Think of a soccer ball, think of a globe: these are round three-dimensional objects. The shape of such objects is referred to as a sphere. In this article, we will learn how to find the volume of a sphere.
To visualize a sphere, consider all possible congruent circles in space that have the same point for their center. Taken together, these circles form a sphere. All points on the surface of the sphere are an equal distance from its center. This distance is the radius of the sphere.
In space, a sphere is the locus of all points that are at a given distance from a given point – its center.
The total space occupied by a sphere is referred to as the volume of the sphere.
The Volume of a Sphere Formula
The formula to calculate the volume V of a sphere with radius r is
Why do we use this formula to compute the volume of a sphere? You can relate finding the formula for the volume of a sphere to the volume of a right pyramid and the surface area of the sphere.
Suppose the space inside a sphere is separated into infinitely many near-pyramids, all with vertices located at the center of the sphere as shown below:
Fig. 1: The sphere as a combination of infinite near-pyramids
The height of these pyramids is equal to the radius r of the sphere. The sum of the areas of all the pyramid bases equals the surface area of the sphere.Each pyramid has a volume of , where B is the area of the pyramid's base and h is its height. Then the volume of the sphere is equal to the sum of the volumes of all of the small pyramids.
Volume of a Sphere with Diameter
Suppose that instead of the radius, you are given the diameter of the sphere. Since the diameter is twice the radius, we can simply substitute the value in the above formula. This would lead to:
Volume of a Sphere Calculations with examples
Let us take a look at some calculations related to the volume of spheres.
Volume of Sphere Examples
we will be looking at several examples to give a good explanation about this topic
Find the volume of a sphere of radius 4.
Solution
A great circle is when a plane intersects a sphere so that it contains the center of the sphere. In effect, a great circle is a circle contained within the sphere whose radius is equal to the radius of the sphere. A great circle separates a sphere into two congruent halves, each called a hemisphere.
Find the volume of a sphere whose great circle has an area of 154 unit2.
Solution
Area of the great circle
The volume of a sphere is . Find the radius of the sphere.
Solution
The volume of a sphere is . Find the diameter of the sphere.
Solution
Find the volume of a sphere with diameter 2 units.
Solution
Volume of Spheres - Key takeaways
In space, a sphere is the locus of all points that are at a given distance from a given point called its center.
The volume, V of a sphere with radius, r is given by the formula:
The volume, V of a sphere with diameter, d is given by the formula:
Learn faster with the 0 flashcards about Volume of Sphere
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volume of Sphere
What is the volume of a sphere?
The volume, V of a sphere with radius, r is given by the formula: V=(4/3)πr³
How to find the volume of a sphere?
The volume, V of a sphere with radius, r is given by the formula: V=(4/3)πr³
What is the formula for the volume of a sphere?
The volume, V of a sphere with radius, r is given by the formula: V=(4/3)πr³
How do you calculate the volume of sphere with diameter?
The volume, V of a sphere with radius, d is given by the formula: V=(1/6)πd³
How we ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy?
At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet
the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.
Content Creation Process:
Lily Hulatt
Digital Content Specialist
Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.
Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.
Vaia is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.