The Paradox Portal
Mathematical

Gabriel's Horn (Painter's Paradox)

An infinite surface area can enclose a finite volume

Overview

A geometric paradox where a solid has finite volume but infinite surface area.

The shape formed by rotating y=1/x around the x-axis (from x=1 to infinity) has finite volume (π cubic units) but infinite surface area. You could fill it with π units of paint but couldn't paint its surface.

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