A sphere, cylinder and cone of dimensions radius = $r$ cm and height = $2r$ cm are made. Which one has the greatest volume?
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
ACone
-
BSphere
-
CCylinder
-
DAll have equal volume
Answer
Correct Answer: Cylinder
Explanation
### Concept & Volume Formulas
To compare the volumes, express the volume of each 3D shape strictly in terms of the variable $r$ using standard geometric formulas:
$$ V_{\text{sphere}} = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3 $$
$$ V_{\text{cylinder}} = \pi r^2 h $$
$$ V_{\text{cone}} = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
- The radius for all shapes is $r$. The height $h$ for the cylinder and cone is given as $2r$.
- Calculate the volume of the Sphere: $V_s = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$.
- Calculate the volume of the Cylinder: Substitute $h = 2r$ into the formula. $V_{cy} = \pi r^2 (2r) = 2 \pi r^3$.
- Calculate the volume of the Cone: Substitute $h = 2r$ into the formula. $V_{co} = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 (2r) = \frac{2}{3} \pi r^3$.
- Now, compare the coefficients of $\pi r^3$:
- Cone: $\frac{2}{3}$ (approx $0.67$)
- Sphere: $\frac{4}{3}$ (approx $1.33$)
- Cylinder: $2$
- Comparing the values: $\frac{2}{3} < \frac{4}{3} < 2$. The cylinder has the largest coefficient.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Visualize the containment. A sphere of radius $r$ perfectly fits inside a cylinder of radius $r$ and height $2r$. Therefore, the cylinder must have a larger volume than the sphere. Similarly, a cone of the same dimensions is just $1/3$ the volume of the cylinder. Thus, the cylinder is clearly the largest.
### Common Pitfall
Forgetting the specific formulas or failing to substitute $h = 2r$ accurately, leading to improper comparison of the coefficients.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **Cylinder**.