Solving Vector Area dS of Sphere: Find Mistake!

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of the vector area dS of a sphere using spherical coordinates. The user initially misapplied the parametrization of the sphere, leading to confusion in the differentiation process. The correct parametrization is given by (x,y,z) = r(cosφsinθ, sinφcosθ, cosθ). The user realized that they had reversed the variables θ and φ, which caused the errors in their calculations.

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  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their parametrization
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  • Familiarity with cross products in vector algebra
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aaaa202
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Homework Statement


I wonna calculate the vector area dS of a sphere, but for some reason my result gets mixed areound. I need a trained eye to see where I make a silly mistake.


Homework Equations


Parametrization of a sphere:

(x,y,z) = r(cos[itex]\phi[/itex]sin[itex]\theta[/itex],sin[itex]\phi[/itex]cos[itex]\theta[/itex],cosθ)

The Attempt at a Solution


So ∂r/∂[itex]\phi[/itex] = r(cosθcos[itex]\phi[/itex],-sinθsin[itex]\phi[/itex],sinθ)
and
∂r/∂θ = r(-sin[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ,cos[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ,0)

and dS = ∂r/∂[itex]\phi[/itex] x ∂r/∂θ = r2 (sinθcosθcos[itex]\phi[/itex],sin[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ2, ...) dθd[itex]\phi[/itex]

But the first two terms should be switched around according to my notes! Where do I go wrong? :(
 
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aaaa202 said:

Homework Statement


I wonna calculate the vector area dS of a sphere, but for some reason my result gets mixed areound. I need a trained eye to see where I make a silly mistake.


Homework Equations


Parametrization of a sphere:

(x,y,z) = r(cos[itex]\phi[/itex]sin[itex]\theta[/itex],sin[itex]\phi[/itex]cos[itex]\theta[/itex],cosθ)

The Attempt at a Solution


So ∂r/∂[itex]\phi[/itex] = r(cosθcos[itex]\phi[/itex],-sinθsin[itex]\phi[/itex],sinθ)
and
∂r/∂θ = r(-sin[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ,cos[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ,0)

and dS = ∂r/∂[itex]\phi[/itex] x ∂r/∂θ = r2 (sinθcosθcos[itex]\phi[/itex],sin[itex]\phi[/itex]sinθ2, ...) dθd[itex]\phi[/itex]

But the first two terms should be switched around according to my notes! Where do I go wrong? :(

Well, you have the ##\theta## and ##\phi## reversed from the usual math notation for spherical coordinates, but I guess some physicists do that. But when you differentiated with respect to ##\phi## it looks like you differentiated the ##\theta## variables, and conversely.
 
nvm.. Found my mistake - the parametric equation was wrong.
 

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