Apply the divergence theorem for the vector field F

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the divergence theorem to a specific vector field over a defined spherical region. Participants explore the implications of normal vector orientation in relation to the theorem, particularly in the context of a region bounded by two spheres.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant applies the divergence theorem to the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}=-\frac{\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z}{p^3}$ and calculates the divergence, concluding it to be zero.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the normal vector's orientation, stating that it should point outward from the region defined by "1 ≤ x² + y² + z² ≤ 4".
  • There is a clarification regarding the normal vector on the outer sphere (radius 2) pointing outward and the inner sphere (radius 1) pointing inward, which some participants find confusing.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the implications of the normal vector orientation and requests further explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the divergence theorem but have differing interpretations regarding the orientation of the normal vectors for the two spheres. The discussion remains unresolved as participants seek clarification on these points.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the implications of normal vector orientation on the application of the divergence theorem, particularly in the context of the defined region.

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)
 

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