xi. A sphere is the solid described by the revolution of a semicircle about a diameter, which remains fixed. The centre of the sphere is the centre of the generating semicircle. Any line passing through the centre of a sphere and terminated both ways by the surface is called a diameter.
PROP. I.—Theorem.
Right prisms (ABCDE–FGHIJ, A′B′C′D′E′–F′G′H′I′J′) which have bases (ABCDE, A′B′C′D′E′) that are equal and similar, and which have equal altitudes, are equal.
Dem.—Apply the bases to each other; then, since they are equal and similar figures, they will coincide—that is, the point A with A′, B with B′, &c. And since AF is equal to A′F′, and each is normal to its respective base, the: point F will coincide with F′. In the same manner the points G, H, I, J will coincide respectively with the points G′, H′, I′, J′. Hence the prisms are equal in every respect.
Cor. 1.—Right prisms which have equal bases (EF, E′F′) and equal altitudes are equal in volume.
Dem.—Since the bases are equal, but not similar, we can suppose one of them, EF, divided into parts A, B, C, and re-arranged so as to make them coincide with the other [I. xxxv., note]; and since the prism on E′F′ can be subdivided in the same manner by planes perpendicular to the base, the proposition is evident.
Cor. 2.—The volumes of right prisms (X, Y ) having equal bases are proportional to their altitudes.
For, if the altitudes be in the ratio of m : n, X can be divided into m prisms of equal altitudes by planes parallel to the base; then these m prisms will be all equal. In like manner, Y can be divided into n equal prisms. Hence X : Y :: m : n.