Scalar Surface Integral over parameterized surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating a scalar surface integral over a parameterized surface defined by G(r,θ) = (rcosθ, rsinθ, θ) for the specified ranges of r and θ. The function to be integrated is f(x,y,z) = (x^2+y^2)^(1/2) = r.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the correct expression for the differential area element dS in the context of the parameterization in terms of r and θ, questioning whether it should include an additional factor of r. There is discussion about the relationship between the parameterization and the area element in polar coordinates.

Discussion Status

Several participants provide insights into the correct formulation of dS, with some suggesting that the additional r is already accounted for in the normal vector calculation. There is an ongoing clarification of the integral setup, with participants expressing uncertainty and seeking confirmation on their interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the dimensionality of dS and its relation to the parameterization, as well as the constraints of not using external resources for assistance.

PsychonautQQ
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Homework Statement



Calculate ∫∫ f(x,y,z)dS for the surface G(r,θ) = (rcosθ,rsinθ,θ), 0<r<1, 0<θ<2pi.
f(x,y,z) = (x^2+y^2)^(1/2) = r

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


so the surface is given so I have to find the normal vector...

G_r = cos(θ),sinθ,0
G_θ = -rsin(θ),rcos(θ),1

G_r = G_θ = normal vector = sin(θ)I - cos(θ)j + rk

magnitude of normal vector
=
(1+r^2)^(1/2)

heres my main question, usually if I parameterize in terms of u and v this would be like

dS = |Normal vector| du dv

but since this is in terms of r and θ do I just do

dS = |Normal vector| dr dθ
or
dS = |Normal Vector| r dr dθ

cause earlier in this course when we went from rectangular coordinates to polar we had to add an r, does that still apply here?

So basically would my final integral be

∫∫r(1+r^2)drdθ
or
∫∫r^2(1+r^2)drdθ

thanks PF :D
 
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Hi PsychonautQQ! :smile:
PsychonautQQ said:
… usually if I parameterize in terms of u and v this would be like

dS = |Normal vector| du dv

but since this is in terms of r and θ do I just do

dS = |Normal vector| dr dθ
or
dS = |Normal Vector| r dr dθ

cause earlier in this course when we went from rectangular coordinates to polar we had to add an r, does that still apply here?

i] from dimensions, it obviously can't just be dr dθ: dS is length-squared, and dr dθ isn't, so you need at least another r :wink: (though that doesn't tell you whether there's also a function of θ)

ii] more rigorously: you need to find the area of a rectangle (if the coordinates are orthogonal, otherwise it's a more general parallelogram) with sides du and dv

if S was a disc, it would be rdr dθ … is that still true for this actual twisty S?
 
PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement



Calculate ∫∫ f(x,y,z)dS for the surface G(r,θ) = (rcosθ,rsinθ,θ), 0<r<1, 0<θ<2pi.
f(x,y,z) = (x^2+y^2)^(1/2) = r

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


so the surface is given so I have to find the normal vector...

G_r = cos(θ),sinθ,0
G_θ = -rsin(θ),rcos(θ),1

G_r = G_θ = normal vector = sin(θ)I - cos(θ)j + rk

magnitude of normal vector
=
(1+r^2)^(1/2)

heres my main question, usually if I parameterize in terms of u and v this would be like

dS = |Normal vector| du dv

but since this is in terms of r and θ do I just do

dS = |Normal vector| dr dθ
or
dS = |Normal Vector| r dr dθ

You use the first one. No extra ##r##
[Edit, added]: So that would be ##dS=\sqrt{1+r^2}drd\theta##. Neither of the two below are correct. I didn't notice that the first time. Then you get an extra ##r## for the function ##f##.

cause earlier in this course when we went from rectangular coordinates to polar we had to add an r, does that still apply here?

So basically would my final integral be

∫∫r(1+r^2)drdθ
or
∫∫r^2(1+r^2)drdθ

thanks PF :D

What happens often when teaching calculus is that polar coordinates and areas are taught before the parameterization stuff. So you memorize the ##rdrd\theta## as the polar element of area and your text or teacher may give an intuitive argument for why the ##r## is in there. In fact, the ##r## comes from the polar coordinate transformation in the ##xy## plane:$$
\vec R(r,\theta) = \langle r\cos\theta,r\sin\theta,0\rangle$$If you calculate ##|\vec R_r\times\vec R_\theta|## for this parameterization as you did above, you will get ##r## so ##dS = rdrd\theta## is the polar surface element in the ##xy## plane. So the upshot is if you use ##dS =|\vec R_u\times \vec R_v|dudv## you never add anything else, such as an extra ##r## in this case.
 
Last edited:
tiny-tim said:
Hi PsychonautQQ! :smile:


i] from dimensions, it obviously can't just be dr dθ: dS is length-squared, and dr dθ isn't, so you need at least another r :wink: (though that doesn't tell you whether there's also a function of θ)

In his example, the additional ##r## is built into the ##|r_r \times r_\theta|## so his first formula is correct as it stands.
 
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Wow thanks for the great explanation! Just filled a big gap in my conceptual understanding.
so my final integral will look like
∫∫r^2(1+r^2)drdθ with dr between 0 and 1 and theta between 0 and 2pi? Sorry I'm being so picky about making sure it's right I'm also part of a group and I want to be useful when we meet up tomorrow
 
PsychonautQQ said:
Wow thanks for the great explanation! Just filled a big gap in my conceptual understanding.
so my final integral will look like
∫∫r^2(1+r^2)drdθ with dr between 0 and 1 and theta between 0 and 2pi? Sorry I'm being so picky about making sure it's right I'm also part of a group and I want to be useful when we meet up tomorrow

Please note the edited correction in post #3.
 
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oh right! of course. okay I made that correction so it's now
∫∫r^2(1+r^2)^(1/2)drdθ dr from 0 to 1 and d(theta) from 2 to 2pi. Thanks yo! (not an easy integral to evaluate though, and I'm not suppose to use the internet X_x)
 
It still isn't right. Your ##f(x,y,z)= r##. That's all that gets multiplied by the ##dS##, which has no ##r## factor.
 
riiight... golly >.<

∫∫r(1+r^2)^(1/2)drdθ

where dS = (1+r^2)^(1/2) drdθ
 
  • #10
Right. And the bonus is that it's now easy to integrate.
 
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  • #11
LCKurtz said:
In his example, the additional ##r## is built into the ##|r_r \times r_\theta|## so his first formula is correct as it stands.
LCKurtz said:
You use the first one. No extra ##r##
[Edit, added]: So that would be ##dS=\sqrt{1+r^2}drd\theta##.

yes of course … i somehow thought that the "normal vector" was the unit normal vector, which of course it wasn't :redface:

thanks :smile:
 
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