Find the centroid of the solid

In summary, the problem involves finding the volume of a solid bounded by the surface z=y^2 and the planes x=0, x=1, and z=1. The student asks if it is valid to relabel the axes in order to graph the problem more easily. The response is that it is valid, but the problem should be restated using the new labels to ensure correctness. It is also important to remember to translate back to the original labels when finding the answer. The graph of z=y^2 is a parabolic cylinder in three dimensions, and the volume can be found by calculating the area of a cross section and multiplying it by the length.
  • #1
Mdhiggenz
327
1

Homework Statement



The solid bounded by the surface z=y2 and the planes x=0,x=1,z=1

I have a question regarding the limits of integration, would it be incorrect, if when I graphed z=y2

I changed it to a familiar xy graph instead I just graphed it as if z was y and x was y.

Pretty much I changed the y-axis to z, and x-axis to y.

Then graphed the potion z=y2

and included the line z=1

Thanks
Higgenz

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Of course it's valid to relabel the axes if that helps you to picture it. But it's hard to tell whether you've done this correctly unless you restate the problem, word for word, using the new labels.
And don't forget to translate back when you have the answer.
 
  • #3
You can't just "throw away" this x-axis. The graph of [itex]z= y^2[/itex] is a "parabolic cylinder" in three dimensions. Think of it as a "water trough" with parabolic cross section, extended along the x-axis. Of course, the volume is just the area of a cross section times the length.
 

Related to Find the centroid of the solid

1. What is the definition of centroid?

The centroid of a solid is the point at which the geometric center of the object is located. It is the point at which the weight of the object is evenly distributed in all directions.

2. How is the centroid of a solid calculated?

The centroid of a solid is calculated by taking the average of the x, y, and z coordinates of all points within the object. This can be done using the formula:

x = (x1 + x2 + ... + xn) / n
y = (y1 + y2 + ... + yn) / n
z = (z1 + z2 + ... + zn) / n

where n is the total number of points in the object.

3. What is the significance of finding the centroid of a solid?

Finding the centroid of a solid is important in engineering and physics applications because it helps determine the stability and balance of an object. It also plays a role in calculating the moment of inertia, which is used to analyze the rotational behavior of an object.

4. Can the centroid of a solid be outside the object?

No, the centroid of a solid must always be located within the object. This is because the centroid is a representative point that reflects the distribution of mass within the object, and it cannot be located outside of the object's boundaries.

5. How does the shape of a solid affect its centroid?

The shape of a solid directly affects the location of its centroid. For symmetrical objects, the centroid will be located at the center of the object. However, for irregularly shaped objects, the centroid may be located off-center or even outside of the object. The centroid is also affected by the density distribution within the object, with denser regions pulling the centroid closer to them.

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