How Does the Divergence Theorem Apply in Vector Calculus and PDE?

In summary, the conversation discusses using the divergence theorem to prove that the integral of a given smooth function over a bounded, smooth domain with boundary is equal to the integral of that function over the boundary multiplied by the outer unit normal. The conversation also mentions using Stokes theorem and the Divergence theorem to verify this equality in two different ways, and explains the professor's approach to teaching these theorems in a vector calculus and PDE course.
  • #1
Tony11235
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Suppose [tex] D \subset \Re^3 [/tex] is a bounded, smooth domain with boundary [tex] \partial D [/tex] having outer unit normal [tex] n = (n_1, n_2, n_3) [/tex]. Suppose [tex] f: \Re^3 \rightarrow \Re [/tex] is a given smooth function. Use the divergence theorem to prove that

[tex] \int_{D} f_{y}(x, y, z)dxdydz = \int_{\partial D} f(x, y, z)n_2(x, y, z)dS[/tex]

I think I see how they might be equal but I don't know where to start as far as proving it.
 
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  • #2
Hint:
Consider the vector function:
[tex]F(x,y,z)=(0,f(x,y,z),0)[/tex]
 
  • #3
While we're on it, I have another similar question. Say F:R^3 -> R^3 is a C^1 function, verifty that

[tex]\int_{\partial D} \nabla \times F \cdot n dS = 0 [/tex]

in two ways, first using Stokes theorem, then using the Divergence theorem.

By the way, I'm currently in vector calculus and at the same time first semester PDE. We don't cover the divergence theorem and such until way later into the semester. But our PDE book requires that you have some minor knowlegde of these theorems. And that's what our professor is having us do right now, especially for those of us that are currently in vector calculus.
 
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1. What is the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem, also known as Gauss's Theorem, is a mathematical theorem that relates the surface integral of a vector field over a closed surface to the volume integral of the divergence of the vector field over the region enclosed by the surface.

2. What is the significance of the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem is significant because it provides a way to calculate the flux of a vector field over a closed surface by using the divergence of the vector field. This allows for the simplification of many calculations in physics and engineering, particularly in the field of fluid mechanics.

3. How is the Divergence Theorem related to other theorems in calculus?

The Divergence Theorem is closely related to other theorems in calculus, such as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the Stokes' Theorem. It can also be seen as a generalization of the 2-dimensional Green's Theorem to three dimensions.

4. What are the conditions for the Divergence Theorem to hold?

The Divergence Theorem holds when the vector field is continuously differentiable and the surface over which the integral is calculated is smooth and closed. Additionally, the surface must enclose a region in which the vector field is defined and has a well-defined divergence.

5. How is the Divergence Theorem used in real-world applications?

The Divergence Theorem has a wide range of applications in physics and engineering, particularly in fluid mechanics. It can be used to calculate fluid flow rates through pipes, the distribution of electric charge in a region, and the flow of heat in a material. It is also used in electromagnetic theory and in solving differential equations.

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