] dy. |
|
|
Notes
-
In the disc and washer methods, you integrate with respect to
the same variable as the axis about which you revolved the
region.
-
In the method of cylindrical shells, you integrate with respect
to the other variable.
Computing volumes using these methods takes some practice. With
experience, you will be better able to visualize the solids and
determine which method to apply.