Integration of a vector with respect to a vector.

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The discussion focuses on the integration of a vector with respect to another vector, particularly in the context of electric flux related to point charges. The user expresses confusion about evaluating integrals involving electric fields and area vectors, specifically the dot product and its relation to definite integrals. They seek clarification on how area can be treated as a vector and the process of integration without prior knowledge of antiderivatives. Recommendations for beginner-friendly vector calculus books are requested, as the user cannot take a formal course at the moment. Understanding vector calculus is essential for grasping these concepts effectively.
Ceeerson
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will someone give me an explanation of the process of integration of a vector with respect to another vector. the reason i ask is because in the topic of electricity i am discussing the electric flux of a point charge inside a solid surface. I know that the dot product is related, and i can even see how the limit as the number of subintervals approaches infinity, then Ʃ running from k = 1 to n of the vector f(x*)times the vector(Δx*) times (cosθ ) is equal to the definite integral, it would just take forever to count and and i wouldn't know how to evaluate the integral without knowing the antiderivates, my main concern is integrating from a to b of the electric field dot da, and while on the topic, will someone please explain how area can be a vector please, i know that you can pull out all the constants, but and even the antiderivative of 1/r^2 but i just don't understand the integration and what happens. if that makes sense.

sincerely confused
 
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You should take a course in vector calculus. What you are asking is usually covered over several weeks of such a course.
 
oh ok well i won't have that option for a while so is there a recommended book for beginners over vector calc, it doesn't have to be dumbed down, just interpret-able any insight would be greatly appreciated!
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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