Finding the vectorial element and surface area dS

In summary: So the vector R from the origin to a point on the plane will be (x, y, 1 - x - y).For part d, recall that the surface element dS is given by dS = |r_x x r_y| dA, where r_x and r_y are the partial derivatives of the position vector r = (x, y, 1 - x - y) with respect to the variables x and y, and dA is the differential of area on the xy-plane. In this case, r_x = (1, 0, -1) and r_y = (0, 1, -1), so dS = |(1, 0, -1) x (
  • #1
adichy
31
0

Homework Statement



The domain D is a tetrahedron bounded by the planes x = 0, y = 0, z = 0 and
x + y + z = 1 Calculate
(a). The volume of the domain.
[10 marks]
(b). The x-coordinate of the centre-of-mass of the domain, assuming constant density.
[9 marks]
(c). Find, in terms of x and y the vector R from the origin to a point on the plane
x + y + z = 1.
[2 marks]
(d). Find the (vectorial) element of surface area dS on that plane, in terms of x, y, dx
and dy.
[4 marks]
(e). Hence calculate the area of the portion of that plane on the surface of the domain
D

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



ive done parts a and b
a)1/6 b)1/4
c)was slightly confused on what to do, can't seem to remember the exact method but i think vector R=[x,y,z],
most likely wrong since the question asked it to be in terms of x and y only.
d) Not completely confident with what you're meant to do here. My guess is find ds (it asked it to be in terms of x,y dx and dy but no dz, not sure how to get rid of it) and multiply it with the surface of the plane (problem with this 1 is i don't know what to multiply ds by as in i dnt kno what the surface is)
e) not exactly sure what the question is asking me to do

your help would be appreciated, thanks in advance ^^
 
Last edited:
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  • #3
sorry editted the post
 
  • #4
Thanks! And welcome to Physics Forums!

For part c, any point on the plane x + y + z = 1 will have the form (x, y, 1 - x - y), with x >= 0, y >= 0, and 1 - x - y >= 0.
 

What is a vectorial element?

A vectorial element is a mathematical concept used to represent a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is typically denoted by an arrow pointing in the direction of the vector and its length representing the magnitude.

How is a vectorial element used in finding surface area dS?

In finding surface area dS, a vectorial element is used to represent the infinitesimal area of a surface. This allows for the calculation of the total surface area of a curved surface by integrating the vectorial elements over the entire surface.

What is the difference between vectorial element and surface element?

A vectorial element is a mathematical representation of a quantity with magnitude and direction, while a surface element is a small piece of a surface. In the context of finding surface area dS, a vectorial element is used to represent the infinitesimal area of a surface, while a surface element is used to calculate the total surface area of a curved surface.

How does the direction of a vectorial element affect surface area dS?

The direction of a vectorial element is important in calculating surface area dS because it determines the orientation of the infinitesimal area on the surface. This is necessary for accurately calculating the total surface area of a curved surface.

What are some real-life applications of finding vectorial element and surface area dS?

Finding vectorial element and surface area dS is a fundamental concept used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It is used in calculating the surface area of objects with curved surfaces, such as spheres and cylinders, and is also important in understanding fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and 3D modeling.

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