Does the divergence theorem work for a specific vector field?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The divergence theorem is validated for the vector field E = &hat;r 10e^{-r} - &hat;z 3z, where the volume integral and surface integral yield results of -82.77 and 2341.7, respectively. The calculations involve the divergence of E, computed as ∇·E = (1/r)(10e^{-r} - 10re^{-r}) + 3. The surface integral is evaluated over a cylinder bounded by z=0, z=4, and r=2, with the integration performed separately for the cylindrical surface and the two disk ends.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically the divergence theorem.
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates and their application in integration.
  • Proficiency in calculating surface and volume integrals.
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the divergence theorem in different coordinate systems.
  • Learn about the properties of vector fields and their divergence.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques for surface and volume integrals.
  • Investigate common mistakes in applying the divergence theorem and how to avoid them.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector fields and need to apply the divergence theorem in practical scenarios.

Tom McCurdy
Messages
1,017
Reaction score
1

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K