Find Flux Across Portion of Sphere in 3 Ways

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding 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. The original poster attempts to solve this using three different methods: a level surface formula, a parametric surface formula, and Stoke's theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the divergence theorem and question its relevance due to the lack of an enclosed volume in the first octant.
  • There is confusion regarding the application of Stoke's theorem, with participants questioning its suitability for finding flux across a surface.
  • Some participants suggest reworking calculations and reconsidering the assumptions made about the methods being employed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and the appropriateness of various theorems. Some guidance has been offered regarding the limitations of Stoke's theorem in this context, and there is an acknowledgment of the need to verify calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is constrained to the first octant, which affects the applicability of certain theorems, particularly the divergence theorem. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the nature of the vector field in relation to Stoke's theorem.

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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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