How Do You Solve a Complex Divergence Problem Using Spherical Coordinates?

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    Calc 3 Divergence
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a complex divergence problem using spherical coordinates. The original poster presents a vector function and attempts to apply the limit definition of divergence, while also expressing concerns about the clarity of their parameterization and the setup of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize a vector function and set up an integral to calculate divergence. They question whether their approach is correct and seek feedback on their parameterization and the use of the Jacobian.
  • Some participants question how to perform the dot product given the different coordinate systems for the vector function and the differential area element.
  • Others express frustration with the teaching methods and the clarity of the problem, noting that many in the class are struggling with the material.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the potential to express the differential area element in Cartesian coordinates, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention issues with the professor's teaching style and the complexity of the assigned problems, which may not align with the material covered in lectures. There is a sense of shared difficulty among the class regarding the problem at hand.

[Quadratic]
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Homework Statement


Apologies for the attachment.

XuIvD8u.png

Homework Equations


Limit definition of the divergence as seen in attachment
Volume of a sphere: \frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}

The Attempt at a Solution


The first thing I did was parameterize the vector function F(x,y,z) = <xy,x,y+z>
My parameterization is as follows:

<br /> x = a+rcos\vartheta sin\varphi \\<br /> y = b+rsin\vartheta sin\varphi \\<br /> z = c+rcos\varphi \\<br /> dS = S_{\varphi} X S_{\vartheta} d\varphi d\vartheta<br />

Setting up the limit and integral:
<br /> lim_{r\rightarrow0}\frac{1}{\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3} \int^{2\pi}_{\vartheta=0} \int^{\pi}_{\varphi=0} &lt;(a + rcos\vartheta sin\varphi)(b + rsin\vartheta sin\varphi),a + rcos\vartheta sin\varphi,rsin\vartheta sin\varphi + c + rcos\varphi&gt; \bullet S_{\varphi} X S_{\vartheta} d\varphi d\vartheta \\<br />

I apologize for the large attachment and my messy latex. Any suggestions to clean it up are welcome. Am I on the right track so far, before I continue? I tried using the Jacobian thinking it would clean up the integrand but I didn't really get anywhere, and my professor told me we are not doing a change of variables here. Thanks in advance.
 
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You somehow have to perform the dot product. You have F in Cartesian but not dS. I assume you're allowed to put dS in Cartesian? If not, I don't know how you're expected to continue.
 
haruspex said:
You somehow have to perform the dot product. You have F in Cartesian but not dS. I assume you're allowed to put dS in Cartesian? If not, I don't know how you're expected to continue.

I really don't know. My teacher is rather "disorganized" to put it lightly and frequently makes mistakes on our exams. For example our last exam had 12 problems, and 5 of them had pretty critical errors and were not corrected until around an hour into the exam. He also assigns us problems that require methods he skips over in his lectures. Look at me, now I'm just complaining :)

Almost everyone in the class is having trouble with this, and our professor assured us he worked this one out and it is solvable.
 
[Quadratic];4574654 said:
I really don't know. My teacher is rather "disorganized" to put it lightly and frequently makes mistakes on our exams. For example our last exam had 12 problems, and 5 of them had pretty critical errors and were not corrected until around an hour into the exam. He also assigns us problems that require methods he skips over in his lectures. Look at me, now I'm just complaining :)

Almost everyone in the class is having trouble with this, and our professor assured us he worked this one out and it is solvable.

OK, so assume you're allowed to put dS in Cartesian. Have you tried that?
 

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