Flux of Vector Field within Sphere: Find Flux of Given Vector Field

In summary, the flux through the sphere of radius 12 centered at the origin is equal to the flux through the region 0 < R < 2, which can be found by subtracting the flux through the region 2 < R < 4 from the total flux of 20π through the region 0 < R < 4. This can be done using the divergence theorem and the given information about the flux through the region 2 < R < 4.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Suppose [tex] \vec{G} [/tex] is a vector field with the property that [tex] div\vec{G} = 5 [/tex] for [tex] 2 \leq ||\vec{r}|| \leq 14 [/tex] and that the flux of [tex] \vec{G} [/tex] through the sphere of radius 4 centered at the origin is [tex] 20\pi [/tex]. Find the flux of through the sphere of radius 12 centered at the origin.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



what I tried so far is

[tex] 20\pi \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^{\pi} \int_0^{12} \rho^2 sin(\phi)d\rho d\phi d\theta [/tex]

is this wrong
 
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  • #2
No integration is needed for this problem. The flux through the region 2 < R < 4 is just

5(volume of region 2 < R < 4)

by the divergence theorem. Use this, together with the fact that the flux through 0 < R < 4 is 20π, to find the flux through the region 0 < R < 2.

Can you see how to take it from here?
 
  • #3
ok so after I got the flux through region 2< r< 4and through 0 < r< 4 I just substract it right?
 
  • #4
Yes, but in which order are you going to do the subtraction?
 
  • #5
it's the 0<r<4 - 2<r<4 correct?
 
  • #6
Correct.
 

1. What is the concept of flux in a vector field?

Flux refers to the amount of a vector quantity (such as velocity or force) that passes through a surface. In the context of a vector field, it represents the flow rate of the vector field through a given surface.

2. How is the flux of a vector field within a sphere calculated?

The flux of a vector field within a sphere is calculated using the surface integral of the vector field over the surface of the sphere. This involves integrating the dot product of the vector field and the normal vector of the surface over small surface elements, and then summing them up to get the total flux.

3. What is the significance of finding the flux of a vector field within a sphere?

Finding the flux of a vector field within a sphere allows us to understand the flow rate of the vector field through a closed surface. This can be useful in various applications, such as fluid dynamics and electromagnetism, where the flux is an important quantity.

4. Can the flux of a vector field within a sphere be negative?

Yes, the flux of a vector field within a sphere can be negative. This happens when the vector field is flowing inward through the surface instead of outward. It is important to keep track of the direction of the vector field and the orientation of the surface when calculating the flux.

5. Are there any limitations to using the surface integral method for calculating the flux of a vector field within a sphere?

Yes, there are some limitations to using the surface integral method. It assumes that the vector field is continuous and well-behaved over the surface, and that the surface itself is smooth and well-defined. Additionally, the calculation can become complex for more complicated vector fields and surfaces, and may require advanced mathematical techniques.

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