Gauss Divergence Theorem - Silly doubt - Almost solved

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Gauss' Divergence Theorem in a problem involving vector fields and their components. The original poster seeks clarification on whether the x and y components of a vector can be separated into distinct equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the divergence theorem and questions the validity of separating the vector components into separate equations. Some participants provide insights into the partitioning of boundaries to support this separation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the validity of separating vector components within the context of the divergence theorem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the approach to partitioning the boundary, but no consensus has been reached on the original poster's question.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has referenced specific equations and components in their attempt, indicating a structured approach to the problem. However, the discussion highlights the complexity of proving the separation of components within the theorem's framework.

come2ershad
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The problem statement has been attached with this post.

Homework Equations



I considered u = ux i + uy j and unit normal n = nx i + ny j.


The Attempt at a Solution



I used gauss' divergence theorem. Then it came as integral [(dux/dx) d(omega)] + integral [(duy/dy) d(omega)] = integral [(ux nx d(gamma)] + integral [(uy ny d(gamma)]

My question is can I separate the x and y components and write as separate equations as given in the problem? Is that right?
 

Attachments

  • db.jpg
    db.jpg
    23.2 KB · Views: 494
Physics news on Phys.org
anybody?
 
You can, although it is not trivial to prove it. Break up the boundary so that the components of the vector can be written as functions of x on each piece and use x itself as parameter. That will give the first equation.

Then break up the boundary so the components of the vector can be written as functions of y on each piece and use y itself as parameter. That will give the second equation.

That partitioning is used in the proof of the theorem. You might want to look at the proof in any Calculus text.
 
Thanks for the reply.
 

Similar threads

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