Divergence Theorem: Check Function w/y^2, 2x+z^2, 2y

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The discussion focuses on verifying the divergence theorem using the vector function v = y^2 x̂ + (2xy + z^2) ŷ + (2yz) ẑ. Participants clarify that the divergence calculation should only involve scalar derivatives, leading to the correct expression of ∇·v as ∂/∂x(y^2) + ∂/∂y(2xy + z^2) + ∂/∂z(2yz). After correcting the misunderstanding about treating constants during differentiation, the integral over the volume is computed, yielding a result of 2. To confirm the divergence theorem, the surface integral over a closed surface, specifically a unit cube, must also be evaluated, which involves calculating six integrals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper differentiation and integration techniques in applying the divergence theorem correctly.
vorcil
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Homework Statement


Check the divergence theorem using the function:

\mathbf{v} = y^2\mathbf{\hat{x}} + (2xy + z^2) \mathbf{\hat{y}} + (2yz)\mathbf{\hat{z}}

Homework Equations



\int_\script{v} (\mathbf{\nabla . v }) d\tau = \oint_\script{S} \mathbf{v} . d\mathbf{a}

The Attempt at a Solution



taking the dot product it becomes

\frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 \mathbf{\hat{x}} + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} ( 2xy + z^2) \mathbf{\hat{y}} + \frac{\partial}{\partial z} (2yz)\mathbf{\hat{z}}

so by only differentiating the certain parts:

i get y^2 + 2x + z^2 + 2y,
however the dot product of del and my vector v, should've been 2(x+y)
how come I've got y^2 and z^2?

does \frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 not equal y^2?
 
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Your divergence should not actually include any vectors. It's just a number. So you should have
<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} ( 2xy + z^2) + \frac{\partial}{\partial z} (2yz)<br />

Once you take the dot product

Then it looks like you differentiated your unit vectors as though they were variables

\frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 is 0, not y2
 
vorcil said:

Homework Statement


Check the divergence theorem using the function:

\mathbf{v} = y^2\mathbf{\hat{x}} + (2xy + z^2) \mathbf{\hat{y}} + (2yz)\mathbf{\hat{z}}


Homework Equations



\int_\script{v} (\mathbf{\nabla . v }) d\tau = \oint_\script{S} \mathbf{v} . d\mathbf{a}

The Attempt at a Solution



taking the dot product it becomes

\frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 \mathbf{\hat{x}} + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} ( 2xy + z^2) \mathbf{\hat{y}} + \frac{\partial}{\partial z} (2yz)\mathbf{\hat{z}}
this isn't correct, you applied a dot product, it should be
\frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} ( 2xy + z^2) + \frac{\partial}{\partial z} (2yz)

so by only differentiating the certain parts:

i get y^2 + 2x + z^2 + 2y,
however the dot product of del and my vector v, should've been 2(x+y)
how come I've got y^2 and z^2?

does \frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 not equal y^2?

to see where you went wrong, what is
\frac{\partial}{\partial y} z^2
 
lanedance said:
to see where you went wrong, what is
\frac{\partial}{\partial y} z^2

Is it 0? is that because z^2 is a constant since it's being differentiated with respect to y?
and d/dx of a constant is 0?

-

now knowing that \frac{\partial}{\partial y} z^2 = 0
I think I can solve the rest,
<br /> \int_\script{v} (\mathbf{\nabla . v }) d\tau = \oint_\script{S} \mathbf{v} . d\mathbf{a} <br />
<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial x} y^2 + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} ( 2xy + z^2) + \frac{\partial}{\partial z} (2yz)<br />
so
\oint_{\script{V}} 2(x+y) d\tau

taking the constant out and making tau dxdydz = 2 \int_0^1 \int_0^1 \int_0^1 (x+y) dxdydz

separating the three integrals out, (i think I can do that?)

dx part: \int_0^1 (x+y)dx = \left[ \frac{x^2}{2}+y \right]_0^1 = (\frac{1}{2} + y)

dy part, using the result of the dx part:
\int_0^1 (\frac{1}{2} + y) dy = \left[ \frac{1}{2} + \frac{y^2}{2} \right]_0^1 = (\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2})

dz part using the result of the dy part:
\int_0^1 (1)dz = \left[ 1*z\right]_0^1 = 1

bringing in the constant 2, of what I brought outside the integral,

\int_{\script{V}} \mathbf{\nabla . v} d\tau = 2

so that means the integral of a derivative over the vector is equal to 2,
and to confirm the divergence theorem,

<br /> \int_\script{v} (\mathbf{\nabla . v }) d\tau = \oint_\script{S} \mathbf{v} . d\mathbf{a} <br />

I also need to integrate over a closed surface for the cube?

that means i need to solve for 6 integrals,
 
vorcil said:
Is it 0? is that because z^2 is a constant since it's being differentiated with respect to y?
and d/dx of a constant is 0?

yes that is the definition of a partial derivative, the other variables are held constant
 
It does indeed require you to compute 6 double integrals over the surface of the unit cube.
 
vorcil said:
separating the three integrals out, (i think I can do that?)

dx part: \int_0^1 (x+y)dx = \left[ \frac{x^2}{2}+y \right]_0^1 = (\frac{1}{2} + y)

not sure why you would separate it, anyway though you get the right answer (luck), the integral isn't correct. y is treated as a constant, what is teh integral of a constant?
 
lanedance said:
not sure why you would separate it, anyway though you get the right answer (luck), the integral isn't correct. y is treated as a constant, what is teh integral of a constant?


oh right, I should've separated and differentiated each bit individually,
so \int x dx, |_0^1
then added \int y dy |_0^1 to it
and then multiplied by int dz,
 
no i meant
\int_0^1 dx y = yx|_0^1 = y(1-0) = y
 
  • #10
just treat it as
2 \int_0^1 \left(\int_0^1 \left(\int_0^1 (x+y) dx\right)dy\right)dz
 

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