A sphere and a right circular cylinder have the same radius and equal curved surface areas. Find the ratio of their volumes (sphere : cylinder).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 2 : 3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Relate the curved surface areas (CSA) to tie the cylinder’s height to the common radius, then compute volumes and form the ratio sphere:cylinder.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • CSA_sphere = 4πr^2.
  • CSA_cylinder = 2πrh (lateral area).
  • Equal CSAs and same radius r.


Concept / Approach:
Set 4πr^2 = 2πrh ⇒ h = 2r. Then V_sphere = (4/3)πr^3 and V_cyl = πr^2h = 2πr^3. Take the ratio.


Step-by-Step Solution:

h = 2r from CSA equalityV_sphere = (4/3)πr^3; V_cyl = 2πr^3Volume ratio = (4/3)πr^3 : 2πr^3 = 4/3 : 2 = 2 : 3


Verification / Alternative check:
π and r^3 cancel; ratio simplifies exactly to 2:3.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They mismatch the derived height h = 2r and corresponding cylinder volume.


Common Pitfalls:
Using total surface area instead of curved area; confusing diameter with radius in the height relation.


Final Answer:
2 : 3

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