Find Flux Across Portion of Sphere in 3 Ways

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the flux of the vector field \(\mathbf{F} = x\mathbf{i} + y\mathbf{j} + z\mathbf{k}\) across a portion of the sphere defined by \(x^{2} + y^{2} + z^{2} = 4\) in the first octant. Three methods are explored: using the flux formula for a level surface, a parametric surface, and Stoke's theorem. The divergence theorem is ultimately deemed more applicable than Stoke's theorem for this scenario, leading to a calculated flux of \(32\pi\) for the divergence method, while the level surface method yields \( \frac{40\pi}{3} \). The inconsistency in results highlights the importance of correctly applying theorems based on the problem's constraints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically flux and divergence.
  • Familiarity with the Divergence Theorem and Stoke's Theorem.
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinates and their application in integration.
  • Ability to compute gradients and normal vectors on surfaces.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Divergence Theorem in various geometric contexts.
  • Learn about the conditions under which Stoke's Theorem is applicable.
  • Explore the calculation of flux using parametric surfaces in vector fields.
  • Review examples of flux calculations across different surfaces to solidify understanding.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector fields and surface integrals, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of flux calculations and theorems in vector calculus.

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Homework Statement


Find the flux of field \mathbf{F}=x\mathbf{i}+y\mathbf{j}+z\mathbf{k} across the portion of the sphere x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}=4 in the first octant in the direction away from the origin in three ways:

a. using formula for flux when sphere is a level surface
b. using formula for flux when sphere is a parametric surface
c. using Stoke's theorem

Homework Equations


S=\iint \limits_{R}\frac{|\nabla f|}{|\nabla f\cdot\hat{p}|}dA

Flux=\iint \limits_{S} \mathbf{F}\cdot\mathbf{n} d\sigma=\iiint \limits_{V}\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F}dV

Stoke's theorem (I thought Stoke's theorem involved circulation and curl)?
\oint \limits_{C} \mathbf{F}\cdot d\mathbf{r}=\iint \limits_{S}\nabla\times\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathbf{n}d\sigma

Divergence theorem (we haven't learned this yet but I think it will apply better than stoke's theorem for part c)
\iint \limits_{S}\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathbf{n}d\sigma=\iiint \limits_{D} \nabla\cdot\mathbf{F}dV

The Attempt at a Solution


for part a:
Flux=\iint \limits_{S} \mathbf{F}\cdot\mathbf{n} d\sigma=\iiint \limits_{V}\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F}dV
the gradient vector is always perpendicular to a surface f(x,y,z)=c, so \mathbf{n}=\frac{\nabla f}{|\nabla f|}
this should lead to \iint \limits_{S} \frac{(\mathbf{F}\cdot\nabla f)|\nabla f|}{|\nabla f||\nabla f\cdot\hat{p}|}dA
after some simplifying and conversion to polar coordinates...
\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2} r^{3}+r\sqrt{4-r^{2}}dr d\theta=...=\frac{40\pi}{3}

I temporarily skipped part b cause of the work involved for finding d\sigma=|\frac{\partial{\mathbf{r}}}{\partial{\phi}}\times\frac{\partial{\mathbf{r}}}{\partial{\theta}}|d\phi d\theta

for part c:
using divergence theorem to find flux-
\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F}=\frac{\partial{M}}{\partial{x}}+\frac{\partial{N}}{\partial{y}}+\frac{\partial{P}}{\partial{z}}=3
\iint \limits_{S}\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathbf{n}d\sigma=\iiint \limits_{D} \nabla\cdot\mathbf{F}dV
=\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{\pi}\int_{0}^{2}3\rho^{2}\sin\phi}d\rho d\phi d\theta=...=32\pi

and here's where I have the problem. The same flux from two different methods should not be different. Where in my work did I go wrong?
 
Last edited:
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You are given just a portion of a sphere which is in the first octant. There is no volume enclosed by it so the divergence theorem is irrelevant. The sphere is cut off by the 3 coordinate planes.
 
I overlooked the part about being in first octant, but how would I apply Stoke's theorem to find flux of the field across a surface? I thought Stoke's theorem was flux of the curl of the field?

Reworking part a:
\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}d\theta\int_{0}^{2}\frac{4r}{\sqrt{4-r^{2}}}dr=4\pi
 
Last edited:
I agree Stokes' theorem doesn't seem appropriate since your \vec F is not the curl of a field. Your answer or 4\pi is correct.
 
Thanks for the verification. Is there another theorem I can use to finish the problem? Or should I just solve for circulation and give 0 as an answer?
 

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