Computing a surface integral with polar coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves computing a surface integral over a specified surface defined by a cone in the first octant, with the integral expressed in polar coordinates. The original poster seeks to validate their approach and domain restrictions for the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct limits for the polar coordinates, with some suggesting the need to visualize the surface and its projection onto the x-y plane. There is also a focus on determining the appropriate domain restrictions based on the conditions given in the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights into the geometry of the surface and the implications of the constraints. There is a recognition of the need to adjust the limits of integration based on the first octant and the nature of the surface.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of understanding the projection of the surface onto the x-y plane and the implications of different quadrant restrictions when considering the limits for theta in polar coordinates.

Yami
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Homework Statement


Show that ##\iint_{S}(x^2 + y^2)d\sigma = \frac{9\pi}{4}##
where ##S = \{(x,y,z): x > 0, y > 0, 3 > z > 0, z^2 = 3(x^2 + y^2)\}##

Homework Equations


##\iint_{S}f(x,y,z)d\sigma = \iint_{R}f(r(x,y))\sqrt{[r_x(x,y)]^2 + [r_y(x,y)]^2 + 1}##
where ##r : R → ℝ^3, R \in ℝ^2## parametrizes the surface S.

The Attempt at a Solution



##\iint_{S}(x^2 + y^2)d\sigma = \iint_{R}(x^2 + y^2)\sqrt{\frac{9^2}{3(x^2 + y^2)} + \frac{9^2}{3(x^2 + y^2)}+ 1}dxdy##
## = \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{3}r^2\sqrt{\frac{9r^2}{3r^2} + 1} drd\theta## (polar coordinates)
##= \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{3}2r^2drd\theta = 36\pi##

This is obviously wrong. I'm guessing I have the wrong domain restrictions
##R = \{ (r, \theta) : 0 < \theta < 2\pi, 0 < r < 3\}##
If so, I can't figure out how to get the correct restriction.
 
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You should draw the graph to find the limits. S is the surface of a cone in the first octant.
[tex]z=\pm \sqrt{3x^2+3y^2}[/tex]
But since we are considering the cone in the 1st octant, where [itex]z≥0[/itex], thus:
[tex]z=\sqrt{3x^2+3y^2}[/tex]
Find [itex]z_x[/itex] and [itex]z_y[/itex] as you'll be projecting the surface S onto the x-y plane.

The surface area in terms of Cartesian coordinates:
[tex]\iint_{S}(x^2 + y^2)d\sigma = \iint_{Ω} (x^2 + y^2) \sqrt {(z_x)^2+(z_y)^2+1} \,.dxdy=\iint_{Ω} (x^2 + y^2) \sqrt {\frac{12x^2+12y^2}{3x^2+3y^2}} \,.dxdy=2\iint_{Ω} (x^2 + y^2) \,.dxdy[/tex] where Ω is the projection of S onto the x-y plane.

To find the equation of the points of intersection of the plane z = 3 and the cone, substitute z = 3 into the equation of the cone.
[tex]3^2=3x^2+3y^2<br /> \\x^2+y^2=3<br /> \\r^2=3[/tex]
The projected area in terms of polar coordinates:
[tex]2 \iint_Ω r^2 \,.rdrd\theta[/tex]
Now, using the graph of the region Ω, find the limits. See attached graph.

But from the projection onto the x-y plane, you only need a quarter of Ω (since the section of surface S required is found in the 1st octant), so [itex]0\le \theta \le \pi /2[/itex]
 

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Alright, I got it. Thanks for your help.
I think I get the gist of the radians restriction; so if we have just x > 0, y > 0, but no z > 0 would it be ##R = \{(r, \theta); 0 < r < \sqrt{3}, 0 < \theta < \pi\}##?
 
Yami said:
Alright, I got it. Thanks for your help.
I think I get the gist of the radians restriction; so if we have just x > 0, y > 0, but no z > 0 would it be ##R = \{(r, \theta); 0 < r < \sqrt{3}, 0 < \theta < \pi\}##?
You are correct except for the limits of [itex]\theta[/itex], which should be:
[tex]0 < \theta < \pi /2[/tex] as the surface area that this problem requires is found in the first octant, or in case of no z-axis, then it's the 1st quadrant.
 
Okay so if it's just {y > 0, but no x > 0, z > 0} OR {x > 0, but no y > 0, z > 0}, two quadrants of the space, then would it be ##0 < \theta < \pi##?
 
Yami said:
Okay so if it's just {y > 0, but no x > 0, z > 0} OR {x > 0, but no y > 0, z > 0}, two quadrants of the space, then would it be ##0 < \theta < \pi##?

Draw the Cartesian axes in a 3D coordinate system; x, y and z, perpendicular to each other. Label them with simple values {-1,0,1} for each axis. For example, if x > 0, then it means you are only considering the positive x axis. As you are given more limits, you will be able to progressively pinpoint the exact octant required.

Likewise, if y > 0, it means the graph is along the positive y axis. You can apply this simple means of knowing the required section of graph by determining which octant or quadrant is related to the problem.

In your original problem, {x > 0, y > 0, 0 < z < 3}. Consider x > 0 and y > 0. This automatically places the required section of the graph in the first quadrant, but since your problem involves 3D coordinates, you now have an additional upper and lower dimension (the z axis). If z > 0, then the section is found in the 1st quadrant but above the z axis, meaning in the positive (upper) direction of the axis, in other words, the 1st octant. If z < 0, then it's obviously below the x-y plane, meaning, the required section of the graph is along the negative z axis.
 

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