Solving Surface Integral Questions w/Check Solutions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving surface integral problems, specifically calculating the surface integral \intr.ds for three distinct surfaces: a square at z=b, a sphere of radius R centered at the origin, and the same sphere translated to x=a, y=0, z=0. The user successfully calculated the first two integrals, obtaining results of ab^2 for the square and 4R^3π for the sphere. However, they encountered difficulties with the third surface integral, particularly in evaluating the dot product of the surface element and the position vector.

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  • Understanding of surface integrals in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates and their application in integration
  • Knowledge of vector dot products and their geometric interpretations
  • Proficiency in evaluating integrals over defined surfaces
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c.francis
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Surface Integral Question and Solution Check

Hi everyone, this is my first post and I was hoping someone could help me check my solution to this problem (which could be completely wrong) and help me get unstuck at part 3. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Homework Statement



Calculate [tex]\int[/tex]r.ds (a surface integral) where the surface is 1. The square 0<x,y<a at z=b. 2. The surface of sphere whose radius is R centered at origin 3. The same surface centered at x=a, y=0, z=o.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Well for the first one, I got the surface element to be 1k, and so r.dS would have to b (right because for position vector r to touch surface its z component would b?).Then integrating you get ab^2.

For 2, I figure that [tex]\hat{r}[/tex] and r are in same direction so r.ds=R so after integrating surface element R^2sin[tex]\vartheta[/tex]*R gives 4R^3[tex]\pi[/tex].

For 3, all I know is the surface element is the same as the previously (so I think) but I don't know how to evaluate the dot product.

Thanks guys
 
Last edited:
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I just wanted to add that I assumed that the mystery vector r must be touching the same point that the vector "tracing" out the shape is touching. Is that not conceptually correct?
 

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