234 MATHEMATICS
13.9 Volume of a Sphere
Now, let us see how to go about measuring the volume of a sphere. First, take two or
three spheres of different radii, and a container big enough to be able to put each of
the spheres into it, one at a time. Also, take a large trough in which you can place the
container. Then, fill the container up to the brim with water [see Fig. 13.30(a)].
Now, carefully place one of the spheres in the container. Some of the water from
the container will over flow into the trough in which it is kept [see Fig. 13.30(b)].
Carefully pour out the water from the trough into a measuring cylinder (i.e., a graduated
cylindrical jar) and measure the water over flowed [see Fig. 13.30(c)]. Suppose the
radius of the immersed sphere is r (you can find the radius by measuring the diameter
4
of the sphere). Then evaluate πr3. Do you find this value almost equal to the
3
measure of the volume over flowed?
Fig. 13.30
Once again repeat the procedure done just now, with a different size of sphere.
4 3
Find the radius R of this sphere and then calculate the value of πR . Once again this
3
value is nearly equal to the measure of the volume of the water displaced (over flowed)
by the sphere. What does this tell us? We know that the volume of the sphere is the
same as the measure of the volume of the water displaced by it. By doing this experiment
repeatedly with spheres of varying radii, we are getting the same result, namely, the
4
volume of a sphere is equal to π times the cube of its radius. This gives us the idea
3
that
4 3
Volume of a Sphere = πr
3
where r is the radius of the sphere.
Later, in higher classes it can be proved also. But at this stage, we will just take it
as true.
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SURFACE AREAS AND VOLUMES 235
Since a hemisphere is half of a sphere, can you guess what the volume of a
1 4 2
hemisphere will be? Yes, it is of π r 3 = πr3.
2 3 3
2 3
So, Volume of a Hemisphere = πr
3
where r is the radius of the hemisphere.
Let us take some examples to illustrate the use of these formulae.
Example 17 : Find the volume of a sphere of radius 11.2 cm.
4 3
Solution : Required volume = πr
3
4 22
= × × 11.2 × 11.2 × 11.2 cm3 = 5887.32 cm3
3 7
Example 18 : A shot-putt is a metallic sphere of radius 4.9 cm. If the density of the
metal is 7.8 g per cm3, find the mass of the shot-putt.
Solution : Since the shot-putt is a solid sphere made of metal and its mass is equal to
the product of its volume and density, we need to find the volume of the sphere.
4 3
Now, volume of the sphere = πr
3
4 22
= × × 4.9 × 4.9 × 4.9 cm 3
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= 493 cm3 (nearly)
Further, mass of 1 cm3 of metal is 7.8 g.
Therefore, mass of the shot-putt = 7.8 × 493 g
= 3845.44 g = 3.85 kg (nearly)
Example 19 : A hemispherical bowl has a radius of 3.5 cm. What would be the
volume of water it would contain?
Solution : The volume of water the bowl can contain
2 3
= πr
3
2 22
= × × 3.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 cm3 = 89.8 cm3
3 7
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