Integrating ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## for a sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating the expression ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## for a sphere, with participants exploring the implications of the integral and the variables involved. The problem is situated within the context of surface tension and stiffness of a spherical bubble.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the meaning of the integral and the variables, particularly the role of ##A## in the denominator. There is discussion about whether the integral is interpreted as ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}## or ##\sigma=\chi\dfrac{1}{A}\int{dA}##. Some participants question the physical meaning of ##\sigma(R)## and the implications of the surface tension being zero at a specific radius.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the integral's setup and the physical context. Some have provided insights into the interpretation of the variables, while others are still uncertain about the assumptions being made.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the homework statement may be incomplete, and participants are requesting additional information. The ambiguity in the expression and the definitions of the variables are central to the discussion.

MartynaJ
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Homework Statement
Integral of ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## for a sphere assuming a constant and surface-area independent ##\chi##
Relevant Equations
I am trying to integrate ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## for a sphere. The answer is supposed to be ##\sigma(R)=\chi(R^2/R_0^2-1)##
I am trying to integrate ##\sigma=\chi\int\frac{dA}{A}## for a sphere. The answer is supposed to be ##\sigma(R)=\chi(R^2/R_0^2-1)##. The answer I keep getting is ##\sigma(R)=2\chi ln\frac{R}{R_0}##. I also tried doing it in spherical coordinates, and all I get for the integration of ##\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\frac{dA}{A}=1##. Not sure where I am going wrong... please help!
 
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It would help if you show us how you obtained your answer.
 
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MartynaJ said:
Homework Statement:: Integral of ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## for a sphere assuming a constant and surface-area independent ##\chi##
Is this all there is to the homework statement? If there is more, please post exactly as given to you.

Also, ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## is ambiguous. Is it ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}## or ##\sigma=\chi\dfrac{1}{A}\int{dA}##? In the second interpretation ##A## stands for the area of the sphere, presumably of radius ##R_0##. Finally, it would help if you told us whether there is some physical meaning to ##\sigma(R).##
 
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kuruman said:
Is this all there is to the homework statement? If there is more, please post exactly as given to you.

Also, ##\sigma=\chi\int{dA/A}## is ambiguous. Is it ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}## or ##\sigma=\chi\dfrac{1}{A}\int{dA}##? In the second interpretation ##A## stands for the area of the sphere, presumably of radius ##R_0##. Finally, it would help if you told us whether there is some physical meaning to ##\sigma(R).##
 
It's ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}##. Also ##\sigma(R)## is the surface tension and ##\chi## is the stiffness of the spherical bubble (assumed to be constant).
 
MartynaJ said:
It's ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}##. Also ##\sigma(R)## is the surface tension and ##\chi## is the stiffness of the spherical bubble (assumed to be constant).
I don't think any of us reading this understand what is meant by the A in the denominator. The dA in the numerator suggests an area element for an integral performed over the surface of a sphere, presumably of radius R, but then the A in the denominator would have to be a function of the chosen element.
From the answer you got, I am guessing you substituted ##A=4\pi r^2## in both places and treated at as an integral dr.
 
MartynaJ said:
It's ##\sigma=\chi\int{\dfrac{dA}{A}}##. Also ##\sigma(R)## is the surface tension and ##\chi## is the stiffness of the spherical bubble (assumed to be constant).
According to the desired answer, ##\sigma(R_0)=0.## Why is the surface tension zero for a specific value of the bubble radius?
 

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