General question about surface integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around surface integrals, specifically evaluating the integral \(\int(v \cdot dS)\) where \(v = (3y, 2x^{2}, z^{3})\) and \(S\) is the surface of a cylinder defined by \(x^{2} + y^{2} = 1\) for \(0 < z < 1\). Participants are exploring the concepts of surface integrals and cylindrical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the calculation of \(dS\) and whether it involves the unit vector of the gradient of a surface. There is uncertainty about the use of \(dx\) and \(dy\) in this context. Additionally, there is confusion regarding the application of cylindrical coordinates in surface integrals, particularly the inclusion of \(dr\) in the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with participants clarifying their understanding of the surface integral and the appropriate coordinate system. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of \(dS\) and the use of cylindrical coordinates, but there is still a lack of consensus on the correct approach and definitions.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted typo in the problem statement regarding the surface of the cylinder, which has been corrected. Participants are also grappling with the implications of using cylindrical coordinates and the assumptions that come with them.

kevinf
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hi in my engineering mathematics class, we are going over surface integrals again. i have some general question about this subject. sorry for not using the template.

say that i have a problem that goes like this.

"evaluate [tex]\int(v*dS)[/tex] (where the * means dot) where v= (3y,2x[tex]^{2}[/tex],z[tex]^{3}[/tex]) and S is the surface of the cylinder x[tex]^{2}[/tex] + y[tex]^{2}[/tex]=1, 0<z<1. "

to find dS, is it always the unit vector of z=6-2x-2y (gradient of z divide by magnitude of z) multiply by dx and dy? i am not sure if i am right on the dx and dy though.

also some of the problems' solutions use cylindrical coordinates, which i understand, but some of them only use r d[tex]\varphi[/tex] dz. if i remember correclty from my calculus classes, i thought the cylindrical coordinates also included dr?
 
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hi kevinf! :smile:
kevinf said:
also some of the problems' solutions use cylindrical coordinates, which i understand, but some of them only use r d[tex]\varphi[/tex] dz. if i remember correclty from my calculus classes, i thought the cylindrical coordinates also included dr?

Yes, but the integral is a surface integral, so there's only two ds …

r is constant over the surface. :wink:
"evaluate [tex]\int(v*dS)[/tex] (where the * means dot) where v= (3y,2x[tex]^{2}[/tex],z[tex]^{3}[/tex]) and S is the surface of the cylinder x[tex]^{2}[/tex] + y[tex]^{3}[/tex], 0<z<1. "

sorry, i don't understand what the cylinder is :confused:
 
sorry it was a typo. i corrected it in the original post.
 
ahh! :biggrin:

in that case, i don't understand …
kevinf said:
to find dS, is it always the unit vector of z=6-2x-2y (gradient of z divide by magnitude of z) multiply by dx and dy? i am not sure if i am right on the dx and dy though.

… dS is in the normal direction, which will always be horizontal (no z) :smile:

(and wouldn't it be easier to use cylindrical coordinates?
 

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