Divergence Theorem: Applying to Sphere $\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the divergence theorem to a sphere defined by the equation $x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2$ with the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}=\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z$. Participants explore the implications of the theorem, particularly regarding the distinction between the solid sphere and its surface, and the nature of integrals involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the divergence of the vector field and confirms it as 3, leading to the volume integral result of $4 \pi a^3$.
  • Another participant corrects the notation in the divergence calculation, emphasizing the sum of partial derivatives.
  • Participants discuss the distinction between the solid sphere (volume $D$) and its surface (boundary $S$), clarifying that $S$ is a sphere while $D$ is a solid sphere.
  • One participant raises a question about why $S$ is a sphere and not a circle, referencing an example involving surface integrals and projections onto the $xy$-plane.
  • A later reply explains that the original problem involves a 3-dimensional volume integral, while the referenced example involves a 2-dimensional surface integral, highlighting the difference in dimensionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of the solid sphere and its surface, but there is some confusion regarding the dimensionality of the integrals and the nature of the surfaces involved. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved as participants clarify their understanding without reaching a consensus on the initial question about the nature of $S$.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of recognizing the difference between volume integrals (triple integrals) and surface integrals (double integrals), which may influence their understanding of the application of the divergence theorem.

evinda
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Hello again! (Wave)

I am looking at an exercise of the divergence theorem..

We want to apply the divergence theorem for the sphere $x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2$ in the case when the vector field is $\overrightarrow{F}=\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z$.$\displaystyle{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}=\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{x}} \hat{i}+\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{y}} \hat{j}+\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{z}} \hat{k}=3}$

So $\displaystyle{\iiint_D \nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F} dV=\iiint_D 3 dV=4 \pi a^3}$, which is $\displaystyle{3 \cdot \text{Volume of a sphere}}$.$\displaystyle{G=x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2}$
$\displaystyle{\hat{n}=\frac{\nabla G}{|\nabla G|}=\frac{2x \hat{i}+2y \hat{j}+2z \hat{k}}{2 \sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}}=\frac{x \hat{i}+y \hat{j}+z \hat{k}}{a}}$

$\displaystyle{\overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}=\frac{x^2+y^2+z^2}{a}=\frac{a^2}{a}=a}$

$\displaystyle{\iint_S \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} d \sigma=a \iint_S d \sigma=a(4 \pi a^2)=4 \pi a^3}$, which is $\displaystyle{a \cdot \text{Area of a sphere}}$
But... since $D$ is a sphere, why is $S$ also a sphere and not a circle? :confused:
 
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Hi again! (Happy)

evinda said:
Hello again! (Wave)

I am looking at an exercise of the divergence theorem..

We want to apply the divergence theorem for the sphere $x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2$ in the case when the vector field is $\overrightarrow{F}=\hat{i}x+\hat{j}y+\hat{k}z$.$\displaystyle{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}=\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{x}} \hat{i}+\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{y}} \hat{j}+\frac{\partial{F}}{\partial{z}} \hat{k}=3}$

That should be $\displaystyle{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}=\frac{\partial{F_x}}{\partial{x}} +\frac{\partial{F_y}}{\partial{y}} +\frac{\partial{F_z}}{\partial{z}} =3}$. :eek:

So $\displaystyle{\iiint_D \nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F} dV=\iiint_D 3 dV=4 \pi a^3}$, which is $\displaystyle{3 \cdot \text{Volume of a sphere}}$.$\displaystyle{G=x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2}$
$\displaystyle{\hat{n}=\frac{\nabla G}{|\nabla G|}=\frac{2x \hat{i}+2y \hat{j}+2z \hat{k}}{2 \sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}}=\frac{x \hat{i}+y \hat{j}+z \hat{k}}{a}}$

$\displaystyle{\overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}=\frac{x^2+y^2+z^2}{a}=\frac{a^2}{a}=a}$

$\displaystyle{\iint_S \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} d \sigma=a \iint_S d \sigma=a(4 \pi a^2)=4 \pi a^3}$, which is $\displaystyle{a \cdot \text{Area of a sphere}}$

Good! (Smile)
But... since $D$ is a sphere, why is $S$ also a sphere and not a circle? :confused:

The volume $D$ is a solid sphere (aka ball), whereas $S$ is its boundary which is the surface of the sphere. The word "ball" is usually used to indicate the volume whereas the word "sphere" usually indicates only its surface.

Similarly we have a circle disk and its boundary which is a circle. (Nerd)
 
I like Serena said:
That should be $\displaystyle{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}=\frac{\partial{F_x}}{\partial{x}} +\frac{\partial{F_y}}{\partial{y}} +\frac{\partial{F_z}}{\partial{z}} =3}$. :eek:

A ok! I understand! :)
I like Serena said:
The volume $D$ is a solid sphere (aka ball), whereas $S$ is its boundary which is the surface of the sphere. The word "ball" is usually used to indicate the volume whereas the word "sphere" usually indicates only its surface.

Similarly we have a circle disk and its boundary which is a circle. (Nerd)

I thought that it would be a circle,because I had seen an example about the surface integral,where we take the projection of the surface at the $xy-$ plane..

So,we have to use the formula: $\displaystyle{ \iint_R g(x,y,z) d \sigma}=\iint_S g(x,y,z) \cdot \frac{|\nabla{F}|}{|\nabla{F} \cdot \hat{n}|}dA$.

The exercise I mean is this:

$$F=x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2, g=z , z \geq 0$$
$$\nabla{F}=2(x,y,z)$$
$$|\nabla{F}|=2r=2a$$
$$|\nabla{F} \cdot \hat{k}|=2z$$
$$\iint_R g d \sigma=\iint_S z \frac{2a}{2z} dA=\iint_S a dA=a \iint_S dA= \pi a^3$$So,in this case $R$ is a hemisphere and $S$ a circle.. At the proof of the divergence theorem, we also take the projection of the surface at the $xy-$ plane..

So,isn't it similar to the exercise I have asked..?? :confused:
 
evinda said:
I thought that it would be a circle,because I had seen an example about the surface integral,where we take the projection of the surface at the $xy-$ plane..

So,we have to use the formula: $\displaystyle{ \iint_R g(x,y,z) d \sigma}=\iint_S g(x,y,z) \cdot \frac{|\nabla{F}|}{|\nabla{F} \cdot \hat{n}|}dA$.

The exercise I mean is this:

$$F=x^2+y^2+z^2=a^2, g=z , z \geq 0$$
$$\nabla{F}=2(x,y,z)$$
$$|\nabla{F}|=2r=2a$$
$$|\nabla{F} \cdot \hat{k}|=2z$$
$$\iint_R g d \sigma=\iint_S z \frac{2a}{2z} dA=\iint_S a dA=a \iint_S dA= \pi a^3$$So,in this case $R$ is a hemisphere and $S$ a circle.. At the proof of the divergence theorem, we also take the projection of the surface at the $xy-$ plane..

Ahaa.. I see what you mean. (Mmm)
So,isn't it similar to the exercise I have asked..?? :confused:

Nope. I'm afraid not.

Your problem statement is about the integration of a 3-dimensional volume, which you can recognize by the triple integral $\iiint$ and also by $dV$, which represents an infinitesimal volume element.
The example you just gave is about the integration of a 2-dimensional surface in 3 dimensions, which you can recognize by the double integral $\iint$ and also by $d\sigma$ respectively $dA$ that both represent an infinitesimal surface element. (Wink)
 
I like Serena said:
Ahaa.. I see what you mean. (Mmm)

Nope. I'm afraid not.

Your problem statement is about the integration of a 3-dimensional volume, which you can recognize by the triple integral $\iiint$ and also by $dV$, which represents an infinitesimal volume element.
The example you just gave is about the integration of a 2-dimensional surface in 3 dimensions, which you can recognize by the double integral $\iint$ and also by $d\sigma$ respectively $dA$ that both represent an infinitesimal surface element. (Wink)

A ok... Thank you very much! :cool:
 

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