Volume of Spheres
Volume of Spheres
Introduction: Did you every try to blow a soap bubble with a non-circular wand? What shape was your bubble? Chances are it was a sphere.A sphere is a solid shape where every point on its surface is the same distance from its center.
Spheres are interesting because not only are they perfectly symmetrical, but they also have the smallest surface area for a given volume. (Remember that volume is the amount of space something occupies.) See how many spherical objects you can think of that occur in nature!
The formula for the volume of a sphere is shown below, where V = volume and r = radius:
V=43πr3
Tips:
- If given the diameter of the sphere, be sure to first divide it by 2 to find the radius (r).
- Double-check if the answer must have pi multiplied out and if so, to which decimal place. Some problems will allow for the answer to be expressed with the pi symbol (π).
- Always check that your final answer is in cubic units since the radius is cubed (r3). For example, a problem that gives a radius or diameter in centimeters will have an answer in cubic centimeters (cm3).
Directions for This Lesson: In this lesson, you will learn how to calculate the volume of a sphere. First, try the practice questions to determine what you already know about the volume of a sphere. Then, watch the video lessons to learn more about sphere volume. Finally, apply what you learned in the activity and practice sections.
Required Videos:
Practice:
Practice what you have learned by completing the post-lesson worksheet.
Related Worksheets:
Related Lessons:
Additional Resources: