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
-
A$\sqrt{2} : 1$
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B$1 : \sqrt{2}$
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C$2 : 1$
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D$1 : 2$
Answer
Correct Answer: $\sqrt{2} : 1$
Explanation
### Concept & Geometry Integration
To find the ratio of their curved surfaces, we first need to express the dimensions of both shapes in terms of a single variable. For a hemisphere, its height is inherently equal to its base radius.
$$ \text{Hemisphere CSA} = 2\pi r^2 $$
$$ \text{Cone CSA} = \pi rl $$ (where $l = \sqrt{r^2 + h^2}$)
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **Establish Dimensions:**
- Equal bases mean they share the same radius, $r$.
- The height of a hemisphere is equal to its radius ($r$).
- Since their heights are equal, the height of the cone ($h$) is also $r$. ($h = r$)
2. **Calculate Slant Height of Cone ($l$):**
- $l = \sqrt{r^2 + h^2}$
- Substitute $h = r$: $l = \sqrt{r^2 + r^2} = \sqrt{2r^2} = r\sqrt{2}$
3. **Calculate Both Curved Surface Areas:**
- Hemisphere $\text{CSA} = 2\pi r^2$
- Cone $\text{CSA} = \pi r (r\sqrt{2}) = \sqrt{2}\pi r^2$
4. **Find the Ratio:**
- $\frac{\text{Hemisphere CSA}}{\text{Cone CSA}} = \frac{2\pi r^2}{\sqrt{2}\pi r^2}$
- Ratio $= \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{2}$
- Ratio $= \sqrt{2} : 1$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Recognize that a cone with equal height and radius forms an isosceles right triangle in cross-section. Its slant edge ratio is $\sqrt{2}$. The hemisphere's CSA multiplier is $2$, and the cone's is $\sqrt{2}$. The ratio $\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}$ simplifies to $\sqrt{2}:1$ directly.
### Common Pitfall
A common misstep is failing to realize that the height of a hemisphere is strictly equal to its radius. Without this deduction, the problem appears unsolvable due to missing information.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$\sqrt{2} : 1$**.