Integration of a vector with respect to a vector.

AI Thread Summary
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
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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!
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

Similar threads

Back
Top