How do I use Gauss' theorem to evaluate a surface integral?

In summary, the conversation is about using Gauss' divergence theorem to evaluate a surface integral, specifically the integral of x^10 + y^10 + z^10 dS over the surface x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 4. The first step is to find \nabla (x^10 + y^10 + z^10) and then integrate it over the region, which is a ball of radius 2.
  • #1
epyfathom
2
0
Find and evaluate numerically

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x^10 + y^10 + z^10 dSx^2 + y^2 + z^2 =4It says you're supposed to use gauss' divergence thm to convert surface integral to volume integral, then integrate volume integral by converting to spherical coordinates... I can do the second part but how do i use gauss' thm...? my prof was really bad at explaining this.Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Well, I would think that the first thing you would do is look up "Gauss' theorem" (perhaps better known as the "divergence theorem"). According to Wikipedia, Gauss' theorem says that
[tex]\int\int\int (\nabla\cdot \vec{F}) dV= \oint\int \vec{F}\cdot\vec{n}dS[/tex]
where [itex]\vec{n}[/itex] is the normal vector to the surface at each point.

Here, you are not given a vector function but, fortunately, Wikipedia also notes that "Applying the divergence theorem to the product of a scalar function, f, and a non-zero constant vector, the following theorem can be proven:
[tex]\int\int\int \nabla f dV= \oint\int f dS[/tex]"

So, since you are asked to use Gauss' theorem to evaluate a surface integral, you are intended to find [itex]\nabla f[/itex] and integrate that over the region- the ball of radius 2.

Then- first step- what is [itex]\nabla (x^{10}+ y^{10}+ z^{10})[/itex]?
 

Related to How do I use Gauss' theorem to evaluate a surface integral?

1. What is a surface integral?

A surface integral is a mathematical concept used in the field of multivariable calculus to calculate the flux or flow through a surface. It involves integrating a function over a given surface in three-dimensional space.

2. How is a surface integral different from a regular integral?

A surface integral is different from a regular integral in that it involves integrating a function over a two-dimensional surface instead of a one-dimensional curve. It also takes into account the orientation and direction of the surface, which can affect the final value of the integral.

3. What is the importance of evaluating a surface integral?

Evaluating a surface integral is important in many fields of science, including physics, engineering, and geology. It allows us to calculate quantities such as the flux of a vector field through a surface, which can have real-world applications in fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and more.

4. What are the steps involved in evaluating a surface integral?

The steps involved in evaluating a surface integral include: 1) Parametrizing the surface to represent it as a function of two variables, 2) Calculating the partial derivatives of the parametric equations, 3) Setting up the integral using the appropriate formula, and 4) Evaluating the integral using techniques such as substitution or integration by parts.

5. Are there different types of surface integrals?

Yes, there are two main types of surface integrals: the surface integral of a scalar function and the surface integral of a vector field. The former involves integrating a scalar function over a surface, while the latter involves integrating a vector field dot product with the surface's normal vector over the surface.

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