Skip to main content
Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.3.73

Volume: Find the volume generated by revolving one arch of the curve y = sin x about the x-axis.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the interval for one arch of the curve \( y = \sin x \). Since one arch corresponds to one complete wave from 0 to \( \pi \), set the limits of integration as \( x = 0 \) to \( x = \pi \).
Recall the formula for the volume \( V \) generated by revolving a curve \( y = f(x) \) about the x-axis from \( x = a \) to \( x = b \): \[ V = \pi \int_{a}^{b} [f(x)]^{2} \, dx \]
Substitute \( f(x) = \sin x \) and the limits \( a = 0 \), \( b = \pi \) into the volume formula: \[ V = \pi \int_{0}^{\pi} (\sin x)^{2} \, dx \]
Use the trigonometric identity to simplify \( (\sin x)^2 \): \[ \sin^{2} x = \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2} \] Rewrite the integral using this identity.
Set up the integral for evaluation: \[ V = \pi \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2} \, dx \] From here, you can integrate term-by-term to find the volume.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Volume of Solids of Revolution

This concept involves finding the volume of a 3D solid formed by rotating a 2D curve around an axis. The volume is typically calculated using integral calculus, where the shape is sliced into thin disks or washers perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
Recommended video:
04:48
Finding Volume Using Disks

Disk Method

The disk method calculates volume by summing up the volumes of infinitesimally thin circular disks formed when a region is revolved around an axis. Each disk's volume is π(radius)^2 times the thickness, and integration over the interval gives the total volume.
Recommended video:
06:30
Disk Method Using y-Axis

Properties of the Sine Function

Understanding the sine function, especially one arch from 0 to π, is crucial. The function y = sin x is positive and continuous in this interval, which defines the shape of the region being revolved and sets the limits of integration for the volume calculation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:21
Properties of Functions