A cylinder is a type of shape. We use many cylindrical objects without even recognising them. Of the four types of cylinders available, the right circular cylinder is prominent.

Therefore, understanding the formula of the right circular cylinder and its definition, usage in daily life, etc., are very important. 

What is a cylinder?

The cylinder is a three-dimensional solid that consists of two parallel circular bases. These two bases are connected by the curved solid surface present between them. The term ‘cylinder’ mainly originates from the Greek word ‘Kylionders’ and the Latin word ‘Cylinders’. The line that adjoins the two bases of cylinders is called the axis.

The perpendicular distance among the two bases of Cylinders is represented as height, which is denoted as h. The distance between the centres of two circular bases and their boundaries is called the radius. Radius is denoted as r in the formula of the cylinder. 

Different Types of Cylinders

Mainly, there are four kinds of cylinders in the study of geometry.

• Right circular cylinder – In a right circular cylinder, the cylinder’s axis is perpendicular to the base’s centre.
• Elliptic cylinder – An elliptic cylinder is a cylinder with a base in the form of an ellipse.
• Oblique cylinder – An oblique cylinder is a cylinder whose axis is not perpendicular to the centre of its base. Rather, the curved portion of the cylinder leans over its base.
• Cylindrical shell or a right circular hollow cylinder – A right circular hollow cylinder is made of two right circular cylinders, one of them fixed inside another. The axis of both of the right circular cylinders are the same, and they are perpendicular to the base’s centre.

Right Circular Cylinder

Among the four types of cylinders, the right circular cylinder is the most important and widely studied in geometry as it is the figure commonly used in our daily lives. So, in this section, we will discuss the right circular cylinder in-depth, the formula of the right circular cylinder, and its usage.

Characteristics of the Right circular Cylinder

We have learned about the definition of the right circular cylinder in the beginning. So, here we will provide some key characteristics of the right circular cylinder-

• The right circular cylinder has two flat and curved faces, two curved edges, and one curved surface
• The cylinder has two congruent flat circular surfaces
• It has an axis that forms a right angle with the base of the cylinder
• It does not have specific corners or vertices
• The size of the cylinder depends on its height and the measurement of the radius of its base
• The distance between the axis of the cylinder and all the points on the surface of the cylinder is equal

The Formula of the Right Circular Cylinder

Learning about the formula of the right circular cylinder is an important part of the study of cylinders. The formula is important to express its volume.

The volume of the element (DV)= area of the base of element × thickness= (πR2) dz

The formula that expresses the volume of the right circular cylinder is given below:

Volume = π × (Radius2) × Height

V = π × (r2) × h

Usage of Right Circular Cylinders in Daily Life Situations

As the cylinder is a common shape of different material objects, we use and see them in our daily life, sometimes without even recognising them. Here are some major examples of right circular cylinders used in daily life situations. 

• Gas cylinders – The ideal example of a cylindrical object is a gas cylinder observed around us in our daily lives. The perfect curved surface and two flat circular bases are easily and vividly visible in gas cylinders. 
• Pencil holders – Another fine example of a cylindrical-shaped object we can see around us is pencil holders. A pencil holder exhibits one curved surface attached to one flat circular base and one hollow top base. 
• Food or soft drink cans – Most of us have used canned food or canned soft drinks in our daily lives. These cans are also cylindrical and are easily found around us in everyday life. 
• Cells – Cells or electrochemical cells work as a DC power source to supply electricity in various electronics. These cells are formed in a cylindrical shape. The cell that power-ups the TV, AC, or fan is an example of the cylinder.
• Dustbin – Dust bins are typically cylindrical with a curved surface, a fixed flat circular bottom, and a hollow circular top.

Conclusion

Every material object has a specific shape. The cylinder shape of objects is quite predominant in our surroundings, especially the right circular cylinder shape. So, it is important to understand the use of cylinders in our daily lives. 

Therefore, we have tried to cover the concept of cylinders and their usage in everyday life. This article also includes the formula of the right circular cylinder for your help.