I'm trying to express an equation for a parabolic cone (paraboloid?) where the ratio of volume to surface area of the circle through covering every cross section throughout the height of the 'cone' is constant. Presumably there is some parabola equation that creates a line that if spun around to create a parabolic cone shape would give this outcome.

Deborah Wyatt

Deborah Wyatt

Answered question

2022-07-15

Finding formula for parabolic cone with constant ratio of volume to surface area of each circular cross section
I'm trying to express an equation for a parabolic cone (paraboloid?) where the ratio of volume to surface area of the circle through covering every cross section throughout the height of the 'cone' is constant. Presumably there is some parabola equation that creates a line that if spun around to create a parabolic cone shape would give this outcome.

Answer & Explanation

Seromaniaru

Seromaniaru

Beginner2022-07-16Added 12 answers

Step 1
The ratio is a constant c / 2 = k , c = 2 k, say
(1a) π r 2 d y π r 2 = k
(1b) π r 2 d ( π r 2 ) d y = k
Cancel π and differentiate with respect to y using Chain Rule as above ( u / v ) = 0 ( u / v u / v )
r 2 2 r d r d y = k
(2) d y 2 k = d r r d r d y = r 2 k
Step 2
Integrate with BC y = 0 , r = a
(3) y 2 k = log r a
Or (4) r = a e y 2 k
So it is an exponential curve rotated around Y axis.
To verify the obtained result plug (2) into (1) and simplify
(5) Volume Cross-Section Area = π a 2 e y / k d y π ( a 2 e y / ( 2 k ) ) 2 = e y / k k ( e y / ( 2 k ) ) 2 = k which is a constant.
Lilliana Livingston

Lilliana Livingston

Beginner2022-07-17Added 2 answers

Step 1
Such a solid of revolution cannot exist. Let the solid be generated by the rotation around x-axis of the curve with equation y = f ( x ). Then its volume, from x = 0 to x = X is
V ( X ) = 0 X π f 2 ( x ) d x
while the area of the cross section at x = X is A ( X ) = π f 2 ( X ). If A ( X ) = k V ( X ) for some constant k and any X 0, then A ( X ) = k V ( X ), that is:
2 π f ( X ) f ( X ) = k π f 2 ( X ) .
Step 2
Hence, either f ( X ) = 0 or f ( X ) = ( k / 2 ) f ( X ), that is: f ( X ) = A e k X / 2 . But that solution doesn't work, because it gives:
V ( X ) = π A 2 k ( e k X 1 ) and A ( X ) = π A 2 e k X .

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in High school geometry

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?