Chapter 14: Problem 54
Find an equation of the surface obtained by revolving the graph of the equation about the indicated axis. $$z=e^{-y^{2}} ; \quad y-axis$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is \( x^2 + z^2 = e^{-2y^2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to find the equation of the surface formed by revolving the given function around the y-axis. The function given is expressed in terms of z and y, specifically, \( z = e^{-y^{2}} \).
02
Visualizing Surface Revolution
When a curve is revolved around the y-axis, the resulting shape is a surface of revolution. Each point \((y, z)\) in the original graph traces out a circle in the xz-plane.
03
Setting Up the Cylindrical Coordinates
In cylindrical coordinates, a surface of revolution around the y-axis is represented by \((x^2 + z^2 = r^2)\), where \(r\) is a radius function of \(y\). For the given function, \(r = e^{-y^2}\).
04
Formulating the Surface Equation
To represent this surface, we use the relation that the radius from the y-axis (\(r\)) is expressed as \( \sqrt{x^2 + z^2} = e^{-y^2} \).
05
Simplifying the Equation
Squaring both sides gives us the equation \( x^2 + z^2 = e^{-2y^2} \). This is the equation of the surface obtained by revolving the given function around the y-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cylindrical Coordinates
Cylindrical coordinates provide a blend of cartesian and polar coordinate systems, creating an efficient way to describe 3D shapes. In this system, any point in space is defined through three variables:
- \(r\): the radial distance from the chosen axis (typically the z-axis in physics, but here we are revolving around the y-axis).
- \(\theta\): the angular coordinate, specifying the angle between the x-axis and the line connecting the point to the origin.
- \(y\): the height, or position along the y-axis.
Revolving Around an Axis
Revolving a shape around an axis transforms a 2D curve into a 3D surface. Imagine spinning a curve as if it's being rotated in a circle, capturing all the positions each point on the curve could take. This is the process of revolution. In the problem we have, the graph of the function \(z = e^{-y^2}\) is revolved around the y-axis.
- The original curve is in the yz-plane.
- As each point on the curve makes a complete rotation, it traces out a circle in the xz-plane.
- These circles stack vertically along the y-axis, forming the entire surface.
Equation of a Surface
To describe a surface formed by revolving a function, a new equation that accounts for three dimensions is necessary. The original function is just part of this process. In the given exercise, we started with the equation \(z = e^{-y^2}\). When revolved around the y-axis, every point turns into a circle of radius equal to the z-value at that particular y.
- The radius function becomes \(e^{-y^2}\).
- Each circle's equation combines with z, forming the surface equation.
- From cylindrical coordinates, the surface equation is \(x^2 + z^2 = e^{-2y^2}\).