How to find the limits of a volume integral?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a surface integral using the divergence theorem, specifically for the vector field ##\vec { F } = x \hat { i } + y \hat { j } + z \hat { k }## over the surface of a sphere defined by the equation ##x ^ { 2 } + y ^ { 2 } + z ^ { 2 } = 4##. Participants are exploring how to determine the limits of integration for the corresponding volume integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the divergence theorem and the interpretation of the volume integral as the volume enclosed by the surface. Questions arise regarding how to derive integration limits when the geometric figure is not explicitly known.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on interpreting the volume integral, suggesting that it represents the volume of the sphere. Others are exploring the challenge of determining limits of integration without a clear geometric representation, indicating a lack of explicit consensus on a general method for deriving limits.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem's context is specific to a sphere, which simplifies the integration limits. There is an acknowledgment that different problems may require unique approaches to establish limits, and some express uncertainty about the generality of the methods discussed.

Hawkingo
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Homework Statement


If ##\vec { F } = x \hat { i } + y \hat { j } + z \hat { k }## then find the value of ##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s## where S is the sphere ##x ^ { 2 } + y ^ { 2 } + z ^ { 2 } = 4##.

The Attempt at a Solution


From gauss divergence theorem we know
##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s = \int \int \int _ { V } \vec { \nabla } \cdot \vec { F } d v##
So ##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s = \int \int \int _ { V } [ \frac { \partial } { \partial x } ( x ) + \frac { \partial } { \partial y } ( y ) + \frac { \partial } { \partial z } ( z ) ] d x d y d z##
=##3 \int \int \int _ { V } d x d y d z##

Here if I'll calculate the answer using gauss divergence theorem, then I have to find the volume integral of the function, but how will I take the limits of the integration. Can someone help please?
Thank you.
 
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The volume integral you have left is just the integral of the volume element. This gives the volume enclosed by the surface, ie, the volume of a sphere in this case.
 
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Orodruin said:
The volume integral you have left is just the integral of the volume element. This gives the volume enclosed by the surface, ie, the volume of a sphere in this case.
Thanks, I was confused because the book solved in a very long and difficult manner and the limits used were seemed to be inappropriate, but by your way I arrived at the answer in just one step. Thanks a lot
 
Orodruin said:
The volume integral you have left is just the integral of the volume element. This gives the volume enclosed by the surface, ie, the volume of a sphere in this case.
It was solved because the equation was of a sphere, but if it was something unknown can you suggest me a way how to derive the limits from the equation without knowing the figure?
 
Hawkingo said:
It was solved because the equation was of a sphere, but if it was something unknown can you suggest me a way how to derive the limits from the equation without knowing the figure?
Using the figure is the way to determine the limits because the coordinates are intimately related to the geometry.
 
Hawkingo said:
It was solved because the equation was of a sphere, but if it was something unknown can you suggest me a way how to derive the limits from the equation without knowing the figure?
Presumably you've already covered this in your class. There is no cookbook way of coming up with the limits. Each problem is different.

You should be able to do this problem by evaluating the three-dimensional integral. Maybe you should start there, since you know what the answer is supposed to be.
 
Hawkingo said:

Homework Statement


If ##\vec { F } = x \hat { i } + y \hat { j } + z \hat { k }## then find the value of ##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s## where S is the sphere ##x ^ { 2 } + y ^ { 2 } + z ^ { 2 } = 4##.

The Attempt at a Solution


From gauss divergence theorem we know
##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s = \int \int \int _ { V } \vec { \nabla } \cdot \vec { F } d v##
So ##\int \int _ { S } \vec { F } \cdot \hat { n } d s = \int \int \int _ { V } [ \frac { \partial } { \partial x } ( x ) + \frac { \partial } { \partial y } ( y ) + \frac { \partial } { \partial z } ( z ) ] d x d y d z##
=##3 \int \int \int _ { V } d x d y d z##

Here if I'll calculate the answer using gauss divergence theorem, then I have to find the volume integral of the function, but how will I take the limits of the integration. Can someone help please?
Thank you.

Another way is to note that ##\vec{F} \cdot \vec{n} = r## = radius of the sphere, so your integral is ##\int \!\! \int_S r \, dS = r \int \! \! \int_S dS.## Do you recognize that last integral?
 
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