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Cylinders are common three-dimensional shapes with different usages in everyday life, from our soup cans to industrial pipes. Furthermore, understanding their surface area is important for different calculations. Moreover, the lateral surface area is a specific part of a cylinder’s total surface area. Read on to learn more in detail about the Lateral Area of a Cylinder, its Formula, example and more.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between H Beam and I Beam?
Formula of the Lateral Area of a Cylinder
Additionally, the Formula for the Lateral surface area of a Cylinder is:
Lateral Surface Area = 2πrh
To make it simpler, in this formula:
- π (pi) is a mathematical constant roughly equal to 3.14.
- r is the radius of the cylinder’s base (the distance from the centre of the base to the edge).
- h is the height of the cylinder (the vertical distance between the two circular bases).
This formula calculates the area of a rectangle that would perfectly wrap around the curved surface of the cylinder, hence like peeling a label off a Coca Cola can.
Also Read: Mensuration Formulas for Competitive Exams
Where is the Lateral Surface Area of the Cylinder?
The Lateral surface area of a Cylinder is the area of the curved surface that runs along the sides of the cylinder. Moreover, it does not include the area of the two circular bases at the top and bottom of the cylinder.
In addition, the Lateral surface area is an important measurement in many applications, like:
- Calculating the amount of material needed to cover the curved surface of a cylinder (e.g. for a storage tank, pipe, or drum).
- Deciding the heat transfer or insulation requirements for the curved surface.
- Calculating the surface area for painting, coating, or decorating the curved surface.
Also Read: Conic Sections
Example of the Lateral Area of a Cylinder
Let us assume that you have a cylindrical water tank with a base radius of 5 meters and a height of 3 meters. Moreover, you want to paint the curved side of the tank. Thus, to find the amount of paint needed, you will calculate the lateral surface area.
- Radius (r) = 5 meters
- Height (h) = 3 meters
Lateral Surface Area = 2πrh = 2 ✕ 3.14 ✕ 5 ✕ 3 = 94.2 (square meters)
Therefore, you will need approximately 94.2 square meters of paint to cover the curved side of the water tank.
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