Multivariable surface integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the area of a specific part of a surface defined by the equation of a sphere, focusing on the surface integral involved in the process. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and homework-related assistance.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem of finding the area of the surface defined by the sphere equation and specifies the constraints on z.
  • Another participant suggests using spherical coordinate parametrization as a method to approach the problem, providing specific substitutions for x, y, and z.
  • A different participant questions the limits of the parameter phi in the spherical coordinate system, expressing frustration over a previous attempt using polar coordinates that yielded an incorrect answer.
  • One participant emphasizes the necessity of using spherical coordinates for efficiency and provides the limits for theta and phi based on the constraints of the problem.
  • Another participant reiterates the original problem and prompts consideration of the surface area of half a sphere, referencing the formula for the surface area of a sphere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate coordinate system to use, with some advocating for spherical coordinates while others have attempted polar coordinates. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct limits and methods for calculating the surface area.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the correct approach or limits for the integral, and there are indications of confusion regarding the application of different coordinate systems.

thiskidistite
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a) Find the area of the part of the surface S = {x^2+ y^2+ (z-1)^2 = 4, 0 ≤ z ≤ 1}.

Note that this is part of the sphere of radius 2 with center (0,0,1).
 
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Oh noes, a multivariable surface integral!
Well.. the coolest way (in my opinion) to do a question like this is to use spherical co-ordinate parametrization..
So try the substitution:
z-1 = 2 cos phi
x = 2 cos theta sin phi
y = 2 sin theta sin phi
(Since r = 2 in these cases)
Think you can work from there?
This should be in the homework help forum, by the way.
 
so what should the limits of phi be?? I did it by using polar coordinates but I still got the wrong answer :mad: :mad:
Thanks for your help though
 
You're dealing with a sphere-- so you should be using spherical co-ordinates! (Polar would be too time-consuming)
Obviously we're dealing with the top half, 0<z<1, thus we have the limits:
0<theta<2pi
0<phi<pi/2
Since you want the surface area of the thing, you want:
[tex]\int_{S} dS = \int_{0}^{\pi/2} \int_{0}^{2\pi} ||r_{\theta} \times r_{\phi}|| d\theta d\phi[/tex]
Where r is the position vector corresponding to the parametrization I provided above and subscripts denote the respective partial derivatives.
 
thiskidistite said:
a) Find the area of the part of the surface S = {x^2+ y^2+ (z-1)^2 = 4, 0 ≤ z ≤ 1}.

Note that this is part of the sphere of radius 2 with center (0,0,1).

The surface area of a sphere of radius r is [itex]4\pi r^2[/itex]. What is the area of half of a sphere of radius 2?
 

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