Divergence Theorem: Multiplied by Scalar Field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the divergence theorem in the context of multiplying a scalar field by a vector field. Participants are exploring how to correctly handle integrals involving these fields and their implications for the divergence theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion about whether a scalar field can be factored out of integrals in the context of the divergence theorem. There are attempts to evaluate the right-hand side of the equation, leading to contradictory results. Some participants suggest using the product rule for divergence to clarify the relationship between the scalar and vector fields.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their evaluations and interpretations. Guidance has been offered regarding the application of the divergence theorem and the product rule, but there is still uncertainty about the implications of these approaches and whether they sufficiently address the original question.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of their evaluations and the relationship between the left-hand side and right-hand side of the equation. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings regarding the application of the divergence theorem and the handling of scalar fields within integrals.

YayMathYay
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Homework Statement



whupg.png

Homework Equations



Definitely related to the divergence theorem (we're working on it):

wEw1l.png

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm a bit confused about multiplying a scalar field f into those integrals on the RHS, and I'm not sure if they can be taken out or not. If they can be, I evaluated the RHS out to be 0 (zero), which doesn't make sense with my evaluation of the LHS, which is just grad f dotted into F.

On the other hand, if it CAN'T be taken out of the integral, I'm at a loss as of how this relates to the divergence theorem..
I'm not sure what I'm missing here :( Help would be very much appreciated!
 
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YayMathYay said:

Homework Statement



whupg.png




Homework Equations



Definitely related to the divergence theorem (we're working on it):

wEw1l.png



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm a bit confused about multiplying a scalar field f into those integrals on the RHS, and I'm not sure if they can be taken out or not. If they can be, I evaluated the RHS out to be 0 (zero), which doesn't make sense with my evaluation of the LHS, which is just grad f dotted into F.

On the other hand, if it CAN'T be taken out of the integral, I'm at a loss as of how this relates to the divergence theorem..
I'm not sure what I'm missing here :( Help would be very much appreciated!

Start by using the divergence theorem on the first term on the right$$
\iint_{\partial R}(f\vec F)\cdot \hat n\, dA = \iiint_R\nabla \cdot (f\vec F)\, dV$$Work out that ##\nabla \cdot (f\vec F)## in the integrand and go from there.
 
First show,
\nabla \cdot (fF)=\nabla f \cdot F+f \nabla \cdot F
If you write it out in components it's just the product rule.
 
This is the product rule
\nabla \cdot (\psi\mathbf{A}) = \mathbf{A} \cdot\nabla\psi + \psi\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A}
wrapped up with the divergence theorem.
 
LCKurtz said:
Start by using the divergence theorem on the first term on the right$$
\iint_{\partial R}(f\vec F)\cdot \hat n\, dA = \iiint_R\nabla \cdot (f\vec F)\, dV$$Work out that ##\nabla \cdot (f\vec F)## in the integrand and go from there.

For the integrand, I'm getting:
\partial (f A) / \partial x + \partial (f B) / \partial y + \partial (f C) / \partial z, where \vec F = (A, B, C)

Am I on the right track?
 
Dick said:
First show,
\nabla \cdot (fF)=\nabla f \cdot F+f \nabla \cdot F
If you write it out in components it's just the product rule.

Double Post, but:

Ahh so if I use the Divergence Thm as LCKurtz suggested on the first term on the RHS, I get the product rule in the form:

\nabla f \cdot F = \nabla \cdot (fF) - f \nabla \cdot F

Except with the terms as integrands. I'm not sure if this is sufficient to prove the validity of the equation though? I'm sorry guys, I feel like you guys are putting the answer right in my face but I'm just not getting it :(
 
YayMathYay said:
For the integrand, I'm getting:
\partial (f A) / \partial x + \partial (f B) / \partial y + \partial (f C) / \partial z, where \vec F = (A, B, C)

Am I on the right track?

Assuming ##\vec F = \langle A,B,C\rangle##, Yes. Keep going...
 

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