Proof of Identity: $\phi(P+Q)=\int_{\partial D}\phi \nabla \phi \cdot \n \ds$

In summary, the identity \int_{\partial D}\phi \nabla \phi \cdot \n \ds = \int \int_{D} (\phi \nabla^2 \phi + \nabla \phi \cdot \nabla \phi) \dA can be easily proven by letting F be equal to \phi \nabla \phi and using the divergence theorem. No vector calculus is needed and the identity may seem confusing at first, but it is actually quite simple.
  • #1
Tony11235
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0
Prove the identity [tex]\int_{\partial D}\phi \nabla \phi \cdot \n \ds = \int \int_{D} (\phi \nabla^2 \phi + \nabla \phi \cdot \nabla \phi) \dA [/tex]
Can I just let [tex]\phi[/tex] be equal to P + Q, substitute into the left side, and try to derive the right side? This is a weird looking identity by the way.
 
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  • #2
Its actually quite easy, without any vector calculus needed.
(f*gx)x= fx*gx + f*gxx

if you sum these up for y and z derivatives, you will get

Div[f*del(g)] = del(f) dot del(g) + f*del^2(g)

integrate both sides and use divergence theorem.

I apologize for having to write div for divergence, dot for dot product and del for the del operator, but i don't know how to do those fancy fonts.
 
  • #3
So basically let F be equal to [tex] \phi \nabla \phi [/tex], then [tex] \nabla \cdot F [/tex] is equal to [tex](\phi \nabla^2 \phi + \nabla \phi \cdot \nabla \phi) [/tex]. What do you know it's the divergence theorem!
 

1. What is "Proof of Identity" in mathematics?

"Proof of Identity" is a mathematical concept that refers to the process of showing that two mathematical expressions are equal to each other. It involves using logical reasoning and mathematical operations to demonstrate that both expressions are equivalent and interchangeable.

2. What does the notation $\phi(P+Q)$ mean in the given identity?

The notation $\phi(P+Q)$ represents the value of the function $\phi$ evaluated at the point $P+Q$, where $P$ and $Q$ are points in a mathematical space. Essentially, it means to substitute the values of $P$ and $Q$ into the function $\phi$ and calculate the resulting value.

3. What is the significance of the integral $\int_{\partial D}\phi \nabla \phi \cdot \n \ds$ in this identity?

The integral $\int_{\partial D}\phi \nabla \phi \cdot \n \ds$, also known as the surface integral, represents the sum of the dot products between the gradient of the function $\phi$ and the outward unit normal vector $\n$ over the boundary $\partial D$ of a given region $D$. It is an important mathematical tool for calculating flux and is commonly used in physics and engineering.

4. How does this identity relate to the concept of vector fields?

This identity is closely related to the concept of vector fields, which are mathematical functions that assign a vector to each point in a given space. In this identity, the function $\phi$ represents a scalar field, while the gradient of $\phi$ represents a vector field. The dot product between these two fields over the boundary of a region $D$ is a fundamental operation in vector calculus.

5. What practical applications does this identity have in real life?

This identity has various practical applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. For example, it can be used to calculate the electric potential of a charged object, to analyze fluid flow in a given region, or to create realistic lighting effects in computer graphics. It also has applications in optimization problems and can be used to find the minimum or maximum value of a given function.

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