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Chapter 12

Applications of definite integral

We can meet with applications of the definite integral while solving various problems. In
this chapter we will give some geometric and physical applications of the definite integral
which are based on the method using the notion of aditive functions of the interval.

12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral


In the introductory chapter 11 we have already given problems whose a "way of solution" was
motivation for introducing the Riemann integral. They are the following problems: determi-
nation of the area of a trapezium with the curved sides (geometric problem); determination
of a displacement of the point moving along the line in the known velocity in the given time
interval and determination of the amount of the work done by the given force by replacement
of a solid body from one point to the another (physical problems). If we analyze the "ways
of solution" of the given problems more deeply, we will find out that for their solution the
following facts were crucial:
For a given function f defined on some interval I the function Φf was constructed on a
set of closed intervals from the interval I such that

1. For arbitrary a, b, c from I; a < c < b

Φf ([a, b]) = Φf ([a, c]) + Φf ([c, b])

holds (the additivity property).

2. If the interval [c, d] ⊂ I the inequalities m ≤ f ≤ M hold for some constants m and
M , then
m(d − c) ≤ Φf ([c, d]) ≤ M (d − c)
(the boundedness property).

1
12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral 2

The given properies 1 and 2 will be important also in solution of other problems (volume
of a solid of revolution, arc length, surface area of a solid of revolution, computation of the
work etc.). That is why we will call the functions which have these properties in a special
way.

Definition 12.1.1. Let I ⊂ R be an arbitrary interval and let S(I) = {[c, d]; [c, d] ⊂ I}.

a) We call the function φ : S(I) → R the additive function of an interval if for arbitrary
intervals [a, c], [c, b] from S(I)

Φ([a, b]) = Φ([a, c]) + Φ([c, b])

holds.

b) We say that the additive function of an interval φ : S(I) → R is medial with respect to
the function f : I → R if for every interval [c, d] from S(I) the following impications
holds: If
∀x ∈ [c, d] : m ≤ f (x) ≤ M
where m and M are numbers, then

m(d − c) ≤ φ([c, d]) ≤ M (d − c)

(the boundedness property).

If φ : S(I) → R is an additive function of an interval, then, by induction, we easily derive


that for every partition of the interval [a, b] from S(I) with the partition points x0 , x1 , . . . , xn
n
X
φ([a, b]) = φ([xi−1 , xi ])
i=1

holds.
Let I = [a, b] and let φ : S(I) → R be an additive function of an interval. Define the
function F ∗ : I → R by 8
>
>0 for x = a
<

F (x) = >
>
:
φ([a, x]) for x ∈ (a, b].
Then for [c, d] ⊂ I
φ([c, d]) = F ∗ (d) − F ∗ (c).
This means that for every additive function of an interval φ : S([a, b]) → R there exists a
function F ∗ : [a, b] → R such that

φ([c, d]) = F ∗ (d) − F ∗ (c)

2
12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral 3

for [c, d] ∈ S([a, b]).


It holds also conversely: For arbitrary function g : [a, b] → R the function

φ : [c, d] 7→ g(d) − g(c), [c, d] ∈ S([a, b])

is the additive function of an interval.


Indeed, let a ≤ α < γ < β ≤ b. Then

φ([α, β]) = g(β) − g(α) = g(γ) − g(α) + g(β) − g(γ) = φ([α, γ]) + φ([γ, β]).

From this fact it follows: If the function f is Riemann integrable on the interval [a, b], then
with the help of the function
Z x
Ff∗ : x 7→ f (t) dt, x ∈ [a, b],
a

the additive function of an interval φf : S([a, b]) → R is defined such that


Z d
φf ([c, d]) = Ff∗ (d) − Ff∗ (c) = f (t) dt
c

for [c, d] ∈ S([a, b]). (The assertion that the function φf is the additive function of an interval
follows from Theorem 10.11.3, too.) Furthermore, from Corollary 1’ of Theorem 3.11.2 it
follows that such an additive function of an interval is medial with respect to the function
f.

Example 12.1.1. Let 8


>
>
<
0 for x ∈ [−1, 0)
g : x 7→ >
>
:
1 for x ∈ [0, 1].
Show that for the additive function of an interval φ : S([−1, 1]) → R defined in such a way
that
φ([c, d]) = g(d) − g(c)
for [c, d] ∈ S([−1, 1]), i.e., 8
>
>
<
1 if 0 ∈ (c, d]
φ([c, d]) = >
>
:
0 if 0 ∈
/ (c, d],
does not exist a function f ∈ R([−1, 1]) such that
Z d
φ([c, d]) = f (x) dx (1)
c

for [c, d] ∈ S([−1, 1]). (An additive function of an interval φ can be obtained, for example,
also in the following way. We place to the beginning of the real axis a mass point with the

3
12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral 4

mass 1. We don’t place any other mass points on this real axis. For every [c, d] ∈ S([−1, 1])
we define φ([c, d]) as the mass of points which are contained in the interval (c,d].)
Solution: Suppose that there exists a function f ∈ R([−1, 1]) for which (1) holds, i.e.,
Z d
φ([c, d]) = f (x) dx
c

for [c, d] ∈ S([−1, 1]). Then for x ∈ (−1, 1]


Z x
g(x) − g(−1) = g(x) = φ([−1, x]) = f (t) dt.
−1

This means that the function g discontinuous at th enumber 0 is equal to the function
Z x
F : x 7→ f (t) dt, x ∈ [−1, 1],
−1

which is continuous on the interval [−1, 1] (Theorem 1.11.5). This is a contradiction, and
so for the given additive function of an intreval there cannot exist a function f ∈ R([−1, 1])
such that (1) holds.

From this example it can be seen that not every additive function of an integral can
be constructed with the help of the integral. We will give the theorem which will ensure
that additive functions of an interval which are medial with respect to Riemann integrable
functions can be constructed with the help of the integral. The theorem will be also very
useful in the applications of Riemann integral.

THEOREM 12.1.1. Let the function f be Riemann integrable on the interval [a, b]. Let
φ : S(I) → R be the additive function of an interval and let it be medial with respect to
the function f . Then φ equals to the additive function of an interval
Z d
[c, d] 7→ f (x) dx, [c, d] ∈ S(I),
c

i.e. Z d
φ([c, d]) = f (x) dx
c
for arbitrary [c, d] ∈ S(I).

Proof. Since f ∈ R(I), the function f is from R(I∗ ) for any interval I∗ = [c, d] ⊂ I (Theorem
9.11.3). Thus, according to Theorem 1.11.2
X X 
∀ ∈ R+ ∃Uf (ϕ∗ , ψ ∗ ) : (ψ ∗ ) − (ϕ∗ ) <
I∗ I∗ 2

holds. Let D ∈ D(I∗ ) be the corresponding partition for the functions ϕ∗ and ψ ∗ on I
with the partition points x0 , x1 , . . . , xm and let ϕ∗ (x) = ki∗ , ψ ∗ (x) = li∗ for x ∈ (xi−1 , xi );
i = 1, 2, . . . , m. Let

K ∗ = max{l0∗ , l1∗ , . . . , lm

, ψ ∗ (x0 ), ψ ∗ (x1 ), . . . , ψ ∗ (xm )},

4
12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral 5

k ∗ = min{k0∗ , k1∗ , . . . , km

, ϕ∗ (x0 ), ϕ∗ (x1 ), . . . , ϕ∗ (xm )}
and let δ be a positive number such that
1
δ< min{x1 − x0 , x2 − x1 , . . . xm − xm−1 }
2
and at the same time

2(m + 1)δ(K ∗ − k ∗ ) < .
2
Put t0 = x0 , t1 = x0 +δ, t2 = x1 −δ, t3 = x1 +δ, t4 = x2 −δ, t5 = x2 +δ, . . . , t2m−2 = xm−1 −δ,
t2m−1 = xm−1 + δ, t2m = xm − δ, t2m+1 = xm .
Clearly,
kj∗ ≤ f (x) ≤ lj∗ for x ∈ [t2j−1 , t2j ], j = 1, 2, . . . , m (2)
and
k ∗ ≤ f (x) ≤ K ∗ for x ∈ [t2j , t2j+1 ], j = 0, 1, . . . , m (3)
hold.
Consider the following step-like functions on I∗ with the partition D0 = {t0 , t1 , . . . , t2m+1 }
8
>
>
<
kj∗ for x ∈ (t2j−1 , t2j ), j = 1, 2, . . . , m
ϕ∗0 : x 7→ >
> ∗
:
k for x ∈ [t2j , t2j+1 ], j = 0, 1, . . . , m
8
>
>
<
lj∗ for x ∈ (t2j−1 , t2j ), j = 1, 2, . . . , m
ψ0∗ : x 7→ >
>
:
K∗ for x ∈ [t2j , t2j+1 ], j = 0, 1, . . . , m
Then ϕ∗0 ≤ f = ψ0∗ and
X X X
(ψ0∗ ) − (ϕ∗0 ) = (ψ0∗ − ϕ∗0 ) =
I∗ I∗ I∗
m
X m
X
(lj∗ − kj∗ )(t2j − t2j−1 ) + (K ∗ − k ∗ )(t2j+1 − t2j ) =
j=1 j=0
m
X
= (lj∗ − kj∗ )(xj − δ − xj−1 − δ) + (K ∗ − k ∗ )2(m + 1)δ <
j=1
m
X  X ∗ X   
< (lj∗ − kj∗ )(xj − xj−1 ) + = (ψ ) − (ϕ∗ ) + < + = 
j=1 2 I∗ I∗ 2 2 2
By this it is proved that
X X
(ψ0∗ ) − (ϕ∗0 ) < . (4)
I∗ I∗

5
12.1 Additive function of an interval and the integral 6

Let φ : S(I) → R be an additive function of an interval and medial with respect to the
funcion f . Then with regards to (2) and (3), it holds
2m+1
X
φ(I∗ ) = φ([c, d]) = φ([tj−1 , tj ])
j=1

kj∗ (t2j − t2j−1 ) ≤ φ([t2j−1 , t2j ]) ≤ lj∗ (t2j − t2j−1 ), j = 1, 2, . . . , m


k ∗ (t2j+1 − t2j ) ≤ φ([t2j , t2j+1 ]) ≤ K ∗ (t2j+1 − t2j ), j = 0, 1, . . . , m.
For this reason
m
X m
X m
X m
X
k ∗ (t2j+1 − t2j ) + kj∗ (t2j − t2j−1 ) ≤ φ(I∗ ) ≤ K ∗ (t2j+1 − t2j ) + lj∗ (t2j − t2j−1 ),
j=0 j=1 j=0 j=1

i.e.,
X X
(ϕ∗0 ) ≤ φ(I∗ ) ≤ (ψ0∗ ). (5)
I∗ I∗

Furthermore, from Corollary 1 of Theorem 3.11.2 it follows that


Z
X X
(ϕ∗0 ) ≤ f (x) dx ≤ (ψ0∗ ). (6)
I∗ I∗ I∗

From (5) and (6), with regards to (4), we obtain


Z
X X

φ(I∗ ) − f (x) dx ≤ (ψ0∗ ) − (ϕ∗0 ) < .
I∗ I∗ I∗

From this, with regards to the fact that this inequality holds for any positive number , we
get Z

φ(I∗ ) = f (x) dx.


I∗

In the next section we will give various (geometric and physical) applications of the
definite integral on the basis of the same principle which is based on our experience and
imagination, and for this purpose we will use Theorem 12.1.1.

Problems
1. Prove that the function µ : [c, d] 7→ d − c, [c, d] ⊂ S(R), is the additive function of an
interval.

2. Show that the function φ : [c, d] 7→ 1 + d − c, [c, d] ⊂ S(R), is not the additive function
of an interval.

6
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 7

3. Let I ⊂ R be an interval. Prove that an additive function of an interval φ : S(I) → R


is medial with respect to the function f : I → R if and only if for any interval
[c, d] ∈ S(I) it holds:
If f is bounded on [c, d] and

m = inf f (x), M = sup f (x),


x∈[c,d] x∈[c,d]

then
m(d − c) ≤ φ([c, d]) ≤ M (d − c).
√ √
4. Prove that for the additive function of an interval φ : [c, d] → d− c, [c, d] ∈
S([0, 1]) does not exist a function f ∈ R([0, 1]) such that
Z d
φ([c, d]) = f (x) dx
c

for arbitrary [c, d] ∈ S([0, 1]). (Observe that the function φ is equal to the additive
function of an interval
Z d
[c, d] → (N ) g(x) dx; [c, d] ∈ S([0, 1]),
c

1
where g : [0, 1] → R is the function such that g(x) = √
2 x
for x ∈ (0, 1].)

12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral


In this section we will determine area of a curvilinear trapezium as well as more complicated
shapes. We will also give a way how to calculate it with the help of the integral, solving also
the problem P1 from the introduction chapter 11.
Let an orthogonal coordinate system be given in the plane. Let the functions f and g be
defined and continuous on the interval [a, b] and let g ≤ f .
We call the set of the points in the plane

M (f, g; c, d) = {(x, g) ∈ R2 ; x ∈ [c, d] ⊂ [a, b], g(x) ≤ y ≤ f (x)}

the elementary domain determined by the functions f , g and the interval [c, d]. For g = 0
we obtain the curvilinear trapezium corresponding to the function f and the interval [c, d]
(Fig.12.1).

Definition 12.2.1. Let for every interval [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] there exist for the elementary domain
M (f, g; c, d) one and only one number Pf,g ([c, d]) such that it holds:

1. If c < w < d, then


Pf,g ([c, w]) + Pf,g ([w, d]) = Pf,g ([c, d]).

7
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 8

y
f

0 a c d b x

Figure 12.1:

2. If for some nonnegative numbers k and K

k ≤ f (x) − g(x) ≤ K

for x ∈ [c, d], then


k(d − c) ≤ Pf,g ([c, d]) ≤ K(d − c).

We call the number Pf,g ([c, d]) the area of the elementary domain M (f, g; c, d).

The first property expresses the property of the area which says that the sum of the
areas of the elementary domains M (f, g; c, w) and M (f, g; w, d) to which we divide the given
elementary domain M (f, g; c, d) is equal to the area of the elementary domain M (f, g; c, d)
(Fig.12.2).
The second property expresses that the area of the rectangle inscribed into the elementary
domain is not larger than the area of this domain and this area is not larger than the area
of the described rectangle (Fig.12.3).
The presented properties express our imaginations about the area of plane shapes in
consideration.
Moreover, from the first and the second property it follows that the function [c, d] 7→
Pf,g ([c, d]), [c, d] ∈ S([a, b]) is the additive function of an interval which is medial with
respect to the function f − g.

8
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 9

y
f

0 a c w d b x

Figure 12.2:

Since the functions f and g are continuous on [a, b], the function f − g is continuous
on [a, b], too. On the basis of Theorem 1.12.1 there exists one and only one function of an
interval which is medial with respect to the function f − g and, namely, the function of an
interval Z d
” —
[c, d] 7→ f (x) − g(x) dx, [c, d] ∈ S([a, b]).
c
For this reason Z d” —
Pf,g ([c, d]) = f (x) − g(x) dx.
c
We have proved the following theorem.

THEOREM 12.2.1. Let the functions f and g be continuous on the interval [a, b] and let
g ≤ f . Then the area of the elementary domain M (f, g; c, d) is equal to
Z d” —
f (x) − g(x) dx.
c

If the elementary domain is the curvilinear trapezium corresponding to the function f


and the interval [c, d] (i.e., if g(x) = 0 for x ∈ [c, d]), then its area is equal to
Z d
f (x) dx.
c

9
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 10

y
f

0 a c d b x

Figure 12.3:

Example 12.2.1. Let f : x 7→ 3x − x2 , x ∈ [0, 3]. We will compute the area of the
curvilinear trapezium corresponding to the function f and the interval [1, 2] (Fig.12.4).
Solution: According to Theorem 12.2.1, the area of the curvilinear trapezium M (f, 0; 1, 2)
is equal to
Z 2 – ™2
2 3x2 x3
(3x − x ) dx = − = 2.
1 2 3 1

Example 12.2.2. Let r be a positive number and let g : x 7→ − r2 − x2 , x ∈ [−r, r]

and f : x 7→ r2 − x2 , x ∈ [−r, r]. Let us compute the area of the elementary domain
determined by the functions f , g and the interval [−r, r] (Fig.12.5), i.e., the area of the disk
bounded by the circle with the equation x2 + y 2 = r2 .
Solution: The area of the elementary domain M (f, g; −r, r) equals to
Z r √ √ Z r √ Z 0√
” —
r2 − x2 − (− r2 − x2 ) dx = 2 r2 − x2 dx = −2 r2 − r2 cos2 t r sin t dt =
−r −r π
Z – ™π
π t sin 2t
2r2 sin2 t dt = 2r2 − = πr2 .
0 2 4 0
(In calculating the integral we used the substitution x = r cos t, t ∈ R and Theorem 1.11.7.)
The result is known from high school geometry.
Remark 12.2.1. Theorem 12.2.1 gives the answer to the problem P1 from the introductory
chapter 11.

10
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 11

0 1 2 3 x

Figure 12.4:

Let the function continuous and nonnegative on the interval I ⊂ R be given parametri-
cally by the equations
x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ J,
where ϕ and ψ are continuous functions on the interval J, and ϕ be strictly monotone and
differentiable on J. Let α and β be from J such that ϕ(α) = a < b = ϕ(β). Then for
the area Pf,0 ([a, b]) of the curvilinear trapezium corresponding to f and the interval [a, b] it
holds: Z β

Pf,0 ([a, b]) = (N ) ψ(t)ϕ0 (t) dt. (1)


α
Indeed, if in the integral Z b
Pf,0 ([a, b]) = f (x) dx
a

we put x = ϕ(t) and take into account that (f ◦ ϕ)(t) = ψ(t) for t ∈ J, then according to
Theorem 1.11.7 we obtain
Z b Z β
Pf,0 ([a, b]) = f (x) dx = (N ) ψ(t)ϕ0 (t) dt.
a α

Example 12.2.3. We have to compute the area of the curvilinear trapezium corresponding
to the function given parametrically by the equations

x = r(t − sin t), y = r(1 − cos t), t ∈ R, r ∈ R+ , (2)

11
12.2 Additive function of an interval and the integral 12

-r 0 r x

Figure 12.5:

and the interval [0, 3πr] (Fig.12.6)


(The curve given parametrically by the equations (2) is called cycloid.)
Solution: According to (1), the area of the curvilinear trapezium corresponding to the
function given parametrically by the equations (2) and the interval [0, 3πr] (which corre-
sponds to the interval [α, β] = [0, 3π]) equals to
Z 3π Z 3π
2
r(1 − cos t)r(1 − cos t) dt = r (1 − 2 cos t + cos2 t) dt =
0 0
Z ‚ Œ – ™3π
2
3π 3 1 3 1 9
=r − 2 cos t + cos 2t dt = r2 t − sin t + sin 2t = πr2 .
0 2 2 2 4 0 2

Problems

1. Compute the area of the elementary domain determined by the functions x 7→ 2 2x,
x ∈ [0, 5]; x 7→ 2x; x ∈ [0, 5] and the interval [0, 2].
2
x2
2. Compute the area of the plane shape bounded by the ellipse with the equation a2
+ yb2 =
1, a > 0, b > 0.

3. Compute the area of the curvilinear trapezium corrensponding to the function given
parametrically by the equations
x = t3 + 3t + 1, y = t2 − t + 1, t ∈ R,

12
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 13

0 r 2 r 3 r 4 r x

Figure 12.6:

and the interval [1, 5].

Answers
4
1. 3
.

2. πab.
67
3. 20
.

12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution


From elementary geometry we know that the volume of the circular cylinder with radius of
the basis r and the heigth h is πr2 h. Now we will define also the volume of more complicated
solids.
Let a plane be given in the space and in it a orthogonal coordinate system. Let f and g
be the functions defined and continuous on the interval [a, b] and let 0 ≤ g ≤ f .
A solid which will arise by rotating the elementary domain M (f, g; c, d) (see Sec.12.2)
around the x-axis is called the solid of revolution determined by the functions f and g and
the interval [c, d]. Let us denote it by T (f, g; c, d) (Fig.12.7).
Our goal is to determine the volume of a solid of revolution T (f, g; c, d). To reach this
goal, we will proceed in a similar way as in the definition of the area of an elementary domain
M (f, g; c, d) in Sec.12.2.

13
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 14

0 c d x

Figure 12.7:

Definition 12.3.1. Let for any interval [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] there exist for a solid of revolution
T (f, g; c, d) one and only one number Vf,g ([c, d]) such that:

1. Vf,0 ([c, d]) = Vg,0 ([c, d]) + Vf,g ([c, d])

2. If c < w < d, then Vf,0 ([c, w]) = Vf,0 ([w, d]) + Vf,0 ([c, d])

3. If for some nonnegative numbers m and M , m ≤ f ≤ M on the interval [c, d], then

πm2 (d − c) ≤ Vf,0 ([c, d]) ≤ πM 2 (d − c).

Then the number Vf,g ([c, d]) is called the volume of a solid of revolution T (f, g; c, d).

According to the first and the second property, the volume of a solid of revolution equals
to the sum of the volumes of the parts to which we will divide this solid.
The third property expresses the fact that the volume of the cylinder inscribed into the
solid of revolution is not greater than the volume of this solid of revolution which, on the
other hand, is not greater than the volume of described cylinder.
The given properties express our imaginations about the volumes of solids.
From the second and the third property it follows that the function

Vf,0 : [c, d] 7→ Vf,0 ([c, d]), [c, d] ∈ S([a, b])

14
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 15

is the additive function of an interval which is medial with respect to the function πf 2 .
Indeed, let m and M be nonnegative numbers such that for every x ∈ [c, d]

0 ≤ m ≤ πf 2 (x) ≤ M

holds. Thus, Ê
r
m M
≤ f (x) ≤
π π
for x ∈ [c, d]. Therefore according to 3,
„ Ž2 „Ê Ž2
r
m M
π (d − c) ≤ Vf,0 ([c, d]) ≤ π (d − c),
π π

i.e.,
m(d − c) ≤ Vf,0 ([c, d]) ≤ M (d − c.)
By this we have proved that the additive function of an interval Vf,0 is medial with respect
to the function πf 2 . Since f is continuous on [a, b], the function πf 2 is continuous on [a, b],
too, and so it is integrable on [a, b] (Theorem 1.11.4). But this, according to Theorem 1.12.1,
means that the volume Vf,0 ([c, d]) of a solid of revolution is determined uniquely by the given
properties 2 and 3, and Z d
Vf,0 ([c, d]) = π f 2 (x) dx
c
holds. Then, from the property 1 we obtain that

Vf,g ([c, d]) = Vf,0 ([c, d]) − Vg,0 ([c, d]),

i.e., the volume Vf,g ([c, d]) of the solid of revolution T (f, g; c, d) equals to
Z d” —
π f 2 (x) − g 2 (x) dx.
c

We have proved the following theorem.

THEOREM 12.3.1. Let the functions f and g be continuous on the interval [a, b] and let
0 ≤ g ≤ f . Then the volume of the solid of revolution T (f, g; c, d) equals to
Z d” —
π f 2 (x) − g 2 (x) dx.
c

Example 12.3.1. Compute the volume of the truncated cone with the circle bases with
radii r1 and r2 (r1 < r2 ) and the heigth v.
Solution: The given truncated cone arises, for example, by rotating the curvilinear
trapezium associated with the function
r2 − r 1
f : x 7→ x + r1 , x ∈ [0, v]
v

15
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 16

and the interval around the x-axis (Fig.12.8). According to Theorem 12.3.1, its volume is
equal to
2 3v
Z ‚ Œ2 ‚ Œ3
v r 2 − r1 πv 4
r2 − r1 5
Vf,0 ([0, v]) = π x + r1 dx = x + r1 =
0 v 3(r2 − r1 ) v
0

1 πv 1
= (r23 − r13 ) = πv(r12 + r1 r2 + r22 ),
3 r2 − r 1 3
what is the known formula from geometry.

r2
r1
0 v x

Figure 12.8:

Example 12.3.2. Compute the volume of an anuloid, i.e., the solid which arises by rotating
the circle with radius r and the centre at the point S[0, a] (0 < r < a) around the x-axis
(Fig.12.9).
Solution: The equation of the circle with the centre at S[0, a] and the radius r is x2 +
(y − a)2 = r2 . Let

f : x 7→ a + r2 − x2 , x ∈ [−r, r]

g : x 7→ a − r2 − x2 , x ∈ [−r, r].
Anuloid arises by rotating the elementary domain determined by the functions f , g and the
interval [−r, r]. Thus, according to Theorem 12.3.1, its volume equals to
Z r √ √
” —
Vf,g ([−r, r]) = π (a + r2 − x2 )2 − (a − r2 − x2 )2 dx =
−r

16
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 17

-r 0 r x

Figure 12.9:
Z √
r 1
r2 − x2 dx = 4aπ πr2 = 2π 2 ar2 .
= 4aπ
−r 2
Let the function f continuous and nonnegative on the interval I ⊂ R be determined
parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ J,

where ϕ and ψ are continuous functions on the interval J and, at the same time, ϕ is
strictly monotone and differentiable on J. Let α and β be numbers from J such that
ϕ(α) = a < b = ϕ(β). Then for the volume Vf,0 ([a, b]) of the solid of revolution T (f, 0; a, b)
we get in a similar way how we obtained the formula (1) from Sec.12.2,
Z β
Vf,0 ([a, b]) = π(N ) ψ 2 (t)ϕ0 (t) dt. (1)
α

Example 12.3.3. We have to compute the volume of a solid which arises by the rotating the
curvilinear trapezium corresponding to the function given parametrically by the equations

x = r(t − sin t), y = r(1 − cos t), t ∈ R, (r ∈ R+ )

and the interval [0, 2πr] around the x-axis (Fig.12.10).


Solution: According to (1), the volume of the given solid of revolution is equal to
Z 2π Z 2π
π r2 (1 − cos t)2 r(1 − cos t) dt = πr3 (1 − cos t)3 dt =
0 0

17
12.3 Volume of a solid of revolution 18

0 2 r x

Figure 12.10:

Z 2π
3
= πr (1 − 3 cos t + 3 cos2 t − cos3 t) dt =
0
•
3 3 3 1 3 ˜2π
= πr t − 3 sin t + t + sin 2t − sin t + sin t = 5π 2 r3 .
2 4 3 0

Problems
1. Compute the volume of a solid of revolution which arises by rotating the curvilinear

trapezium corresponding to the function f : x 7→ 3 x; x ∈ R+0 , and the interval [0, 4]
around the x-axis.

2. Compute the volume of a solid of revolution which arises by rotating the elementary
domain determined by the functions f : x 7→ x2 , x ∈ R; g : x 7→ 2x, x ∈ R and the
interval [0, 2] around the x-axis.

3. Compute the volume of an ellipsoid which arises by rotating the curvilinear trapezium
corresponding to the function given parametrically by the equations

x = a cos t, y = b sin t, t ∈ [0, π], (a, b from R+ )

and the interval [−a, a] around the x-axis.

18
12.4 Arc length 19

Answers
1. 36π.
16
2. 3
π.
4
3. 3
πab2 .

12.4 Arc length


Let an orthogonal coordinate system be given in the plane. Let ϕ and ψ be the functions
defined on the interval [a, b] ⊂ R. We call a curve determined parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b],

the simple "smooth" arc (briefly, arc), if the functions ϕ and ψ have continuous first deriva-
tives on the interval [a, b], i.e., ϕ ∈ C 1 ([a, b]), ψ ∈ C 1 ([a, b]) 1 , and, moreover,

(ϕ(t1 ), ψ(t1 )) 6= (ϕ(t2 ), ψ(t2 ))

for any (t1 , t2 ) ∈ [a, b) × [a, b), t1 6= t2 (which means to two different values of the pa-
rameter t ∈ [a, b) there correspond two different points of the curve K and the possibility
(ϕ(t), ψ(t)) = (ϕ(b), ψ(b)) for some t ∈ [a, b) is not excluded.)
We will try to define the length of such simple "smooth" arc K. That is why we interpret
the parameter t as time and suppose that a point P moves along simple "smooth" arc K in
the plane. Our task is to determine the largeness of the path (the length of a part of the arc
K) which is done by the point P in some time interval (Fig.12.11).
Let [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] and let K(c, d) be a simple "smooth" arc determined parametrically by
the equations
x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [c, d],
i.e., K(c, d) := {(ϕ(t), ψ(t)); t ∈ [c, d] ⊂ [a, b]}. Clearly, K(c, d) ⊂ K(a, b) = K. The arc
K(c, d) will also be called a partial arc of the arc K or a part of the arc K which is associated
with the interval [c, d] ⊂ [a, b].
Our assumptions about the largeness of the path sK ([c, d]) which passes the point P
along the arc K in the time interval [c, d] (i.e. about the length of the arc K(c, d)) are the
following:

a) If c < w < d, then


sK ([c, d]) = sK ([c, w]) + sK ([w, d]),
If also the condition ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) > 0 is satisfied, then we usually call it the simple smooth arc (i.e.,
1

smooth without " · ")

19
12.4 Arc length 20

(a) (t) (b)

0 (a) (t) (b) x

Figure 12.11:

i.e., the largeness of the path passed by the point P in the time interval [c, d] is equal
to the sum of the largenesses of the paths passed by the point P in the time intervals
[c, w] and [w, d].
È
b) If v(t) = (ϕ0 (t), ψ 0 (t)) is the velocity and |v(t)| = ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) is the magnitude of
the velocity of the given point P at the time t ∈ [c, d] (see Sec.9.5), then

(d − c) min |v(t)| ≤ sK ([c, d]) ≤ (d − c) max |v(t)|,


t∈[c,d] t∈[c,d]

i.e., the largeness of the path passed by the point P in the time interval [c, d] is greater
(less) than the largeness of the path which is passed by this point in the same time
interval, if it moves in the constant velocity which is equal to the least (greatest)
velocity of the moving point P in the time interval [c, d].
On the basis of this reasoning we will define the length of a simple "smooth" arc.
Definition 12.4.1. Let K be a simple "smooth" arc determined parametrically by the
equations
x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b].
Let for any interval [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] there exist for a simple "smooth" arc K(c, d) (i.e., for a
part of the arc K belonging to the interval [c, d]) one and only one number sK ([c, d]) such
that:

20
12.4 Arc length 21

1. If c < w < d, then


sK ([c, d]) = sK ([c, w]) + sK ([w, d]).

2. If for some nonnegative numbers l and L


È
l≤ ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) ≤ L

for t ∈ [c, d], then


l(d − c) ≤ sK ([c, d]) ≤ L(d − c).

Then we call the number sK ([c, d]) the length of a simple "smooth" arc K(c, d).

From definition of the length of a simple "smooth" arc it follows that the function

[c, d] 7→ sK ([c, d]), [c, d] ∈ S([a, b]),

where S([a, b]) := {[c, d]; [c, d] ⊂ [a, b]}, is the additive function of an interval which is medial
with respect to the function
È
h : t 7→ ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t), t ∈ [a, b].

Since ϕ and ψ are from C 1 ([a, b]), the function h is continuous on [a, b], and so Riemann
integrable on [a, b]. Thus, on the basis of Theorem 1.12.1,
Z dÈ
sK ([c, d]) = ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) dt, [c, d] ⊂ [a, b].
c

We have obtained the following theorem.

THEOREM 12.4.1. Let K be a simple "smooth" arc given parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b]

and let [c, d] ⊂ [a, b]. Then the simple "smooth" arc K(c, d), i.e. the part of the simple
"smooth" arc K which belongs to the interval [c, d], has the length that is equal to the
number Z dÈ

ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) dt.


c
If a curve K is graph of the function f defined on the interval [a, b], then we can express it
parametrically, for example, in the following way:

x = t, y = f (t), t ∈ [a, b].

If, moreover, f ∈ C 1 ([a, b]), then for the length of the graph of the function f we get that it
equals to the number Z bÈ
1 + f 02 (x) dx.
a

21
12.4 Arc length 22

1
3

0 1 x
2
1
3

Figure 12.12:

Example 12.4.1. A simple "smooth" arc K is given parametrically by the equations


t2 t3
x= , y= , t ∈ [−1, 3].
2 3
Let us compute the length of the part of the arc K belonging to the interval [−1, 1] (Fig.12.12)
2 3
Solution: We have ϕ(t) = t2 , ψ(t) = t3 and ϕ0 (t) = t, ψ 0 (t) = t2 for t ∈ [−1, 3]. Thus,
according to Theorem 12.4.1, for the length sK ([−1, 1]) e obtain
Z 1 √ Z 1 √ Z 1 √

sK ([−1, 1]) = t2 + t4 dt = 2
|t| 1 + t dt = 2 t 1 + t2 dt =
−1 −1 0
– ™1
2È 2 √
= (1 + t2 )3 = (2 2 − 1).
3 0 3
Remark 12.4.1. If some point moves along a simple "smooth" arc which is given paramet-
rically by the equations
x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b]
È
and |v(t)| = ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) is the magnitude of its velocity at the time t ∈ [a, b], then for
the largeness of the path which is passed by this point in the time interval [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] we
obtain on the basis of Theorem 12.4.1 the expression
Z d
|v(t)| dt,
c

22
12.4 Arc length 23

which is known relationship between the largeness of the path of a moving point and the
magnitude of the velocity |v(t)| at the time t (see also problem 3.11.4).

Example 12.4.2. The point P moves along the circle K with radius r (r ∈ R+ ) given
parametrically by the equations

x = r cos t, y = r sin t, t ∈ [0, 2π].

What distance will the point P pass in the interval [0, T ] ⊂ [0, 2π]?
Solution: Let ϕ(t) = r cos t, ψ(t) = r sin t for t ∈ [0, 2π]. Then

ϕ0 (t) = −r sin t, ψ 0 (t) = r cos t for t ∈ [0, 2π].

Therefore, the distance passed by the point P along the circle K in the time interval [0, T ] ⊂
[0, 2π] is equal to
Z T È Z T
r2 sin2 t + r2 cos2 t dt = r dt = rT.
0 0
In particular, for T = 2π we obtain that the distance is equal to 2πr which is well-known
formula for the length of the circle with the radius r.

Example 12.4.3. Let us compute the length of the graph of the function

f : x 7→ 1 + x3 , x ∈ [0, 2].

Solution: It holds
3√
f 0 (x) =
x, x ∈ [0, 2],
2
and so the length of the graph of the function f is equal to
2 Ì 32
Ê ‚ Œ3
Z √
2 9 8 9 8
1 + x dx = 4 1+ x 5 = (19 19 − 1)
0 4 27 4 27
0

Natural parametric equations of an arc


Let K be a simple "smooth" arc given parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Then the length of the arc K(at) belonging to the interval [a, t], t ∈ [a, b], is equal to
Z tÈ
sK ([a, t]) = ϕ02 (τ ) + ψ 02 (τ ) dτ.
a

Define the function σ : [a, b] 7→ R in the following way:


8
<
0 for t = a
σ(t) = :
sK ([a, t]) for t ∈ (a, b].

23
12.4 Arc length 24

Since ϕ and ψ are from C 1 ([a, b]), the function


È
t 7→ ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t), t ∈ [a, b]

is continuous on [a, b]. Therefore, according to first corollary of Theorem 2.11.5, the function
σ is continuous on [a, b], too, and for t ∈ [a, b]

dσ(t) È 02
= ϕ (t) + ψ 02 (t) ≥ 0.
dt
For this reason on the basis of first corollary of Theorem 2.8.4 the function σ is nondecreasing
on [a, b]. We will show that the function σ is increasing on [a, b]. Suppose that there exist
the pair of the numbers t1 and t2 from the interval [a, b], t1 < t2 , such that σ(t1 ) = σ(t2 ).
Then, with regards to the fact that the function σ is nondecreasing, σ(t) = σ(t1 ) for all
t ∈ [t1 , t2 ]. Therefore,
dσ È
0= (t) = ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t)
dt
for t ∈ [t1 , t2 ]. From this fact it follows that ϕ0 (t) = 0, ψ 0 (t) = 0 for all t ∈ [t1 , t2 ].
Thus, according to first corollary of Theorem 2.8.4, there exist constans c1 and c2 such that
ϕ(t) = c1 and ψ(t) = c2 for t ∈ [t1 , t2 ], i.e. (ϕ(t), ψ(t)) = (c1 , c2 ) for t ∈ [t1 , t2 ]. But this is in
contradiction with the fact that the curve K is a simple "smooth" arc.
Let σ(b) = L. For the increasing and continuous function σ : [a, b] → R there exists the
inverse function σe := σ −1 which is also increasing and continuous on [0, L] (Theorem 5.7.6).
For this reason the functions ϕ ◦ σe and ψ ◦ σe are continuous on [0, L], too (Theorem 2.7.1).
Ü
Let ϕe := ϕ ◦ σ, e ψ := ψ ◦ σ.
e Then,

Ü
x = ϕ(s),
e y = ψ(s), s ∈ [0, L]

are parametric equations of the arc K which we call the natural parametric equations of the
simple "smooth" arc K. Here, the parameter is the arc length.

Problems
1. Compute the length of the simple "smooth" arc given parametrically by the equations

x = cos3 2t, y = sin3 2t, t ∈ [0, π].

2. Compute the length of the graph of the function f : x 7→ ch x, x ∈ [0, a] (a ∈ R+ ).

3. Find the natural parametric equations of the circle with the centre at the origin and
radius r.

24
12.5 Surface area of a solid of revolution 25

Answers
1. σ.

2. sh a.

3. x = r cos rs , y = r sin rs , s ∈ [0, 2πr].

12.5 Surface area of a solid of revolution


From the elementary geometry we know that the surface area of a cylinder with radius r
and the heigth h is 2πrh. Let us now try to define also surface areas of more complicated
solids of revolution.
Let a plane and an orthogonal coordinate system in it be given in the space. Let K be
a simple "smooth" arc (see Sec.12.4) given parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Let [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] and let K(c, d) be a part of the arc K corresponding to the interval [c, d],
i.e. K(c, d) be a simple "smooth" arc given parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [c, d].

The surface which arises by rotating the arc K(c, d) around the x-axis is called the surface
of revolution given by the arc K(c, d) and is denoted by TK (c, d).
Definition 12.5.1. The area of a surface of revolution TK (c, d) given by the simple "smooth"
K(c, d) is the number PK ([c, d]) for which it holds
I. If c < w < d, then
PK ([c, w]) + PK ([w, d]) = PK ([c, d]).

II. If for some nonnegative numbers m and M the inequalities m ≤ |ψ(t)| ≤ M hold for
t ∈ [c, d], then
2πmsK ([c, d]) ≤ PK ([c, d]) ≤ 2πM sK ([c, d])
where sK ([c, d]) is the length of the arc K(c, d).
Property I expresses the property of the surface area of a solid of revolution which says
that if we divide the surface into two parts in some way, then the sum of the surface areas
of these parts is equal to the area of the whole surface.
Property II expresses that the longer is the arc K(c, d) and the larger is the radius of
rotation, the greater is the surface area of a solid of revolution TK (c, d). Furthermore, in the
case that the curve K(c, d) is given parametrically by the equations

x = t, y = h, t ∈ [c, d],

25
12.5 Surface area of a solid of revolution 26

(h ∈ R+ ), the surface of revolution determined by this arc is the lateral surface of the
cylinder with the heigth d − c and the radius of the basis h. In this case, however, from
II (m = M = h) we obtain that PK ([c, d]) = 2πh(d − c) which agrees with the well-known
formula for computation of the area of the lateral surface of cylinder.
The given properties express our imaginations about the surface areas of solids of revo-
lution.

THEOREM 12.5.1. Let K be a simple "smooth" arc given parametrically by the equations

x = ϕ(t), y = ψ(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Let [c, d] ⊂ [a, b] and let K(c, d) be a part of the arc K corresponding to the interval [c, d].
Then the surface area of a solid of revolution TK (c, d) given by a simple "smooth" arc K(c, d)
is uniquely determined by the properties I and II and it holds:
Z d È
PK ([c, d]) = 2π |ψ(t)| ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) dt.
c

Proof. Let Z tÈ
σ : t 7→ ϕ02 (τ ) + ψ 02 (τ ) dτ, t ∈ [a, b],
a
Ü
L = σ(b) and σe : [0, L] 7→ R be the inverse function of the function σ and let ψ = ψ ◦ σe (see
Sec.12.4). Moreover, let σ(c) = η, σ(d) = µ and

PÜK ([η, µ]) := PK ([σ(η),


e σ(µ)])
e = PK ([c, d]).

We will prove that if the number PK ([c, d]) has the properties I and II, then the function

PÜK : [η, µ] 7→ PÜK ([η, µ]), [η, µ] ∈ S([0, L])

(S([0, L]) := {[η, µ]; [η, µ] ⊂ [0, L]}) is the additive function of an interval which is medial
Ü
with respect to the function 2π|ψ|. Indeed, if I holds for PK ([c, d]), then for PÜK ([η, µ])
similarly
PÜK ([η, µ]) = PÜK ([η, ν]) + PÜK ([ν, µ]),
where η < ν < µ, holds. This means that the function PÜK is the additive function of an
Ü Ý e
m Ü
M
f ≤ 2π|ψ(s)|
interval. Let m ≤M for s ∈ [η, µ], and so 2π ≤ ψ(t) ≤ 2π for t ∈ [c, d] (σ(s)
e = t).
Then, according to II,
Ý
m
f
Ü
M Ý
2π f(µ − η) ≤ PK ([c, d]) = P
sK ([c, d]) = m K ([η, µ]) ≤ 2π sK ([c, d]) = M (µ − η),
2π 2π
and at the same time
Z dÈ
sK ([c, d]) = ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) dt = σ(d) − σ(c) = µ − η.
c

26
12.5 Surface area of a solid of revolution 27

This inequality means that the additive function of an interval PÜK is medial with respect to
Ü Ü Ü
the function 2π|ψ|. Since ψ is continuous (see Sec.12.4), the function |ψ| is from C([0, L]) ⊂
R([0, L]) and according to Theorem 1.12.1 there exists only one such additive function and
it holds: Z µ
Ü Ü
PK ([c, d]) = PK ([η, µ]) = 2π |ψ|(s) ds.
η

On the basis of Theorem 1.11.7 (after substitution s = σ(t)) we obtain


Z µ Z d È
Ü
PK ([c, d]) = 2π |ψ|(s) ds = 2π |ψ(t)| ϕ02 (t) + ψ 02 (t) dt.
η c

If an arc K is the graph of a function f ∈ C 1 ([a, b]) (x = t, y = f (t), t ∈ [a, b]), then the
surface area of a solid of revolution obtained by rotating this arc around the x-axis is
Z b È
PK ([a, b]) = 2π |f (x)| 1 + f 02 (x) dx.
a

Example 12.5.1. Compute the surface area of the sphere with radius r.
Solution: The given sphere is the surface of a solid of revolution which arises, for exam-
ple, by rotating the half-circle with radius r and the centre at the origin of the coordinate
system around x-axis. The parametric equations of this half-circle are

x = r cos t, y = r sin t, t ∈ [0, π].

According to Theorem 12.5.1, the surface area P of the sphere with radius r is
Z È Z
π π ” —π
P = 2π r sin t r2 sin2 t + r2 cos2 t dt = 2πr2 sin t dt = 2πr2 − cos t 0
= 4πr2
0 0

which is the well-known formula.

Example 12.5.2. Compute the surface area of an anuloid (see Example 2.12.3).
Solution: The parametric equations of the circle x2 + (y − a)2 = r2 (0 < r < a), which
in revolving around the x-axis describes the surface area in consideration, are

x = r cos t, y = a + r sin t, t ∈ [0, 2π].

According to Theorem 12.5.1, for the area P of this surface of a solid of revolution we obtain
Z 2π È Z 2π
2
P = 2π (a + r sin t) r2 sin t + r2 cos2 t dt = 2πr (a + r sin t) dt =
0 0
” —2π
= 2πr at − r cos t 0
= 4π 2 ar.

27
12.5 Surface area of a solid of revolution 28

Example 12.5.3. Let us compute the area of the truncated cone.


Solution: The truncated cone arises, for example, by revolving the graph of the function
r 2 − r1
f : x 7→ x + r1 , x ∈ [0, v] (0 < r1 < r2 )
v
(see Example 1.12.3).
For the area of the lateral surface of such truncated cone we have
s È
Z Z
v€ r2 − r 1 Š (r2 − r1 )2 v 2 + (r2 − r1 )2 v€ r2 − r1 Š
P = 2π r1 + x 1+ dx = 2π r1 + x dx =
0 v v2 v 0 v
È – ™v
v 2 + (r2 − r1 )2 r 2 − r1 2 È
= 2π r1 x + x = π(r1 + r2 ) v 2 + (r2 − r1 )2 .
v 2v 0
È
If we denote s = v2 )2 ,
+ (r2 − r1 where s is the magnitude of the side of the given truncated
cone, we get the well-known formula P = π(r1 + r2 )s.

Problems
1. Compute the surface area of a solid of revolution which arises by rotating the simple
"smooth" arc (the so-called asteroid, see Example 1.8.3):

x = a cos3 t, y = a sin3 t, t ∈ [0, 2π], (a ∈ R+ )

around the x-axis.

2. Compute the surface area of an ellipsoid which arises by rotating the ellipse with the
parametric equations

x = a cos t, y = b sin t, t ∈ [0, 2π],

(0 < b < a) around x-axis.

3. Compute the surface area of an sphere strip with height v which is cut from the sphere
with radius r, which arises by rotating the graph of the function

f : x 7→ r2 − x2 , x ∈ [v1 , v2 ],

where −r < v1 < v2 < r (v = v2 − v1 ).

Answers
36
1. 5
πa2 .
€ 2
√ Š
√a b a2 −b2
2. 2π b2 + a2 −b2
arcsin a
.

3. 2πrv.

28
12.6 Some physical applications 29

12.6 Some physical applications


One of the problems considered before introducing Riemann integral was the problem of
determining the amount of the work which is done by the force f by moving a body along
the line from the point a to the point b (the problem P3). We return now to the solution of
this problem.
Problem P3. Let a body move along the line under the effect of a force f and the direction
of the force coincides with the direction of the movement. We have to determine the work
done by the force f by moving the body from the point a to the point b.
Solution: Suppose the given body to be a mass point P (i.e., the point associated with
a positive number which is equal to the mass of the body) and let the x-axis lie on the given
line. We place the mass point P to the point s ∈ [a, b] and let f (s) be the magnitude of the
force f at the point s; the direction of this force is orientated in accordance with x-axis. Let
[s1 , s2 ] ⊂ [a, b]. If the point P moves from point s1 to the point s2 under the effect of the
force f , then this force does certain work W ([s1 , s2 ]). From physics it is known that

a) W ([s1 , s2 ]) = W ([s1 , s3 ]) + W ([s3 , s2 ]), s1 < s3 < s2 . Furthermore, we know that the
greater is the force f and the larger is the interval [s1 , s2 ], the greater is this work.
This means:

b) If f and f are nonnegative numbers such that f ≤ f (s) ≤ f for s ∈ [s1 , s2 ], then

f (s2 − s1 ) ≤ W ([s1 , s2 ]) ≤ f (s2 − s1 ).

If f is Riemann integrable on [a, b] (which is the case in the most of physically realisable
cases), then, according to Theorem 1.12.1
Z b
W ([a, b]) = f (s) ds.
a

Example 12.6.1. We have to compute the work which must be done to extend the spring
l = 0, 1 m, if the force 1 N extends it by 0, 001 m.
Solution: We choose the coordinate x-axis so that it passes through the axis of the
spring and that the end-point of the unstretched spring is at the beginning of the coordinate
axis (Fig.12.13).
Suppose that for sufficiently small compression or extension of the spring the Hook’s law
holds, i.e., the amount of the force f in which the spring is stretched (in the direction of
the x-axis) is directly proportional to the distance l of the end-point of the spring from the
point 0, i.e., f (l) = kl, where k is constant. The constant of proportionality k is determined
from the condition that the force 1 N extends the spring by l = 0, 001 m. Thus,

1 N = k · 0, 001 m,

29
12.6 Some physical applications 30

f
0 l x

Figure 12.13:

from which k = 1000 N


m
.
For the work W needed for the extension of the spring by d = 0, 1 m according to (1) it
holds: Z d •
kl2 ˜d kd2
W = kl dl = = .
0 2 0 2
Substituting k = 1000 N
m
and d = 0, 001 m we obtain W = 5 J.

As the next example of using the definite integral in physics we give the computation of
the pressure force of the liquid on the walls of the container filled by the liquid.
From physics it is known that to the walls of container filled by the liquid or to any wall of
the body dipped in it, the liquid can act only by the orthogonal force. The magnitude of this
force which acts to the unit of the surface is called hydrostatic pressure of the liquid. In the
depth h the hydrostatic pressure is p = hρg, where g is the acceleration due to the gravity
and ρ is the density of the liquid. If at each point of the wall, which has the surface area
S, the hydrostatic pressure is equal, then the liquid acts on this wall by the force F = pS
(the so-called hydrostatic force). In the next example we will present the computation of
the pressure force when the hydrostatic pressure is not equal at each point of the wall.

Example 12.6.2. The cylinder with the heigth v and the radius of the basis r is filled by
the liquid with the density ρ (Fig.12.14). By what force does the liquid act on the lateral
surface of the cylinder?
Solution: Let 0 ≤ h1 < h2 ≤ v and let F ([h1 , h2 ]) be the force by which the liquid acts
on the lateral surface of the strip of the cylinder P12 between the heigth h1 and h2 . From
physics it is known that for h1 < h3 < h2

F ([h1 , h3 ]) + F ([h3 , h2 ]) = F ([h1 , h2 ]).

The area of the lateral surface of the strip P12 is equal to 2πr(h2 − h1 ). Since the strip P12
is in the greater depth than h1 and in the less depth than h2 ,

2πr(h2 − h1 )h1 ρg ≤ F ([h1 , h2 ]) ≤ 2πr(h2 − h1 )h2 ρg

30
12.6 Some physical applications 31

0 r x

h1

h2

Figure 12.14:

(g is the gravitational acceleretion).


But this means that the function

F : [h1 , h2 ] 7→ F ([h1 , h2 ]), [h1 , h2 ] ∈ S([0, v])

(S([0, v]) := {[h1 , h2 ]; [h1 , h2 ] ⊂ [0, v]}) is the additive function of an interval which is medial
with respect to the function h 7→ 2πrρgh, h ∈ [0, v]. On the basis of Theorem 1.12.1, the
force F = F ([0, v]) by which the liquid acts to the lateral surface of the given cylinder, is
equal to Z v

F = 2πrρg h dh = πrρh2 .
0

Problems
1. The length of the unstretched spring is 15 cm. To extend it by 1 cm, the force of 14 N
is needed. What work do we do, if we extend it by 3 cm?

2. The cylindrical container with the moving piston is filled by an ideal gas which has
the pressure p0 = 2 · 103 P a. The heigth of the cylinder, which is filled by the gas, is

31
12.6 Some physical applications 32

h0 = 0, 5 m and the radius of the basis is r = 0, 1 m. What work W should be done


to reduce the volume of the gas by the unchanged temperature (isothermic process) to
the half?

3. The swimming pool which is 15 m long, 5 m wide and 3 m deep is filled by the water
to the heigth of 2 m. By what force does the water act to the respective vertical walls
of the pool?

Answers
1. 0, 63 J.

2. w = πr2 h0 p0 ln 2 = 21, 77 J.

3. 97, 9 kN , 293, 7 kN .

32

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