Sphere Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of a sphere using its radius.
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About Sphere Volume Calculation
A sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional shape where every point on its surface is equidistant from its center. The volume of a sphere represents the amount of space it occupies.
The Volume Formula
The volume V of a sphere with radius r is calculated using the formula:
V = (4/3) × π × r³
Where:
- V is the volume of the sphere
- π (pi) is approximately 3.14159
- r is the radius of the sphere
Applications in Real Life
Sphere volume calculations are essential in many fields:
- Manufacturing: Determining material needed for spherical containers or components
- Science: Calculating volumes of cells, planets, or spherical particles
- Sports: Designing equipment like basketballs, golf balls, or ball bearings
- Medicine: Calculating dosages based on spherical capsules or tumors
Historical Context
The formula for the volume of a sphere was first discovered by Archimedes in ancient Greece. He proved that the volume of a sphere is two-thirds the volume of a circumscribed cylinder, a result he was so proud of that he requested it be inscribed on his tomb.
Calculation Example
Let's calculate the volume of a sphere with a radius of 5 cm:
V = (4/3) × π × r³
V = (4/3) × 3.14159 × (5 cm)³
V = (4/3) × 3.14159 × 125 cm³
V ≈ 523.599 cm³
So, a sphere with a 5 cm radius has a volume of approximately 523.6 cubic centimeters.