MHB Apply the divergence theorem for the vector field F

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The discussion focuses on applying the divergence theorem to the vector field F within the specified region between two spheres. The divergence of the vector field is calculated to be zero, leading to the conclusion that the volume integral is also zero. The normal vector is discussed, with clarification that it points outward from the region for the outer sphere and inward for the inner sphere. This distinction is crucial for correctly applying the divergence theorem, as it affects the surface integral. Further explanation is requested to clarify these concepts and resolve confusion.
mathmari
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Hey! :o

Apply the divergence theorem over the region $1 \leq x^2+y^2+z^2 \leq 4$ for the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}=-\frac{\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z}{p^3}$, where $p=(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{1}{2}$.

$\bigtriangledown \overrightarrow{F}=\frac{3}{p^5}\frac{x^2+y^2+z^2}{p^2}-\frac{3}{p^3}=\frac{3}{p^3}-\frac{3}{p^3}=0$

So $\int \int \int_D {\bigtriangledown \overrightarrow{F}}dV=0$To calculate $\int \int_S {\overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}}d \sigma$ we have to calculate first the $\hat{n}$.

Isn't it as followed?
$\hat{n}=\frac{\bigtriangledown f}{|\bigtriangledown f|}=\frac{\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z}{p}$

In my textbook it is: $\hat{n}=\pm \frac{\bigtriangledown f}{|\bigtriangledown f|}=\pm \frac{\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z}{p}$
$"+": p=2$
$"-" \text{ for } p=1$
Why is it so?
 
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The divergence theorem say that \int\int \vec{f}\cdot \vec{n}dS= \int\int\int \nabla\cdot\vec{f} dV where the surface integral is taken over the boundary of the three dimensional region.

But a surface has two sides. Which way does the normal vector point? The rule for the divergence theorem is that the normal vector points outward, away from the three dimensional region. Here that region is defined by "1\le x^2+ y^2+ z^2\le 4". That is, it is inside a sphere of radius 2 but outside a sphere of radius 1. The normal vector on the sphere of radius 2 points away from the region so "outward", away from the origin. The normal vector on the sphere of radius 1 also points away from the region which means it points "inward", toward the origin.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The divergence theorem say that \int\int \vec{f}\cdot \vec{n}dS= \int\int\int \nabla\cdot\vec{f} dV where the surface integral is taken over the boundary of the three dimensional region.

But a surface has two sides. Which way does the normal vector point? The rule for the divergence theorem is that the normal vector points outward, away from the three dimensional region. Here that region is defined by "1\le x^2+ y^2+ z^2\le 4". That is, it is inside a sphere of radius 2 but outside a sphere of radius 1. The normal vector on the sphere of radius 2 points away from the region so "outward", away from the origin. The normal vector on the sphere of radius 1 also points away from the region which means it points "inward", toward the origin.

Could you explain it further to me? I got stuck... (Worried)
 
mathmari said:
Could you explain it further to me? I got stuck... (Worried)

Where are you stuck?
What do you understand and what do you not understand? (Wondering)