spherical shell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spherical shell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, mathematics, or engineering, particularly when discussing objects or structures that have a hollow, spherical shape. Example: "The model of the atom can be visualized as a spherical shell surrounding a dense nucleus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ranjan Mukherjee, an engineer at Michigan State, recently patented a "spherical shell platform".

The New York Times - Magazine

The comet nuclei in this spherical shell are too distant to be visible from Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And that means we are effectively the "holographic projection" of the information held on the spherical shell of the universe.

The Guardian

Photo: The spherical shell of the Hayden Planetarium, where a $3 million space show, "Cosmic Collisions," opens on March 18.

The New York Times

A pleochroic halo is a spherical shell of colour produced around a radioactive impurity included in a mineral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As released in 1953 and sold by General Mills to the Lockheed Aircraft Company, the entire apparatus was enclosed in a yellow-painted spherical shell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spherical shell illustrates Venus.

Earth, Planets and Space

Let,,, and is the spherical shell.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

(1)–(5) in a spherical shell (Christensen and Wicht 2007).

Earth, Planets and Space

Multilayered nanoshell (MNS) contains a spherical metallic core, a dielectric spherical shell and an external metal spherical shell.

International Nano Letters

The monitor structure includes four layers of the spherical shell.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In mathematical or scientific contexts, specify whether you're referring to a closed or open "spherical shell", as this can affect calculations and analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "spherical shell" when you actually mean a solid sphere. A "spherical shell" is hollow, while a solid sphere is filled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spherical shell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive term in scientific and technical contexts. It identifies a specific geometric shape and structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spherical shell" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly within scientific and technical domains. It accurately describes a hollow sphere and is employed across diverse fields like physics, engineering, and astronomy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While "spherical shell" is generally used in formal and scientific contexts, alternative phrases such as "hollow sphere" can be suitable depending on the specific context. Understanding the distinction between a "spherical shell" and a solid sphere is crucial for accurate communication. As evidenced by numerous examples provided by Ludwig, ensure you specify dimensions clearly to avoid ambiguity in technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hollow sphere

Emphasizes the hollowness of the spherical structure.

spherical cavity

Focuses on the enclosed space within the sphere.

spherical envelope

Suggests a covering or enclosure that is spherical.

spherical casing

Implies an outer layer or protective structure with a spherical form.

spherical domain

Highlights a region or area that is spherical.

spherical lamina

Describes a thin layer or sheet forming a sphere.

spheroidal shell

Indicates a shell that is nearly spherical, allowing for slight deviations from perfect sphericity.

spherical container

Focuses on the use of the sphere as a vessel or holding structure.

spherical structure

A more general term referring to any structure that has a spherical shape.

spherical form

Highlights the shape of the object, emphasizing its spherical nature.

FAQs

How is a "spherical shell" different from a solid sphere?

A "spherical shell" is a hollow sphere, meaning it has a void inside, while a solid sphere is completely filled with matter.

In what contexts is the term "spherical shell" commonly used?

The term "spherical shell" is frequently used in physics, mathematics, engineering, and astronomy to describe hollow spherical objects or structures. For instance, it appears in articles about "Earth", "Mars" and "Venus".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "spherical shell"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hollow sphere", "spherical cavity", or "spherical structure".

How do I accurately describe the dimensions of a "spherical shell"?

To accurately describe a "spherical shell", specify either the inner and outer radii or the outer radius and the shell thickness. This ensures clarity about its physical dimensions.