The volume of the largest possible cube that can be inscribed in a hollow spherical ball of radius $r$ cm is
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}r^2$
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B$\frac{4}{3}r^2$
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C$\frac{8}{3\sqrt{3}}r^3$
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D$\frac{1}{3\sqrt{3}}r^3$
Answer
Correct Answer: $\frac{8}{3\sqrt{3}}r^3$
Explanation
### Concept & Cube Inscribed in a Sphere
When the largest possible cube is inscribed inside a sphere, the longest interior distance of the cube (its main body diagonal) perfectly spans the maximum width of the sphere (its diameter).
$$\text{Body Diagonal of Cube} = \text{Diameter of Sphere}$$
$$\sqrt{3}a = 2r$$
Where $a$ is the side of the cube and $r$ is the radius of the sphere.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:** Radius of the sphere is $r$. Let the side of the inscribed cube be $a$.
* Equate the body diagonal of the cube to the sphere's diameter: $\sqrt{3}a = 2r$.
* Isolate the side length of the cube, $a$:
$a = \frac{2r}{\sqrt{3}}$.
* The volume of the cube $V = a^3$.
* Substitute the value of $a$ into the volume formula:
$V = \left(\frac{2r}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^3$
* Cube the numerator and the denominator separately:
Numerator $= (2r)^3 = 8r^3$.
Denominator $= (\sqrt{3})^3 = \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3} = 3\sqrt{3}$.
* Resulting volume $V = \frac{8r^3}{3\sqrt{3}}$.
* This matches the format $\frac{8}{3\sqrt{3}}r^3$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Use dimensional analysis. Volume must be a cubic unit ($r^3$). Options (a) and (b) are squared units ($r^2$), which represent area, not volume. They can be instantly eliminated. Between the remaining options, knowing the diagonal relates via $\sqrt{3}$ directly leads to $3\sqrt{3}$ in the denominator when cubed.
### Common Pitfall
Confusing an inscribed cube with an inscribed sphere. If the sphere is inscribed, $a=2r$. If the cube is inscribed, $\sqrt{3}a=2r$. Mixing these up leads to entirely incorrect structural equations.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$\frac{8}{3\sqrt{3}}r^3$**.