Diffential elements and analysis dimensional

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and application of volume elements in calculus, specifically the differences between using \(dV\) and \(d^3V\). Participants explore the implications of these definitions on integration, particularly in the context of triple integrals, and the conceptual understanding of differential elements in mathematical analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines the volume element as \(dV = dxdydz\) but raises concerns about the integration process, suggesting that using \(d^3V\) clarifies the integration of volume elements.
  • Another participant counters that if definite integrals are used, the integration makes sense, and questions the validity of treating \(dV\) as an indefinite integral.
  • There is a query about the correct definition of the volume element, with one participant asserting it is \(dV\) while another suggests \(d^3V\) is more appropriate.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of rewriting triple integrals as iterated integrals and the order of integration, noting that the order can vary.
  • One participant challenges the idea of switching from a function of three variables to a function of one variable, questioning the logic behind such a transformation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct definition of the volume element and the implications of using \(dV\) versus \(d^3V\). The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the integration process and the nature of differential elements.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the definitions of volume elements and the conditions under which different forms of integration are valid. There is also uncertainty about the implications of treating functions of multiple variables in the context of volume integration.

Jhenrique
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The definition for volume element is simples, is ##dV=dxdydz##, ok. But, if you integrate this you'll have problems, because ##\int dV = \int dxdydx## no make sense in the right side of equation and, on the other hand, ##\iiint dV =\iiint dxdydx## no make sense in the left side of equation... so, this problem is eliminated if you define the volume element like ##d^3V = dxdydz##, now the tiple integral make sense: [tex]\iiint d^3V = \iiint dxdydz[/tex] However, to think if a quantity physical, in infinitesimal size, have simple, double, triple, ..., differential is non-intuitive, is a concept very analytical. But, ignore this information is metematically wrong.

So, which is correct form for deal with this?
 
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Jhenrique said:
The definition for volume element is simples, is ##dV=dxdydz##, ok. But, if you integrate this you'll have problems,
Not really, if you work with definite integrals. As a triple integral, the one on the left would be ##\int_R dV##, where R is the three-dimensional region over which integration takes place. A triple integral can be rewritten as three iterated integrals, such as you show on the right, with suitable limits of integration.

I'm not sure that your integral with dV makes any sense as an indefinite integral. What would you have as the antiderivative?
Jhenrique said:
because ##\int dV = \int dxdydx## no make sense in the right side of equation and, on the other hand, ##\iiint dV =\iiint dxdydx## no make sense in the left side of equation... so, this problem is eliminated if you define the volume element like ##d^3V = dxdydz##, now the tiple integral make sense: [tex]\iiint d^3V = \iiint dxdydz[/tex] However, to think if a quantity physical, in infinitesimal size, have simple, double, triple, ..., differential is non-intuitive, is a concept very analytical. But, ignore this information is metematically wrong.

So, which is correct form for deal with this?
 
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I omitted the limits...

BTW, which is the correct definition for volume element, d³V or dV ?
 
Jhenrique said:
I omitted the limits...

BTW, which is the correct definition for volume element, d³V or dV ?
It's dV, a differential volume element.
 
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Mark44 said:
Not really, if you work with definite integrals. As a triple integral, the one on the left would be ##\int_R dV##, where R is the three-dimensional region over which integration takes place. A triple integral can be rewritten as three iterated integrals, such as you show on the right, with suitable limits of integration.

I'm not sure that your integral with dV makes any sense as an indefinite integral. What would you have as the antiderivative?

Are you saing that [tex]\int\limits_{V} = \iiint\limits_{x\;y\;z}[/tex] ?
 
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Jhenrique said:
Are you saing that [tex]\int\limits_{V} = \iiint\limits_{x\;y\;z}[/tex] ?
Yes, but the three iterated integrals on the right side don't have to be in that particular order. They can appear in any of six ways.

What I said was that a triple integral (##\int_R f(x, y, z) dV##) can be written as three iterated integrals - one possible order is ##\int \int \int f(x, y, z) dx~dy~dz##.
 
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Mark44 said:
What I said was that a triple integral (##\int_R f(x, y, z) dV##) can be written as three iterated integrals - one possible order is ##\int \int \int f(x, y, z) dx~dy~dz##.

If this notation proceeds: [tex]\iiint\limits_{x\;y\;z}f(x,y,z)dxdydz[/tex] (attention for the argument of the function f)

So this too proceeds: [tex]\int\limits_{V}f(V)dV[/tex] What is a function of a tridimensional argument?
 
Jhenrique said:
If this notation proceeds: [tex]\iiint\limits_{x\;y\;z}f(x,y,z)dxdydz[/tex] (attention for the argument of the function f)
Based on the order of the differentials, it would be written as
$$\iiint\limits_{z\;y\;x}f(x,y,z)dxdydz $$
The innermost integration is with respect to x, so the inner limits of integration are x values. Next, the integration is with respect to y. Finally, the outer integral is with respect to z, so the limits of integration are z values.
Jhenrique said:
So this too proceeds: [tex]\int\limits_{V}f(V)dV[/tex]
No, it doesn't. We started with a function of three variables. You can't just switch it be be a function of one variable.

For example, if f(x, y, z) = 2xy + e3z, how does f(V) make any sense at all?

Jhenrique said:
What is a function of a tridimensional argument?
See just above for an example of a function with three arguments.
 
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