What is the Difference Between Circle and Sphere?

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The main difference between a circle and a sphere lies in their dimensions and properties. Here are the key differences:

  • Dimensions: A circle is a two-dimensional (2D) figure, while a sphere is a three-dimensional (3D) object.
  • Area and Volume: A circle has no volume, and its area can be calculated using the formula $$A = \pi r^2$$, where $$A$$ represents the area and $$r$$ represents the radius of the circle. In contrast, a sphere has both surface area and volume, with the surface area calculated using the formula $$A = 4 \pi r^2$$ and the volume calculated using the formula $$V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$$.
  • Equidistance: In a circle, all points on the curve are equidistant from the center along a plane. In a sphere, all points on its surface are equidistant from the center in any direction.

The following table summarizes the differences between a circle and a sphere:

Property Circle Sphere
Definition A closed curved line with all points at a fixed distance from a fixed point A round object in space with all points at equal distances from its center in 3D space
Dimensions 2-Dimensional 3-Dimensional
Area Formula $$A = \pi r^2$$ $$A = 4 \pi r^2$$
Volume Formula None (has no volume) $$V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$$

Examples of circles include circular walkways and clocks, while examples of spheres include tennis balls, oranges, and eyeballs.

Comparative Table: Circle vs Sphere

Here is a table comparing the differences between a circle and a sphere:

Property Circle Sphere
Dimensions 2-dimensional 3-dimensional
Area Formula Area of Circle = π r^2 Surface Area of a Sphere = 4 π r^2
Volume Formula Circle does not have volume. Volume of a Sphere = 4/3 π r^3
Diameter Formula Diameter of a Circle = 2 r Diameter of a Sphere = 2 r
Circumference Formula Circumference of a Circle = 2 π r Sphere does not have the circumference.
Equation Equation of a Circle = (x - a)^2 + (y - b)^2 = r^2 Equation of a Sphere = (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 + (z - l)^2 = r^2

A circle is a 2-dimensional figure, while a sphere is a 3-dimensional figure. A circle has no volume, but a sphere does. The area of a circle can be calculated using the formula: Area of Circle = π r^2, and the surface area of a sphere can be calculated using the formula: Surface Area of a Sphere = 4 π r^2. The volume of a sphere can be calculated using the formula: Volume of a Sphere = 4/3 π r^3.