How do I find the upward pointing unit normals for $U$ and $D$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the upward pointing unit normals for two surfaces, $U$ and $D$, defined in a three-dimensional space. The surfaces are described as the graph of a function and a plane, respectively, with a focus on the mathematical formulation of their normals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the function $f(x,y)= \sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$ and defines the surfaces $U$ and $D$. It details the calculation of the normal $n_U$ using the gradient of a function $g(x, y, z)$.
  • Post 2 reiterates the setup and calculation for $n_U$, noting a discrepancy with a supposed answer, which is $\displaystyle n_U=\displaystyle \frac{-x \vec{i}-y \vec{j}+\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1} \vec{k}}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+2}}$.
  • Post 3 questions why the normal $n_D$ is a constant vector, leading to a realization that it is due to the nature of the plane $z=2$. It also discusses the possibility of obtaining $-n_U$ as a normal, questioning if it represents the downward pointing normal.
  • Post 4 confirms the correctness of the previous statements without introducing new claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct form of the normal $n_U$, as participants note a difference between their calculations and a supposed answer. The discussion regarding the nature of $n_D$ is acknowledged, but the overall correctness of the normals remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes potential miscalculations or misunderstandings regarding the constants in the normal vector expressions. There is also ambiguity in the interpretation of the normals' directions.

NoName3
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Let the surface $S \subset \mathbb{R}^3$ be the graph of the function $f: \mathbb{R}^2 \to \mathbb{R}$, $f(x,y)= \sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$. Let $U$ be the finite region of $S$ below the plane $z = 2$ and let $D$ be the finite region of the plane $z = 2$ for which $x^2 + y^2 \le 3$. Let $n_U (x, y, z)$ and $n_D(x, y, z)$ be the upward pointing unit normals to $U$ and $D$ respectively. How do I find $n_U$ and $n_D$? I did the following for $n_U$ but it doesn't match the answer:

Let $\displaystyle g(x, y, z) = z-\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$ then a normal to the surface is $\displaystyle \nabla g = -\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}\vec{i}-\frac{y}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}+\vec{k}$ thus a unit normal to the surface is $$ n_U=\displaystyle \frac{-x \vec{i}-y \vec{j}+\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1} \vec{k}}{\sqrt{2x^2+2y^2+1}}$$
 
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NoName said:
Let the surface $S \subset \mathbb{R}^3$ be the graph of the function $f: \mathbb{R}^2 \to \mathbb{R}$, $f(x,y)= \sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$. Let $U$ be the finite region of $S$ below the plane $z = 2$ and let $D$ be the finite region of the plane $z = 2$ for which $x^2 + y^2 \le 3$. Let $n_U (x, y, z)$ and $n_D(x, y, z)$ be the upward pointing unit normals to $U$ and $D$ respectively. How do I find $n_U$ and $n_D$? I did the following for $n_U$ but it doesn't match the answer:

Let $\displaystyle g(x, y, z) = z-\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$ then a normal to the surface is $\displaystyle \nabla g = -\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}\vec{i}-\frac{y}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}+\vec{k}$ thus a unit normal to the surface is $$ n_U=\displaystyle \frac{-x \vec{i}-y \vec{j}+\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1} \vec{k}}{\sqrt{2x^2+2y^2+1}}$$

Hi NN! ;)

Looks fine to me.
What's the answer supposed to be?
 
I like Serena said:
Hi NN! ;)

Looks fine to me.
What's the answer supposed to be?
Hi, I like Serena. ;) Thanks for the reply.

It was supposed to be $\displaystyle n_U=\displaystyle \frac{-x \vec{i}-y \vec{j}+\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1} \vec{k}}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+2}}$

They probably misplaced the $2$ then.

Why is the answer to $n_D$ a constant vector? EDIT: I see because $z =2$.

I've noticed that while calculating $n_U$ I could have easily got $-n_U$ instead.
Is it correct to say that $-n_U$ is the downward pointing normal to $S$ and $U$?
 
Last edited:
Yep. All correct. (Nod)
 

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