The Formula for the Surface Area of a Capsule

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 144 views

A capsule is a three-dimensional shape that consists of a cylinder with identical hemispheres on each end. The shape of a capsule is a combination of two different geometric shapes, making it a unique and interesting object to study. In this article, we will focus on finding the surface area of a capsule, given the diameter of the hemispheres.

The Formula for the Surface Area of a Capsule

The surface area of a capsule can be calculated using the formula:

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh

Where SA is the surface area, π is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14, r is the radius of the cylinder, and h is the height of the cylinder.

Finding the Radius and Height of the Cylinder

Given that the diameter of the hemispheres is 0.5 inches, we can find the radius of the cylinder by dividing the diameter by 2.

r = diameter / 2 r = 0.5 / 2 r = 0.25 inches

Since the hemispheres are identical, the height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter of the hemispheres.

h = diameter h = 0.5 inches

Calculating the Surface Area of the Capsule

Now that we have the radius and height of the cylinder, we can plug these values into the formula for the surface area of a capsule.

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh SA = 2π(0.25)^2 + 2π(0.25)(0.5) SA = 2π(0.0625) + π(0.125) SA = 0.3927 + 0.3927 SA = 0.7854

Rounding the Answer to the Nearest Hundredth

The surface area of the capsule is approximately 0.7854 square inches. Rounding this answer to the nearest hundredth, we get:

SA ≈ 0.79 square inches

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned how to find the surface area of a capsule using the formula SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh. We have also seen how to calculate the radius and height of the cylinder, given the diameter of the hemispheres. By following these steps, we can find the surface area of a capsule and round our answer to the nearest hundredth.

Key Takeaways

The surface area of a capsule can be calculated using the formula SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh.
The radius of the cylinder is half the diameter of the hemispheres.
The height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter of the hemispheres.
The surface area of a capsule can be rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 0.5 inches?
How do I calculate the surface area of a capsule?
What is the formula for the surface area of a capsule?

Answer to the Discussion Category

In the previous article, we discussed how to find the surface area of a capsule using the formula SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh. We also saw how to calculate the radius and height of the cylinder, given the diameter of the hemispheres. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the surface area of a capsule.

Q: What is the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 1 inch?

A: To find the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 1 inch, we need to first find the radius and height of the cylinder. The radius is half the diameter, which is 0.5 inches. The height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter, which is 1 inch.

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh SA = 2π(0.5)^2 + 2π(0.5)(1) SA = 2π(0.25) + π(0.5) SA = 1.5708 + 1.5708 SA = 3.1416

Rounding the answer to the nearest hundredth, we get:

SA ≈ 3.14 square inches

Q: How do I calculate the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 2 inches?

A: To find the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 2 inches, we need to first find the radius and height of the cylinder. The radius is half the diameter, which is 1 inch. The height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter, which is 2 inches.

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh SA = 2π(1)^2 + 2π(1)(2) SA = 2π(1) + 4π SA = 6.2832 + 12.5664 SA = 18.8496

Rounding the answer to the nearest hundredth, we get:

SA ≈ 18.85 square inches

Q: What is the formula for the surface area of a capsule?

A: The formula for the surface area of a capsule is:

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh

Where SA is the surface area, π is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14, r is the radius of the cylinder, and h is the height of the cylinder.

Q: How do I find the radius of the cylinder?

A: To find the radius of the cylinder, you need to divide the diameter of the hemispheres by 2.

r = diameter / 2

Q: How do I find the height of the cylinder?

A: To find the height of the cylinder, you need to use the diameter of the hemispheres.

h = diameter

Q: What is the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 0.25 inches?

A: To find the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 0.25 inches, we need to first find the radius and height of the cylinder. The radius is half the diameter, which is 0.125 inches. The height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter, which is 0.25 inches.

SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh SA = 2π(0.125)^2 + 2π(0.125)(0.25) SA = 2π(0.015625) + π(0.03125) SA = 0.0982 + 0.0982 SA = 0.1964

Rounding the answer to the nearest hundredth, we get:

SA ≈ 0.20 square inches

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about the surface area of a capsule. We have seen how to calculate the surface area of a capsule with different diameters and how to find the radius and height of the cylinder. By following these steps, we can find the surface area of a capsule and round our answer to the nearest hundredth.

Key Takeaways

The surface area of a capsule can be calculated using the formula SA = 2πr^2 + 2πrh.
The radius of the cylinder is half the diameter of the hemispheres.
The height of the cylinder is equal to the diameter of the hemispheres.
The surface area of a capsule can be rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 1 inch?
How do I calculate the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 2 inches?
What is the formula for the surface area of a capsule?
How do I find the radius of the cylinder?
How do I find the height of the cylinder?
What is the surface area of a capsule with a diameter of 0.25 inches?