Average of a quantity in all directions

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Omega, which in this case is the surface area of the sphere (4*pi*R^2). So, if we apply this to the function A=\int_0^R n(r)dr, we get:<f> = \frac{\int_0^R n(r)dr}{4*pi*R^2}In summary, the average value of A in all directions for a sphere of radius R can be computed using the formula \langle A\rangle=\frac{4}{3}\left\langle n \right\rangle R, where n(r) is the density profile of the sphere. This can be derived by using the formula for finding the average value of a function on a domain, which involves dividing the integral of
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matteo86bo
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Homework Statement



I have to compute the average of [itex]A[/itex] in all directions for a sphere of radius [itex]R[/itex].
For the direction [itex]r[/itex], [itex]A[/itex] is defined as:

[itex]A=\int_0^R n(r)dr[/itex]
where [itex]n(r)[/itex] is the density profile of the sphere.
The answer should be
[itex]\langle A\rangle=\frac{4}{3}\left\langle n \right\rangle R[/itex]

2. The attempt at a solution

I don't know how to compute the average over all directions. I mean for direction r the average value of A is simply
[itex]\langle A\rangle_r=\left\langle n \right\rangle R[/itex]
so, where this factor 4/3 comes from?
 
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Well, the way you typically find the average value of some function f(x) on a domain [itex]\Omega[/itex] is the following:

[tex]<f> = \frac{\int_{\Omega}\ f(x)\ d\Omega}{\int_{\Omega}\ d\Omega[/tex]

Note that the quantity in the denominator is just the area of the domain
 

1. What is the concept of average of a quantity in all directions?

The average of a quantity in all directions refers to the calculation of the average value of a particular quantity in all possible directions from a given starting point. This concept is commonly used in fields such as physics and engineering to determine the overall value of a quantity within a particular system or space.

2. How is the average of a quantity in all directions calculated?

The average of a quantity in all directions is calculated by taking the sum of all values in all possible directions and dividing it by the total number of directions. This gives an overall average value that represents the quantity in all directions.

3. What is the significance of calculating the average of a quantity in all directions?

Calculating the average of a quantity in all directions allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the overall value of the quantity within a system. It takes into account all directions and can provide a more accurate representation of the quantity's behavior.

4. Can the average of a quantity in all directions be negative?

Yes, the average of a quantity in all directions can be negative. This can occur if the values in some directions are negative and the values in other directions are positive, resulting in an overall negative average value.

5. How is the average of a quantity in all directions different from the average of a quantity in a single direction?

The average of a quantity in a single direction only takes into account the values in one specific direction, while the average of a quantity in all directions considers all possible directions. This can result in significantly different average values and can provide a more complete understanding of the quantity's behavior within a system.

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