Flux of F over the surface of a cube

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the flux of a vector field F over the surface of a cube defined by its vertices at (±1, ±1, ±1). The vector field is given as F(x,y,z) = (x+y)i + zj + xzk, and participants are exploring the application of the flux integral and the divergence theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the divergence theorem and direct integration methods to compute the flux. There are questions about the correctness of results, particularly regarding obtaining zero from certain integrals and the necessity of splitting integrals for different sides of the cube.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning each other's methods. Some guidance has been provided regarding the integration process, and there is acknowledgment of differing approaches to the problem. One participant has indicated a resolution to their confusion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the divergence theorem and its relevance to the problem, as well as concerns about continuity and the treatment of integrals over the cube's surfaces. Participants are navigating the constraints of their current understanding and the requirements of the homework.

Moragor
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Homework Statement


Find the flux of F over the surface of the cube with vertices [tex]( \pm 1, \pm 1, \pm 1)[/tex] using the outer normal.
F(x,y,z)=(x+y)i+zj+xzk

Homework Equations


Flux of F over S is
[tex]\iint F \cdot n dS[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the normal should be 1 in the respective directions for each side of the cube, and I keep getting 0 when I try to work out the math.
 
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I used the divergence theorem, and I don't get zero. How did you get zero?
 
Well that would make sense, the divergence theorem is the next section, haha. I was just following the example in the book multiplying the normal and F and finding the integral? (for each side, since it isn't continuous)

Do you know any more elementary ways to do it?
 
If you don't have the divergence theorem, then you just have to do what you said. Dot the normal with F over each face integrate and sum them. You should get the same answer. It's not that hard and you can do it that way. But since you didn't tell us how you got zero out of it, it's hard to say what you are doing wrong.
 
I did these three integrals
[tex]\iint (1+y) dydz[/tex]
[tex]\iint z dxdz[/tex]
[tex]\iint x dxdy[/tex]

With -1 to 1 as the limits for all three. Do I need to split those up into two each for each side? I feel like I do but I'm not sure how to do that.
 
Yes, [tex]\int_{-1}^1\int_{-1}^1 z dxdz= 0[/tex] and [tex]\int_{-1}^1\int_{-1}^1 x dydx= 0[/itex], but [tex]\int_{-1}^1\int_{-1}^1(y+1) dydz[/itex] is NOT 0.[/tex][/tex]
 
Alright, that was my problem, I figured it out now.

Thanks!
 

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