Circle vs Sphere: Difference and Comparison

The circle and sphere are two separate terms in mathematics and physics. Even circular objects also have different properties. People are confused with its shape.

But the circle is two-dimensional, and a sphere is three-dimensional with different properties. The earth we live on will be a better example of differentiating circles and spheres.

Key Takeaways

  1. Circles are two-dimensional shapes, while spheres are three-dimensional objects.
  2. The area of a circle is calculated using πr², whereas the surface area of a sphere is calculated using 4πr².
  3. Circles have only one edge, while spheres have no edges or vertices.

Circle vs Sphere

Circle is a two-dimensional shape and a round object of the plane, where the area can be calculated from. It is a full curve traced by a single point. Sphere is a three-dimensional shape that is found in space, consists of three dimensions which are X, Y, and Z, and includes a diameter and area.

Circle vs Sphere

A shape that has all the points in the plane from the given point then is a circle. In simple, the circle is a full curve traced by a single point. The single point is constant from all the points in the circle.

The distance between the constant point and the point in the outline of the circle is called the radius. A circle is a closed curve. Two regions in the circle may refer to the same thing, but the disc is the strictly technical word used.

The sphere has its points in space. It has three-dimensional, namely X, Y, and Z. The earth is a sphere, and the sun is the largest sphere in the solar system. Like a circle, the points connect to one point, and the distance between them is the radius.

The diameter of the sphere is nothing but the longest line passing through it or twice the radius. The properties of the sphere may look the same as a circle, but the sphere is in space.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonCircleSphere
DefinitionThe circle is a two-dimensional figure in the plane.A sphere is a three-dimensional object in space.
Area formulaCircle- πr2Sphere-4πr2
ComponentsCircle has areaSphere has area and volume
Volume formulaThe circle has no volumeSphere- 4/3π r3
CircumferenceCircle- 2 π rThe sphere has no circumference
Equation(x−a)2+(y−b)2= r2(x−h)2+(y−k)2+(z−l)2=r2

What is Circle?

The word circle is derived from the Greek word Kirkos which means ring.

The circle is the best-founded object by pre-historic humans after the fire. The history of a circle is founded even before recorded history. The circle inventions are gears that are responsible for the changes that happen in the world of science.

Geometry developed the study of the circle in mathematics, astronomy, and calculus. Many scholars who lived in the early period believed that the divine and perfect hid behind the circle.

The circle is used directly or indirectly in Indus valley civilization, ancient Egyptians, and western civilizations. They used it for art to convey messages. People have different opinions on the circle.

Some focus on the demonstration, while others are about its centre and symbolize. The circle is religiously related to infinity, unity, spirituous, etc. The compass and a halo are examples of objects in a circle used by our ancestors.

Circles have many properties. It is highly symmetric in shape. The line passing through the centre of the circle will create a reflection symmetry and a rotational symmetry in every angle inside it.

The radius and circumference of a circle are directly proportional. A circle with a radius of 1 unit is called a unit circle. The three points not in the same line will form another unique circle.

circle

What is Sphere?

A sphere is a three-dimensional object in space. It is a solid surface with a round-like figure. If the four points are coplanar, then it is a sphere. The passing also considers the sphere through a point and tangent to a plane.

A circle and a point that is not in a plane are also referred to as spheres. The radical plane is formed when two spheres intersect in a circle. In a radical plane, the angle between spheres is a dihedral angle.

When a large circle is inclined on a sphere, both have an equal radius. The spheric sections are nothing but the plane sections in the sphere.

The sphere is divided into two equal parts called the hemisphere. When the plane intersects the sphere and subdivides the parts, then lunes will coincide with antipodal points in the plane.

The points in the sphere are the umbilicus. Every point on the outside will have an equal distance from the constant centre point. The sphere does not have any surface area in the centre.

The sphere geodesics are curves in nature. The mean curvature and Gaussian curvature are constant in the sphere.

sphere

Main Differences Between Circle and Sphere

  1. A circle is a two-dimensional figure in the plane, and a sphere is a three-dimensional object in space.
  2. The area of a circle is Circle πr2, and the area of a sphere is 4πr2.
  3. The circle has no volume, and the volume of a sphere is 4/3π r3.
  4. The circumference of a circle is 2πr, and the sphere has no circumference.
  5. The equation of circle is (x−a)2+(y−b)2= r2, and the equation of sphere is (x−h)2+(y−k)2+(z−l)2=r2.
Difference Between Circle and Sphere
References
  1. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-applied-probability/article/distributions-on-the-circle-and-sphere/2B66EAF8748B7C59958EE03557BA8CB1
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305054806002942

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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10 thoughts on “Circle vs Sphere: Difference and Comparison”

  1. This article gives a great exploration of the geometry attributed to the circle and sphere. The ancient history and the use of these shapes in civilizations provide a comprehensive understanding of their significance.

    Reply
  2. An excellent read for geometry lovers and people who enjoy theoretical sciences. Very informative and helpful explanation of the main differences between a circle and a sphere. It is lovely to see the author’s passion for geometry and its history.

    Reply
  3. I’d have to disagree with your conclusion. I believe that the emphasis on the history of the circle and its cultural significance is unnecessary. The focus should be on the mathematical and physical aspects of the circle and sphere rather than historical contexts.

    Reply
  4. I appreciate the historical background as it contextualizes the significance of these mathematical shapes. It adds depth to the reader’s comprehension of the subject matter.

    Reply
  5. The article explains the properties of circles and spheres in a clear and concise manner. However, the focus on historical context adds a layer of unnecessary complexity to the discussion.

    Reply
  6. The inclusion of the historical context is beneficial in understanding the role of circles and spheres in various civilizations. It provides a well-rounded understanding of these shapes.

    Reply
  7. I love how the article ties in the cultural significance of the circle. The examination of how the circle has been used in various civilizations adds a unique perspective to the topic. A very enriching read.

    Reply
  8. I understand where the author is coming from, but I found the historical aspects enlightening. It gives a more well-rounded perspective of the circle and sphere, bringing life to these mathematical concepts.

    Reply
  9. We should appreciate the author’s efforts to provide a holistic view of the subject. The conjunction of mathematical, physical, and historical insights is what makes this article unique and appealing.

    Reply
  10. The information provided is really interesting. I particularly enjoyed learning about the historical background of the circle. It’s great to see how geometry has evolved through the ages.

    Reply

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