Cylindrical Coordinates — Question 9

PDF ↗

Question 9

A point has cylindrical coordinates (r,θ,z)(r,\theta,z) with r=2zr=2z, z≥0z\ge 0, and lies on the sphere x2+y2+z2=45x^2+y^2+z^2=45.

Tasks

  1. Determine rr and zz.

  2. Describe all possible points.

  3. Find the horizontal circle containing them.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 1-12-009
Show solutionHide solution

Question 9 – Solution

Strategy. Convert the sphere to r2+z2=45r^2+z^2=45 and combine it with the cone relation.

See the diagram in the original worksheet below.

Step 1: Solve Substitute r=2zr=2z: (2z)2+z2=45⇒5z2=45.(2z)^2+z^2=45\quad\Longrightarrow\quad 5z^2=45. Since z≥0z\ge 0, z=3\boxed{z=3} and r=6\boxed{r=6}.

Step 2: Angular freedom No condition restricts θ\theta, so (r,θ,z)=(6,θ,3),0≤θ<2π.\boxed{(r,\theta,z)=(6,\theta,3),\quad 0\le\theta<2\pi}. In Cartesian form the points are (6cos⁡θ,6sin⁡θ,3)(6\cos\theta,6\sin\theta,3).

Step 3: Locus They form the horizontal circle x2+y2=36,z=3.\boxed{x^2+y^2=36,\qquad z=3}. Verification gives 36+9=4536+9=45 and r=6=2(3)r=6=2(3).

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 1-12-009

Original worksheet layout. Use Enlarge or open the PDF for a closer view.