Calculating Flux and Applying the Divergence Theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating flux and applying the divergence theorem, specifically in the context of a vector field and its divergence. Participants are exploring the conversion of coordinates to cylindrical form for integration.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding the divergence of a vector field and setting up the corresponding integral. There are attempts to express the integral in cylindrical coordinates, with some questioning the necessity of using divergence in this context.

Discussion Status

Several participants are engaged in exploring different approaches to the problem, including the setup of triple integrals and the conversion of variables. There is an ongoing examination of the symmetry of the field and the implications for the limits of integration. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct form of the integrals, but no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential confusion regarding the distribution of variables in the integrals and the proper setup of limits in cylindrical coordinates. There is also mention of a mismatch between calculated results and expected outcomes, indicating possible misunderstandings in the integration process.

-EquinoX-
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Homework Statement



http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/88/fluxm.th.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried to find the divergence of F and I got 3x^2 + 3y^2 + 3z^2 and as this is a variable I need to set up the integral... how do I set the integral
 
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i think using cylindrical coordinate will be fine
 
how would you do it in cylindrical coordinate? is it something like this?

do you mean that I don't need to use the divF of it?
 
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-EquinoX- said:
how would you do it in cylindrical coordinate? is it something like this?

do you mean that I don't need to use the divF of it?

you mean how to express the integrated region?just set r from 0 to 3, z from 0 to10.
using divF is not a bad choice, indeed in this case it won't save you very much work,because it's pretty symmetric casem a you can try to calculate it directly,
 
to use divergence I will need tot calculate the volume right? and I then will need to convert x, y, and z to cylindrical coordinate... which is x = r cos(theta), y = r cos(theta) , so in this case it's x^3cos(theta)^3.. right?
 
Rule of thumb...x axis and y-axis are not parallel...y=r sin(theta)... unless you're dealing with some weird system...
 
oops.. bad copy and paste mistake.. so in the end it will be:

\int0^10 \int_0^3 27cos(\theta) + 27sin(\theta) + z^3 dr d\theta

now what is r here?
 
This is a triple integral so there should be 3 limits. Also it seems that 3x^2 + 3y^2 + 3z^2 is your field, so in cylindrical it would be \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} 3r^2 cos^2(\theta) + 3r^2 sin^2(\theta) + 3z^2 r dz dr d\theta

As you can see the field cancels out nicely in cylindrical. Also note the extra 'r' and the order of the limits.

The field seems symmetrical so you should be able to go from 0-->pi/2 and multiply by 2

latex seems to be ok again
 
djeitnstine said:
This is a triple integral so there should be 3 limits. Also it seems that 3x^2 + 3y^2 + 3z^2 is your field, so in cylindrical it would be \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} 3r^2 cos^2(\theta) + 3r^2 sin^2(\theta) + 3z^2 r dz dr d\theta

As you can see the field cancels out nicely in cylindrical. Also note the extra 'r' and the order of the limits.

The field seems symmetrical so you should be able to go from 0-->pi/2 and multiply by 2

latex seems to be ok again

so it could then be simplified as:

\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} 3r^2 + 3z^2 r dz dr d\theta
\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 30r^2 + 1000r dr d\theta
\int_0^{2\pi} 4770 d\theta
9540\pi

is this wrong?

my confusion is that why is it 3z^2r ?? why is there extra r at the end of z?
 
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  • #10
This is because when converting to spherical the area of the differential section is rdrd\theta and adapted to cylindrical is rdzdrd\theta since the differential z is linear
 
  • #11
the answer that I got above doesn't match.. wonder why..
 
  • #12
Oh I needed brackets, I am sorry

<br /> \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} (3r^2 + 3z^2) r dz dr d\theta<br />

r is ditributed
 
  • #13
that's why I ask first place why is it 3z^2r because usually r is distributed.. thanks for clearing that up
 
  • #14
djeitnstine said:
Oh I needed brackets, I am sorry

<br /> \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} (3r^2 + 3z^2) r dz dr d\theta<br />

r is ditributed

here's what I got:

\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 \int_0^{10} (3r^3 + 3z^2r) dz dr d\theta
\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^3 30r^3 + 27r dr d\theta
\int_0^{2\pi} 2916/4 d\theta
\frac{2916\pi}{2}


the answer still doesn't match.. am I doing something wrong here?
 
  • #15
thanks I got it now :)
 

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