Calculating Flux: x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 4a^2

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the flux of a vector field through a spherical surface defined by the equation x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 4a^2. The vector field is given as F = (x + yz)i + (y - zx)j + (z - e^x * sin(y))k, and the original poster seeks to find the flux directly without using the divergence theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of spherical coordinates to express the normal vector and the vector field. There is a question regarding the correct radius of the sphere, whether it is 4a or 2a. Some participants express confusion about the simplification of the integral and suggest showing steps for clarity. Others mention the odd function nature of one term in the integral, leading to a potential simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the integral's simplification and questioning the approach taken. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the integrand and its implications for the integral's evaluation. There is no explicit consensus on the next steps or the final approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of not using the divergence theorem, which has been noted as a simpler alternative. There is also a mention of potential confusion regarding the setup of the problem and the implications of the chosen coordinate system.

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Homework Statement



Find the flux of x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 4a^2 through F = (x+yz)i + (y-zx)j + (z-e^x * siny)k
directly without using divergence theorem.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Using spherical coordinates I achieve N = 4asin(phi)cos(theta) i + 4asin(phi)sin(theta) j + 4asin(phi)cos(phi) k

But when subbing in spherical to F, then F dot N, I can only simplify to a very messy integral of: -8a^3sin(phi) + 4a^2cos(phi)sin(phi) * e^(2sin(phi)cos(theta) * sin(2asin(phi)sin(theta)

Any help would be appreciated :)
 
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Uncensored said:
Using spherical coordinates I achieve N = 4asin(phi)cos(theta) i + 4asin(phi)sin(theta) j + 4asin(phi)cos(phi) k

Is the radius of that sphere [itex]4a[/itex] or [itex]2a[/itex]?...Is that the unit normal to the surface?:wink:

But when subbing in spherical to F, then F dot N, I can only simplify to a very messy integral of: -8a^3sin(phi) + 4a^2cos(phi)sin(phi) * e^(2sin(phi)cos(theta) * sin(2asin(phi)sin(theta)
Show the steps of your simplification; I get [itex]2a-e^{2a\sin\theta\cos\phi}\sin\left(2a\sin\theta\sin\phi\right)[/itex] for [itex]\textbf{F}\cdot\textbf{n}[/itex].
 
xsrC2.png


and yes radius is 2a
 
Your integrand should be

[tex]8a^3\sin\phi - 4a^2\sin\phi\cos\phi e^{2a\sin\phi\cos\theta}\sin(2a\sin\phi\sin\theta)[/tex]
 
okay I forgot the a on my e^(...) and I simply used -N so the switch of signs means nothing. Where do I go from here? Or is there another way to approach this problem? Stokes Theorem?
 
Of course, the divergence theorem is the easy and obvious way but you ruled that out.

However, you almost have it. Notice that your second term is an odd function of theta. That means if you integrate theta from -pi to pi (which is just as good as 0 to 2pi) you will get zero. So all that is left is to do the double integral on the first term.

[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}\int_0^\pi -8a^2 \sin\phi\ d\phi d\theta[/tex]

which will give you the same answer as the trivial application of the divergence theorem.
 

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