Gauss's theorem to find flux of field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Gauss's theorem to find the flux of a vector field defined by F(x,y,z) = x^3zi + y^3zj + xyk across the surface of a sphere defined by x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 9. Participants are exploring the integration process and the implications of their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of their integrals and substitutions, particularly regarding the integration with respect to φ and the conversion to polar coordinates. There are questions about the initial setup and assumptions regarding the integrals leading to different results.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided feedback on each other's attempts, with some suggesting corrections to the integral calculations. There is an acknowledgment of errors in the integration process, and participants are actively engaging in clarifying their reasoning without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the use of different coordinate systems, and some participants express uncertainty about the integration results. The original poster references a solution from an exercise book that differs from their calculations, adding to the complexity of the discussion.

schmiggy
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Homework Statement


F(x,y,z) = x^3zi + y^3zj + xyk
across the surface x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 9

Homework Equations


See attached image

The Attempt at a Solution


See attached image.

I'm fairly certain there's either something wrong with my initial integral, also I don't think I integrated correctly with respect to phi.. but I'm not really sure how to fix it.

According to my exercise book solutions, the answer is 0, however if I were to continue with my working out I would get 729pi.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

On an unrelated note, this forum has been a great help to me in the past, and all free of charge.. is there somewhere I can make a donation? or a paid service I can sign up for? Thanks
 

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You did the last integral wrong.

Use the substitution u = sin φ

In terms of u the integral becomes

$$ \int_0^\pi \sin^3\phi \cos \phi \ d\phi = \int_0^0 u^3 du = 0 $$
schmiggy said:
On an unrelated note, this forum has been a great help to me in the past, and all free of charge.. is there somewhere I can make a donation? or a paid service I can sign up for? Thanks

Yes you can pay and become a Gold member. No ads, recognition graphic, set invisible, custom title, signature, avatars, profile photo, 200pm limit, who's online, user notes, boolean searching...

There is an "Upgrade" button at the top.
 
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hi schmiggy! :smile:

your 3x2z + 3y2z was right,

but then you only converted the 3x2z into polar coordinates! :rolleyes:

(btw, that's 3r2z, which is odd in z, so isn't it obvious that its integral over that sphere will be zero? :wink:)
schmiggy said:
On an unrelated note, this forum has been a great help to me in the past, and all free of charge.. is there somewhere I can make a donation? or a paid service I can sign up for? Thanks

there used to be an upgrade button, but now you have to click "My PF", then go down to "Paid subscriptions" near the bottom :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi schmiggy! :smile:

your 3x2z + 3y2z was right,

but then you only converted the 3x2z into polar coordinates! :rolleyes:

No tiny-tim, I think he did it correctly.

3x2z + 3y2z = 3rcosφ(x2 + y2) = 3rcosφ(r2 - z2) = 3rcosφ(r2 - r2cos2φ) = 3r3cosφsin2φ

which is what schmiggy got
 
oops! :redface: i was thinking of cylindrical coordinates! :confused:

thanks, dx :smile:

(but my comment on "odd in z" still stands :wink:)
 
Firstly, thanks to both of you for the help!

I got the integral to result in
$$ \int_0^\pi \sin^4\phi/4 = 0 $$
(sorry, not sure how to use that code to format the integral properly, basically it's sin^4(phi) multiplied by (1/4))

I embarrassingly sat for about 2 minutes afterwards going.. "but when I integrate with respect to theta, I'll end up with 2pi..." before realising I was integrating 0. /facepalm

Anyway, thanks again!
 
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Hi schmiggy,

I think there's something wrong either with the latex or quoting. I was talking about the integral over phi at the end

∫ sin3φ cosφ dφ (from 0 to π)

which can be performed with the substitution u = sin φ to give

(1/4)sin4π - (1/4)sin40 = 0
 
I accidentally edited your quote when I was playing around with the latex seeing how it works, my bad! I also accidentally left the d(phi) at the end. I've edited my previous post and that should be correct.. I hope.. or else I'll have a serious case of egg on my face
 

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