Calculating Divergence Using the Divergence Theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the divergence of the vector field \(\vec{F} = (x^2 + y^2 + z^2)(x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k})\) over the region defined by \(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 \leq 25\) using the Divergence Theorem. The user correctly applies the theorem, concluding that \(\int (\nabla \cdot \vec{F}) d\tau = 125 \cdot 4 \cdot \pi \cdot 5^2\), which simplifies to \(100\pi\). However, the user disputes the textbook's answer, suggesting that their own calculation of \(4\pi \cdot 5^5\) indicates an error in the book. The discussion emphasizes the importance of verifying textbook solutions against calculated results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically the Divergence Theorem
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates and surface integrals
  • Knowledge of vector fields and their divergence
  • Ability to perform triple integrals in three-dimensional space
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Divergence Theorem and its applications in vector calculus
  • Practice calculating divergences of various vector fields
  • Explore spherical coordinates and their use in integration
  • Investigate common errors in textbook solutions for vector calculus problems
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Students studying vector calculus, educators teaching divergence concepts, and anyone seeking to verify and understand the application of the Divergence Theorem in practical problems.

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Homework Statement


the problem is to calculate
\int (\nabla \cdot \vec{F}) d\tau
over the region
x^2 + y^2 + x^2 \leq 25
where
\vec{F} = (x^2 + y^2 + x^2)(x\hat{i} +y\hat{j} + z\hat{k})
in the simplest manner possible.

Homework Equations


divergence theorem!

The Attempt at a Solution


Write
\vec{F} = |\vec{r}|^2 \vec{r} = |\vec{r}|^3 \hat{r},
so
\vec{F} \cdot \hat{n} = \vec{F} \cdot \hat{r} = |\vec{r}|^3 \hat{r} \cdot \hat{r} = |\vec{r}|^3 = 125,
since
\hat{n} = \hat{r}
and
|\vec{r}| = 5
along the surface of the sphere.
Then, invoking the divergence theorem, we obtain:
\int (\nabla \cdot \vec{F}) d\tau = \oint_{\partial{\tau}} \vec{F} \cdot \hat{n} d\sigma = \oint_{\partial{\tau}} 125 d\sigma = 125 \cdot 4 \cdot \pi \cdot 5^2

the back of the book gives 100pi as the answer (and I've checked the errata for the book; no correction has been made). am i wrong? or is the book?
 
Last edited:
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It's also not very hard to integrate the divergence over the interior of the sphere. I get 4*pi*5^5. It sure looks to me like the book answer is wrong.
 
Dick said:
It's also not very hard to integrate the divergence over the interior of the sphere. I get 4*pi*5^5. It sure looks to me like the book answer is wrong.

Great, thanks much!
 

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