How would I perform this surface integral?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around performing a surface integral over a spherical region defined by the equation x² + y² + z² = 25, with a vector field F given in spherical coordinates. Participants are exploring the conversion of the integral into spherical coordinates and the appropriate area element for the surface of the sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the vector field F into spherical coordinates and the implications for the surface integral. There are questions about the correct form of the area element dτ and how to express it in spherical coordinates. Some participants are clarifying the boundaries for the spherical coordinates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the formulation of the integral and the area element. There is acknowledgment of the need to consider boundaries for the spherical coordinates, and some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the integrals involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the notation and the interpretation of the surface area of the sphere. Some participants are also addressing the need to clarify whether the integrals are closed or indefinite.

Boltzman Oscillation
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Homework Statement


∫∫ Fndτ over the spherical region x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 25
given F = r^3 r i already converted the cartesian coordinates to spherical in F

Homework Equations


n = r[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I can plug in F into the equation and then dot it with r to get the following:

∫∫ r^3 dτ
r should be constant at r = 5 so i can take it out of the integral and substitute
5^3∫∫dτ
now how can i solve the ∫∫dτ? I would have to convert dτ into spherical coordinates? Note: the double integral should have a circle on it but I don't know how to add one here. Any help is useful.
 
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##d\tau## in this case is the area element for the surface of the sphere. It should be in spherical coordinates, yes. If you don't know what it is, you can calculate the volume element in spherical coordinates from the Jacobian, then make ##r## constant (thereby removing ##dr##).
 
Dewgale said:
##d\tau## in this case is the area element for the surface of the sphere. It should be in spherical coordinates, yes. If you don't know what it is, you can calculate the volume element in spherical coordinates from the Jacobian, then make ##r## constant (thereby removing ##dr##).
Ah so dτ = r^2sinΦdθdΦ, plugging in r = 5 and then into the equation I get:

5^5∫∫sinΦdθdΦ

solving the integrals i get
5^5(θ)cos(Φ)
 
Close. But if those are closed integrals, ##\oint## (pretend that's a double), it isn't an indefinite integral.
 
Boltzmann Oscillation said:
how can i solve the ∫∫dτ?
Isn't it just the surface area of the sphere? Or do I misunderstand the notation?
 
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ah so i should consider my boundaries for a sphere? Where θ is from 0 to 2pi and φ is from 0 to pi.

answer should be 6250pi
 
You're off by a factor of 2, but yes, the method is correct.
 
Got it, Thanks Dewgale.
 
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