Definition:Surface of Revolution/Definition 1

Definition

Let $F$ be a plane figure.

Let $L$ be a straight line in the same plane as $F$.

Let $F$ be rotated one full turn about $L$ in $3$-dimensional space.

The surface of revolution generated by $F$ around $L$ is the surface of the solid of revolution generated by $F$ around $L$.

The usual scenario is that:

$(1): \quad$ one of the sides of $F$ is a straight line coincident with $L$

$(2): \quad$ $L$ itself is aligned with one of the coordinate axes, usually the $x$-axis in a cartesian plane

$(3): \quad$ Two other sides of $F$ are also straight lines, perpendicular to $L$

$(4): \quad$ The remaining side (or sides) of $F$ are curved and described by means of a real function.

The above diagram shows a typical surface of revolution.

The plane figure $ABCD$ has been rotated $2 \pi$ radians around the $x$-axis.

$FECD$ illustrates the disposition of $ABCD$ part way round.

Also see

• Equivalence of Definitions of Surface of Revolution

• Results about surfaces of revolution can be found here.