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What is the Volume of a Paper Cone of Radius 2.4 cm?

Published in Cone Volume 3 mins read

The volume of a paper cone with a radius of 2.4 cm is 95.4 cm³. This specific value represents the capacity of a particular paper cone with the given base radius.

Understanding the Volume of a Cone

The volume of any cone is fundamentally determined by two key dimensions: the radius of its circular base and its perpendicular height. The general formula for calculating the volume ($V$) of a cone is:

$V = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h$

Where:

  • $r$ is the radius of the circular base
  • $h$ is the perpendicular height from the base to the apex (the tip of the cone)
  • $\pi$ (pi) is a mathematical constant, approximately 3.14159

You can find more details about this formula on various mathematical resources.

Specific Volume for a Paper Cone

For the paper cone in question, while its radius is specified as 2.4 cm, a single radius value alone doesn't uniquely determine a cone's volume, as the height can vary. However, the given volume of 95.4 cm³ for a paper cone of radius 2.4 cm implies that this specific cone has a particular height.

Let's analyze the dimensions and the stated volume:

Parameter Value Unit
Volume ($V$) 95.4 cm³
Radius ($r$) 2.4 cm
$\pi$ (approx.) 3.14159

Using the volume formula, we can determine the implied height ($h$) that would result in a volume of 95.4 cm³ for a cone with a 2.4 cm radius:

$h = \frac{3V}{\pi r^2}$

Substituting the known values:

$h = \frac{3 \times 95.4 \text{ cm}^3}{\pi \times (2.4 \text{ cm})^2}$
$h = \frac{286.2 \text{ cm}^3}{\pi \times 5.76 \text{ cm}^2}$
$h \approx \frac{286.2 \text{ cm}^3}{18.09557 \text{ cm}^2}$
$h \approx 15.82 \text{ cm}$

Thus, a paper cone with a base radius of 2.4 cm would need to have a height of approximately 15.82 cm to achieve a volume of 95.4 cm³.

Factors Influencing Cone Volume and Practical Uses

The dimensions of a paper cone are crucial for its intended application. Even small changes in height can significantly alter its capacity.

  • Height is Key: For a fixed radius, increasing the height directly increases the volume. This is a common design consideration for products like party hats or specific food containers.
  • Material and Construction: While the geometric volume is calculated based on ideal dimensions, the actual internal capacity might be slightly affected by the thickness of the paper or the precision of its construction.
  • Applications: Paper cones are highly versatile. They are frequently used in:
    • Food service: Holding snacks such as popcorn, candy, or snow cones.
    • Crafts and decorations: Creating festive ornaments, party hats, or decorative elements.
    • Scientific and educational settings: As simple models for demonstrating geometric principles or for fun experiments.

Understanding the precise volume, like the 95.4 cm³ for this specific cone, allows for accurate portioning in food service or precise material estimation in crafts and manufacturing. For example, a cone of this volume could hold roughly 3.2 fluid ounces, making it suitable for a standard small serving.