A hemisphere is half of a sphere, formed when a plane cuts a sphere into two equal parts. Like a dome, a hemisphere has one flat circular base and a curved surface on top.
Table of Contents
Surface Area of a Hemisphere Formula
Curved Surface Area of Hemisphere
Total Surface Area of Hemisphere
Surface Area of a Hemisphere Examples
Real-Life Applications of Hemisphere
Fun Facts about Hemisphere
Common Misconceptions
Practice Questions
Conclusion
FAQs on Surface Area of a Hemisphere
There are two key types of surface areas:
Curved Surface Area (CSA)
Total Surface Area (TSA)
Formulas:
CSA = 2πr²
TSA = 3πr²
Here,
π ≈ 3.14
r = radius of the hemisphere
This is the outer rounded area excluding the base.
CSA = 2πr²
Example: If r = 4 cm,
CSA = 2 × 3.14 × 4² = 100.48 cm²
This includes the curved area and the base (which is a circle).
TSA = CSA + Area of base = 2πr² + πr² = 3πr²
Example:
If r = 4 cm,
TSA = 3 × 3.14 × 4² = 150.72 cm²
Q1: Radius = 4 cm
CSA = 100.48 cm²
TSA = 150.72 cm²
Q2: Radius = 7 cm
CSA = 2 × 3.14 × 49 = 307.72 cm²
TSA = 3 × 3.14 × 49 = 461.58 cm²
Helmets
Igloos
Earth’s representation (northern and southern hemispheres)
Domes in architecture
Bowls and dishes
Understanding the surface area of a hemisphere helps in packaging design, architecture, geography, and even sports.
The Earth is approximately a sphere, but we divide it into hemispheres to study geography.
The formula CSA = 2πr² is exactly half the surface area of a sphere.
Hemispheres are used in satellite designs to cover a wide signal area.
Mistake: Thinking CSA = 3πr² (that’s TSA, not CSA)
Mistake: Using πr² as the CSA (πr² is just the base area)
Clarification: The hemisphere includes a flat circular base—so TSA ≠ CSA unless the base is excluded
Find the CSA and TSA of a hemisphere with radius 10 cm.
A bowl is in the shape of a hemisphere. If its radius is 7 cm, what is its surface area?
A dome has a radius of 14 m. Find its CSA and TSA.
A hemisphere-shaped tent has a base diameter of 8 m. Find its total surface area.
If the CSA of a hemisphere is 314 cm², what is its radius?
The surface area of a hemisphere is key in understanding many real-life objects and 3D shapes. By using the formulas for CSA and TSA, you can solve various mathematical and practical problems involving hemispheres with ease.
Ans: It includes the curved area (CSA = 2πr²) and total surface area (TSA = 3πr²).
Ans: CSA = 2πr²
Ans: TSA = 3πr² = 3 × 3.14 × 25 = 235.5 cm²
Ans: Because the base is a circle, and TSA includes all outer surfaces including base.
Ans: Yes! They are real-life examples of hemispherical shapes.
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