A hemisphere and a cone have equal bases. If their heights are also equal, then the ratio of their curved surfaces will be
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A1 : 2
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B2 : 1
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C1 : $\sqrt{2}$
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D$\sqrt{2}$ : 1
Answer
Correct Answer: $\sqrt{2}$ : 1
Explanation
### Concept & Curved Surface Area
When a hemisphere and a cone have equal bases and heights, the height of the cone equals the radius of their common base. We compare their standard curved surface area (CSA) formulas.
CSA of hemisphere: $$2\pi r^2$$
CSA of cone: $$\pi r l$$
Where $l$ (slant height) = $$\sqrt{r^2 + h^2}$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Let the common base radius be $r$.
2. The height of the hemisphere is inherently its radius $r$. Thus, the height of the cone is also $h = r$.
3. Calculate the slant height $l$ of the cone:
$l = \sqrt{r^2 + h^2} = \sqrt{r^2 + r^2} = \sqrt{2r^2} = \sqrt{2}r$.
4. Find the CSA of the hemisphere:
$CSA_{hemi} = 2\pi r^2$.
5. Find the CSA of the cone:
$CSA_{cone} = \pi r l = \pi r (\sqrt{2}r) = \sqrt{2}\pi r^2$.
6. Determine the ratio:
$\frac{CSA_{hemi}}{CSA_{cone}} = \frac{2\pi r^2}{\sqrt{2}\pi r^2} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}$.
7. Rationalize the denominator by multiplying top and bottom by $\sqrt{2}$:
$\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{2} = \sqrt{2} : 1$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Memorize that for a cone with $h=r$, the slant height is always $r\sqrt{2}$. The CSA is simply $\pi r(r\sqrt{2}) = \sqrt{2}\pi r^2$. Comparing this to the hemisphere's $2\pi r^2$, the $\pi r^2$ terms cancel immediately, leaving $2 : \sqrt{2}$, which simplifies to $\sqrt{2} : 1$.
### Common Pitfall
A frequent error is assuming the CSA of a cone with $h=r$ is comparable linearly to its height, ignoring the slant height calculation ($l$). Always use $l$ for cone surface areas.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$\sqrt{2}$ : 1**.