3D Ripple Surface Graph
Circular waves radiate outward from the center.
z = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2))Quick facts
- Formula: z = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2))
- Category: surface
- Tags: surface, calculus, z=f(x,y)
What this graph represents
Because the input is radial distance, all points at the same distance from the origin share the same height.
Where it appears in calculus
This helps connect polar distance to 3D surface shape.
How to use this graph
- Rotate the surface by dragging with your mouse or finger
- Use the Embed button to copy an
<iframe>for your LMS or lesson page - Click PNG to export a classroom-ready image
- Click Formula or LaTeX to copy the equation for your notes
Embed this graph
Use the Embed button in the calculator to copy a ready iframe for blogs, LMS pages, and lesson notes.
Open embed pageTeacher prompt
Question: Why are the waves circular?
Answer: The height depends on distance from the origin, not on x or y separately.
Related graphs
Explore more surface examples and compare shapes, slices, and contour behavior.
Damped Ripple
z = sin(x^2 + y^2) / (1 + x^2 + y^2)A ripple surface whose waves fade away from the origin.
Cone Surface
z = sqrt(x^2 + y^2)A circular cone rising from the origin.
Plane
z = 2*x - y + 1A flat plane with constant slope.
Tilted Wave Plane
z = 0.35*x + sin(y)A sloped plane with a wave running across it.
Sine Cosine Product
z = sin(x) * cos(y)A checkerboard-like wave surface.
Absolute Value Pyramid
z = abs(x) + abs(y)A four-sided pyramid made from absolute values.
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