Pentagonal Cupola Calculator

Calculator and formulas for a pentagonal cupola (Johnson solid J5)

The Elegant Cupola - Johnson Solid J5 with Pentagon and Decagon!

Pentagonal Cupola Calculator

The Pentagonal Cupola

The pentagonal cupola is a Johnson solid with a decagon base and pentagon top (J5).

Enter Known Parameters
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Pentagonal Cupola Calculation Results
Edge length a:
Volume V:
Surface area S:
Height h:
Circumradius r:
Pentagonal Cupola Properties

The elegant cupola: Decagon base, pentagon top, 5 squares and 5 triangles

1 Decagon base 1 Pentagon top 5 Square faces 5 Triangle faces

Cupola Structure

Pentagonal Cupola

The elegant cupola structure.
Decagon base with pentagon top.

What is a Pentagonal Cupola?

A pentagonal cupola is an elegant Johnson solid:

  • Definition: Johnson solid J5
  • Base: Regular decagon (10 sides)
  • Top: Regular pentagon (5 sides)
  • Sides: 5 squares + 5 triangles
  • All edges: Same length
  • Shape: Truncated pyramid cupola

Geometric Properties of the Pentagonal Cupola

The pentagonal cupola shows remarkable geometric properties:

Basic Parameters
  • Decagon base: Regular 10-sided polygon
  • Pentagon top: Regular 5-sided polygon
  • Square faces: 5 congruent squares
  • Triangle faces: 5 equilateral triangles
Special Properties
  • Johnson solid: One of the 92 Johnson solids
  • Convex polyhedron: All faces convex
  • Cupola structure: Truncated pyramid form
  • Edge uniformity: All edges equal length

Mathematical Relationships

The pentagonal cupola follows elegant mathematical laws:

Volume Formula
Golden ratio involved

Formula with √5 (golden ratio). Volume ≈ 2.3241 · a³.

Surface Area Formula
Complex nested radicals

Advanced formula with √3 and √5. Surface ≈ 16.5798 · a².

Applications of the Pentagonal Cupola

Pentagonal cupolas find applications in various fields:

Architecture & Engineering
  • Dome structures
  • Cupola roofing systems
  • Architectural transitions
  • Decorative elements
Science & Technology
  • Crystal structures
  • Molecular geometry
  • Materials research
  • Optical components
Education & Teaching
  • Geometry education
  • Golden ratio studies
  • 3D modeling courses
  • Mathematical demonstrations
Art & Design
  • Sculptural works
  • Architectural art
  • Decorative objects
  • Geometric jewelry

Pentagonal Cupola Formulas

Volume (V)
\[V = \frac{1}{6}(5 + 4\sqrt{5}) \cdot a^3\] \[\approx 2.3241 \cdot a^3\]

Formula involving the golden ratio √5

Surface Area (S)
\[S = \frac{1}{4}\left(20 + 5\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{5(145 + 62\sqrt{5})}\right) \cdot a^2\] \[\approx 16.5798 \cdot a^2\]

Complex formula with nested radicals

Height (h)
\[h = \sqrt{\frac{5 - \sqrt{5}}{10}} \cdot a \approx 0.5257 \cdot a\]

Height formula with golden ratio

Circumradius (r)
\[r = \frac{1}{2}\sqrt{11 + 4\sqrt{5}} \cdot a \approx 2.233 \cdot a\]

Circumradius with golden ratio

Pentagonal Cupola Parameters
Base
Regular decagon
Top
Regular pentagon
Sides
5 squares + 5 triangles
Edges
All equal length

All properties based on equal edge length a

Calculation Example for a Pentagonal Cupola

Given
Edge length a = 10

Find: All properties of the pentagonal cupola

1. Volume Calculation

For a=10:

\[V = \frac{1}{6}(5 + 4\sqrt{5}) \cdot 1000\] \[V ≈ \frac{1}{6}(5 + 8.944) \cdot 1000\] \[V ≈ 2324.1\]

The volume is approximately 2324.1 cubic units

2. Height Calculation

For a=10:

\[h = \sqrt{\frac{5 - \sqrt{5}}{10}} \cdot 10\] \[h ≈ \sqrt{\frac{5 - 2.236}{10}} \cdot 10\] \[h ≈ 5.257\]

The height is approximately 5.257 units

3. Complete Pentagonal Cupola
Edge length a = 10.0 Volume V ≈ 2324.1 Surface area S ≈ 1657.98
Height h ≈ 5.26 Circumradius r ≈ 22.33 12 Total faces
Decagon base Pentagon top 🏛️ Johnson J₅

The pentagonal cupola with elegant geometric proportions

The Pentagonal Cupola: Golden Ratio Elegance

The pentagonal cupola stands as one of the most elegant Johnson solids, beautifully demonstrating the mathematical harmony embedded in the golden ratio. As J5, it represents a perfect transition from a regular decagon base to a regular pentagon top, creating a structure that embodies both architectural grace and mathematical sophistication. The formulas governing this polyhedron are deeply connected to √5, the mathematical foundation of the golden ratio, making it a fascinating study in both geometry and number theory.

The Golden Ratio Connection

The pentagonal cupola showcases the beauty of golden ratio geometry:

  • Pentagon connection: All pentagonal geometry involves φ (golden ratio)
  • Decagon base: Natural extension of pentagonal symmetry
  • Edge uniformity: All edges have identical length
  • √5 formulas: Volume and surface area involve √5
  • Architectural elegance: Perfect proportions for building design
  • Cupola structure: Smooth transition between different polygons
  • Mathematical beauty: Complex formulas with elegant results

Architectural and Mathematical Significance

Golden Ratio Mathematics

The pentagonal cupola's formulas are masterpieces of golden ratio mathematics, showing how φ appears naturally in three-dimensional geometry and creates harmonious proportions.

Architectural Applications

The cupola form has been used in architecture for millennia, providing elegant transitions between different structural elements while maintaining structural integrity.

Geometric Perfection

The smooth transition from 10-sided base to 5-sided top creates a structure that is both mathematically precise and aesthetically pleasing.

Educational Value

As a bridge between 2D polygon geometry and 3D polyhedron theory, the pentagonal cupola provides excellent educational opportunities for understanding advanced geometric concepts.

Summary

The pentagonal cupola represents the perfect fusion of mathematical elegance and practical functionality. As Johnson solid J5, it demonstrates how the golden ratio naturally emerges in three-dimensional geometry, creating structures of remarkable beauty and proportion. From its complex √5-based formulas to its practical applications in architecture and design, the pentagonal cupola continues to inspire mathematicians, architects, and artists. Its role in connecting pentagonal and decagonal geometry makes it an essential study for understanding how different polygonal forms can harmoniously combine. Whether admired for its mathematical sophistication or utilized for its architectural elegance, the pentagonal cupola stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of geometric form and the profound connections between mathematics and art.