Spheres

Click to explore updated revision resources for GCSE Maths: Volume and surface area of a sphere, with step-by-step slideshows, quizzes, practice exam questions, and more!

The formula for the volume of a sphere is:

\(\text{volume of a sphere} = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3\)

The surface area of a sphere can be calculated using the formula:

\(\text{surface area of a sphere} = 4 \pi r^2\)

Calculate the volume and surface area of a football with a radius of 12 cm to 1 decimal place.

\(\begin{array}{rcl} \text{Volume} & = & \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3 \\ & = & \frac{4}{3} \times \pi \times 12^3 \\ & = & 7,238.2~\text{cm}^3 \end{array}\)

\(\begin{array}{rcl} \text{Surface area} & = & 4 \pi r^2 \\ & = & 4 \times \pi \times 12^2 \\ & = & 1,809.6~\text{cm}^2 \end{array}\)

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