parametric example
Parametric Surface Graph: Ripple Disk
A circular ripple described naturally with radius and angle.
z = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2))Teacher prompt
Which parameter controls the rings?
The radius controls the rings because height depends on r.
min z 0.00max z 0.0060 samples
What this graph represents
The surface is easiest to understand through polar parameters.
Where it appears in calculus
Use it when moving from Cartesian to polar thinking.
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Open embed pageRelated graphs
Open another surface page and compare shape, slices, and contour behavior.
Torus
z = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2))A donut-shaped parametric surface used in geometry and visualization.
Mobius Strip
z = atan(y / (x + 0.001))A one-sided strip with a half twist.
Helicoid
z = atan(y / (x + 0.001)) + 0.15*sqrt(x^2 + y^2)A screw-like minimal surface.
Wave Sheet
z = sin(x) * cos(y)A parametric sheet whose height is a wave product.