Measuring Volumes with LASERs
Mathematical Modeling
Explore how lasers and reflections work.
Introduction
Modern technology uses lasers to measure distances and calculate volumes with incredible precision. By sending out a laser pulse and measuring how long it takes to bounce back, you can determine distance using the speed of light. This connects to trigonometry through the sine rule and can be extended to calculate the volume of irregular three-dimensional objects - exactly how self-driving cars 'see' the world around them.
Guiding Questions
- What geometric shapes are involved?
- How can you express the volume as a function?
- Can you use calculus (integration) to find exact volumes?
- How do parameter changes affect the volume?
- What assumptions and approximations are you making?
Key Mathematical Concepts
3D Geometry
Integration
Measurement
Volume Calculation