Minimum Distance between surface of sphere and cube

In summary, the minimum distance between the surface of a sphere with radius 3 with center (2,1,2) and a cube with length 6 with center (12,11,12) can be found by first finding the distance between the centers of the two shapes and then subtracting the radius of the sphere from that number. This will give the minimum distance between the two objects.
  • #1
CmlDexter
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Homework Statement


Find the minimum distance between the surface of a sphere with radius 3 with center (2,1,2) and a cube with length 6 with center (12,11,12)


Homework Equations


sphere formula: (x-x0)^2+(y-y0)^2+(z-z0)^2=r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


Don't know how to attempt this problem. My assumption is to find the distance between the two centers, then subtract the distance between the radius and the surface of the sphere, and also subtract the distance between the center of the cube to one of the sides. would this procedure be correct?
 
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  • #2
Your procedure is partially correct... but you will want to find the minimum distance between the center of the sphere and a point on the cube. (not the distance between the centers)
then you will just subtract the radius from that number
 
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Related to Minimum Distance between surface of sphere and cube

What is the minimum distance between the surface of a sphere and a cube?

The minimum distance between the surface of a sphere and a cube is the shortest distance between any point on the surface of the sphere and any point on the surface of the cube.

Why is the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube important?

The minimum distance between a sphere and a cube is important in various fields of science and engineering, such as in collision detection, packing problems, and molecular modeling.

How can the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube be calculated?

The minimum distance between a sphere and a cube can be calculated using mathematical equations, such as the Pythagorean theorem and the distance formula.

Is there a specific formula for calculating the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube?

Yes, there are specific formulas for calculating the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube, depending on the dimensions and orientation of the sphere and cube.

Can the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube be greater than the diameter of the sphere?

No, the minimum distance between a sphere and a cube can never be greater than the diameter of the sphere, as the diameter represents the longest possible distance between any two points on the surface of the sphere.

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