How Do You Calculate the Flux of a Vector Field Through a Hemisphere?

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To calculate the flux of the vector field F through the upper hemisphere defined by x^2+y^2+z^2=1, the vector potential A is given as <x,y,x^2+y^2>. The discussion emphasizes using Stokes' theorem and the divergence theorem, noting that since F is derived from A, the divergence of F is zero. Consequently, the total flux through a closed surface would also be zero, implying that the flux through the upper hemisphere must be evaluated separately. Ultimately, the conclusion reached is that the flux through the upper hemisphere is zero, as confirmed by multiple calculations and discussions.
  • #31
Try calculating the flux through the bottom of the hemisphere. It should be obvious to you and your friends when you calculate ##\vec{F}\cdot{\hat{n}}## that the flux through that surface is 0. Since that surface is bounded by the same contour, Stokes' theorem tells you it's equal to ##\iint \vec{A}\cdot d\vec{r}## as well.

Alternatively, by the divergence theorem, you know that the sum of the flux through the bottom and the flux through the top is equal to the volume integral of the divergence, which you found was 0. Therefore, the flux through the top must also vanish.
 

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