Calculating the Volume of the Small Sphere

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 79 views

**The Radius of the Large Sphere is Double the Radius of the Small Sphere: A Mathematical Exploration**

Understanding the Problem

The problem states that the radius of the large sphere is double the radius of the small sphere. We are asked to determine how many times greater the volume of the large sphere is compared to the small sphere.

Mathematical Background

To solve this problem, we need to recall the formula for the volume of a sphere. The volume of a sphere is given by the formula:

V = (4/3)πr³

where V is the volume of the sphere and r is its radius.

Calculating the Volume of the Small Sphere

Let's assume that the radius of the small sphere is r. Then, the volume of the small sphere is:

V_small = (4/3)πr³

Calculating the Volume of the Large Sphere

Since the radius of the large sphere is double the radius of the small sphere, the radius of the large sphere is 2r. Then, the volume of the large sphere is:

V_large = (4/3)π(2r)³ = (4/3)π(8r³) = 8(4/3)πr³

Comparing the Volumes

Now, we can compare the volumes of the large and small spheres. We can see that the volume of the large sphere is 8 times the volume of the small sphere:

V_large = 8V_small

Conclusion

Therefore, the volume of the large sphere is 8 times greater than the volume of the small sphere.

Q&A

Q: What is the formula for the volume of a sphere? A: The formula for the volume of a sphere is V = (4/3)πr³.

Q: How do we calculate the volume of a sphere? A: To calculate the volume of a sphere, we need to know its radius. We can then use the formula V = (4/3)πr³ to find the volume.

Q: What is the relationship between the radius of the large sphere and the radius of the small sphere? A: The radius of the large sphere is double the radius of the small sphere.

Q: How many times greater is the volume of the large sphere compared to the small sphere? A: The volume of the large sphere is 8 times greater than the volume of the small sphere.

Q: What is the significance of the number 8 in this problem? A: The number 8 represents the factor by which the volume of the large sphere is greater than the volume of the small sphere.

Q: Can we generalize this result to spheres of any size? A: Yes, the result can be generalized to spheres of any size. The volume of a sphere is proportional to the cube of its radius.

Q: What are some real-world applications of this concept? A: This concept has many real-world applications, such as calculating the volume of balls, spheres, and other three-dimensional objects.

Q: How can we use this concept to solve other problems? A: We can use this concept to solve other problems involving spheres and volumes. For example, we can use it to calculate the volume of a sphere with a given radius or to compare the volumes of two spheres with different radii.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with this concept? A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with this concept include:

Failing to use the correct formula for the volume of a sphere
Not considering the relationship between the radius and the volume of a sphere
Not generalizing the result to spheres of any size

Q: How can we verify the result using different methods? A: We can verify the result using different methods, such as:

Using a calculator to calculate the volumes of the large and small spheres
Using a geometric model to visualize the spheres and their volumes
Using a mathematical software package to calculate the volumes of the spheres

Q: What are some extensions of this concept? A: Some extensions of this concept include:

Calculating the surface area of a sphere
Comparing the volumes of two spheres with different radii
Generalizing the result to other three-dimensional objects, such as cylinders and cones.