Does the divergence theorem work for a specific vector field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the divergence theorem to a specific vector field, E = \hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z. Participants are tasked with demonstrating the validity of the theorem through volume and surface integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the divergence of the vector field and the setup of the volume and surface integrals. Questions arise regarding the choice of surface geometry and the completeness of the problem statement, particularly concerning the definitions of the surfaces and volumes involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the volume integral and surface integral, while others are questioning the appropriateness of the surface chosen for integration and the need for clarity on the boundaries involved. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the surface integral, with suggestions to separate different components of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the region of integration is bounded by a cylinder defined by z=0, z=4, and r=2, which is crucial for understanding the setup of the problem.

Tom McCurdy
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Homework Statement


Show divergence theorem works
For the vector field E = \hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z

Homework Equations



\int_{v}\nabla \cdot E dv = \oint_{s} E \cdot ds


The Attempt at a Solution



\nabla \cdot E = 1/r \frac{d}{dr}(rAr)+1/r\frac{dA\phi}{d\phi}+\frac{dAz}{dz}
Ar=10e^(-r)
Aphi=0
Az=-3z

\nabla \cdot E = \frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3

\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2} (r)(\frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3) dr dz d\phi = -82.77

\oint_{s} E \cdot ds= \int_{0}^{2} \int_{0}^{4} (\hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z)\cdot(16 \pi \hat{r}+4\pi\hat{z}) = 2341.7

wow that took awhile to type
 
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The surface form you chose to integrate over wasn't my first choice to use. The volume integral looks correct (barring calculator errors), but could you explain your thought process for the surface geometry?
 
Tom McCurdy said:

Homework Statement


Show divergence theorem works
For the vector field E = \hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z
You haven't given the full problem. What are s and v? What is the surface to be integrated over and its boundary?

Homework Equations



\int_{v}\nabla \cdot E dv = \oint_{s} E \cdot ds


The Attempt at a Solution



\nabla \cdot E = 1/r \frac{d}{dr}(rAr)+1/r\frac{dA\phi}{d\phi}+\frac{dAz}{dz}
Ar=10e^(-r)
Aphi=0
Az=-3z

\nabla \cdot E = \frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3

\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2} (r)(\frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3) dr dz d\phi = -82.77

\oint_{s} E \cdot ds= \int_{0}^{2} \int_{0}^{4} (\hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z)\cdot(16 \pi \hat{r}+4\pi\hat{z}) = 2341.7

wow that took awhile to type
 
oh shoot i forgot to say it is bounded by the cylinder z=0 z=4 r=2

my thought process from the surface integral was
i found ds in r direction or the surface area normal to r 16 pi
and surface area normal to z and doted it with E
 
The surface integral has two parts. There's the cylinder surface and then the two disks at each end. Looking at the 'normal' part of your integral, I think you know this, but you can't combine them both into a single integral. Split them up. It also looks like you are including some sort of area factor into the normal and then also integrating.
 

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