Easy divergence theorem problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the flux integral using the Divergence Theorem for the vector field F(x,y,z) = 2xi + 3yj + 4zk over the surface S defined by the sphere x² + y² + z² = 9. The correct answer to the flux integral is established as 324π. Participants discuss the necessity of using spherical coordinates for integration, highlighting the differential volume element in spherical coordinates as ρ² sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ, with integration limits set for ρ from 0 to 3, θ from 0 to 2π, and φ from 0 to π.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Divergence Theorem
  • Familiarity with vector fields and flux integrals
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinates and their application in integration
  • Ability to compute partial derivatives of vector functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Divergence Theorem and its applications in vector calculus
  • Learn how to compute flux integrals over various surfaces
  • Practice using spherical coordinates for volume and surface integrals
  • Review examples of integrating vector fields in three-dimensional space
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those studying vector calculus and the Divergence Theorem, as well as anyone looking to enhance their skills in evaluating flux integrals and using spherical coordinates.

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Evaluate the flux integral using the Divergence Theorem if F(x,y,z)=2xi+3yj+4zk
and S is the sphere x^2+y^2+z^2=9
answer is 324pi

so far i took the partial derivitavs of i j k for x y z and added them to get 9.

so i have the triple integral of 9 dzdxdy

i think u have to use polar cordinates, but I am reeally bad at those. and do not know how to set the bounds for this problem. can someone help me get started with that? thanks.
 
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see what i could do...is since i know volume of a sphere is 4/3r^3pi, i can just say that the radius is 3, and get 36pi x 9. to get 324pi. but I am sure my teacher would expect me to do some actual integration.
 
If I were your teacher, I wouldn't! Intelligence trumps blindly applying formulas any day.

If you really do want to integrate, use spherical coordinates. You book probably gives an example of using spherical coordinates to find the volume of a sphere. The "differential of volume" in spherical coordinates is \rho^2 sin(\phi) d\rho d\theta\dphi and the limits of integration are \rho from 0 to 3, \theta from 0 to 2\pi and \phi from 0 to \phi.
 

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