If the radius of the base of a right circular cylinder is halved, keeping the height same, what is the ratio of the volume of the reduced cylinder to that of the original one?
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A$1 : 2$
-
B$1 : 4$
-
C$1 : 8$
-
D$8 : 1$
Answer
Correct Answer: $1 : 4$
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
The volume of a cylinder is proportional to the square of its radius when the height is constant.
$$V = \pi r^2 h$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **Define the original state:**
- Original Volume ($V_1$) = $\pi r^2 h$
2. **Define the new state:**
- New radius ($r_2$) = $\frac{r}{2}$
- New Volume ($V_2$) = $\pi \left(\frac{r}{2}\right)^2 h$
- $V_2 = \pi \left(\frac{r^2}{4}\right) h = \frac{1}{4} \pi r^2 h$
3. **Calculate the ratio:**
- $V_2 : V_1 = \left(\frac{1}{4} \pi r^2 h\right) : (\pi r^2 h)$
- $V_2 : V_1 = \frac{1}{4} : 1 = 1 : 4$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Since volume varies as the square of the radius ($V \propto r^2$), halving the radius scales the volume by $(\frac{1}{2})^2 = \frac{1}{4}$. The ratio is instantly $1 : 4$.
### Common Pitfall
A common mistake is assuming the relationship is linear, leading to the incorrect answer $1 : 2$. Always remember the radius term in the volume formula is squared.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$1 : 4$**.