# Compute the flux of vector field through a sphere

1. May 5, 2012

### jerzey101

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Compute the flux of the vector field F(x,y,z)=(z,y,x) across the unit sphere x2+y2+z2=1

2. Relevant equations
I believe the forumla is ∫∫D F(I(u,v))*n dudv
I do not know how to do the parameterization of the sphere and then I keep getting messed up with the normal vector.*
So you convert the sphere equation into spherical coordinates? I am so lost please help. Thank you!

3. The attempt at a solution
is I=(sin∅cosθ,sin∅sinθ,cos∅)?
Then to find n you compute the cross product of T X Tθ?
Then multiple F(I(u,v))*n?
Then integrate?

Last edited: May 5, 2012
2. May 5, 2012

### sharks

Hi jerzey101. Welcome to PF!

Use the Gauss Divergence Theorem - it greatly simplifies the problem.
$$\iint_S \vec F \hat n \,.d\sigma= \iiint_D div \vec F\,.dV$$ where S is the smooth oriented surface and D is a simple closed region.
$$\vec F= z\hat i + y\hat j+x\hat k$$
The volume of the sphere is given by: $\iiint_S \,.dV$

In case you haven't yet done the Gauss Divergence Theorem, then you can also find it (although a little bit more work is involved) by surface integral using: $\iint_D \vec F \hat n \,.d\sigma$. You need to find $\hat n$ which is the outward unit normal from the surface of the sphere.

Last edited: May 5, 2012
3. May 5, 2012

### Broccoli21

There are a few ways to do this problem. Has your class covered the divergence theorem (Gauss' Theorem)? If so then that is a real fast way to do the problem.
If not then your procedure of parametrization looks good. But even then can you find the unit normal in an easier fashion? Geometrically, what vector is perpendicular to the surface of a sphere?

4. May 5, 2012

### jerzey101

I believe I got it.
so div(F)=0+1+0=1
using spherical coordinates
2∏0010p2sin∅ dpd∅dθ
which I got to equal 4/3∏
That look correct?

5. May 5, 2012

### sharks

It's the same volume as that of the sphere: $$\frac{4\pi r^3}{3}$$ where r=1.