SR
May 14, 2026
How to calculate the volume of a solid of revolution using disks and washers?
I'm studying calculus and I'm learning about volumes of solids of revolution. I know there are two methods:
Disk method: when rotating around the -axis
Washer method: when there is a hole
But I'm confused about when to use each method. Also, when should I integrate with respect to versus ? Could someone explain with the example of finding the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by , , and about the -axis?
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1 Answer
DC
Dr. Carlos MendezMay 15, 2026 AcceptedHere is a clear decision framework.
**Disk vs. Washer:**
- **Disk:** Use when the solid has no hole — the region being rotated touches the axis of rotation along its entire length.
- **Washer:** Use when the solid has a hole — there is a gap between the region and the axis of rotation, creating an outer radius $R(x)$ and an inner radius $r(x)$.
**$dx$ vs. $dy$:**
- **$dx$ (perpendicular to $x$-axis):** Use when the region is bounded by functions of $x$ and you rotate around a horizontal axis.
- **$dy$ (perpendicular to $y$-axis):** Use when the region is bounded by functions of $y$ and you rotate around a vertical axis.
**Example: $y = \sqrt{x}$, $y = 0$, $x = 4$ rotated about the $x$-axis.**
Since we rotate around the $x$-axis and the region is described by functions of $x$, we integrate with respect to $x$.
The region is bounded above by $y = \sqrt{x}$ and below by $y = 0$ (the $x$-axis). The solid touches the axis, so we use the **disk method**.
Radius: $R(x) = \sqrt{x} - 0 = \sqrt{x}$
Limits: $x = 0$ to $x = 4$
\begin{align*}
V &= \pi \int_0^4 (\sqrt{x})^2 \, dx \\
&= \pi \int_0^4 x \, dx \\
&= \pi \left[\frac{x^2}{2}\
ight]_0^4 \\
&= \pi \cdot \frac{16}{2} = 8\pi
\end{align*}
**Second example: Same region rotated about the $y$-axis.**
Now we integrate with respect to $y$. The region is bounded by $x = y^2$ (from $y = \sqrt{x}$), $x = 4$, and $y = 0$.
Using the washer method with outer radius $R(y) = 4$ and inner radius $r(y) = y^2$:
\begin{align*}
V &= \pi \int_0^2 [(4)^2 - (y^2)^2] \, dy \\
&= \pi \int_0^2 (16 - y^4) \, dy \\
&= \pi \left[16y - \frac{y^5}{5}\
ight]_0^2 \\
&= \pi \left(32 - \frac{32}{5}\
ight) = \frac{128\pi}{5}
\end{align*}
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