Surface Integral (Divergence Theorem?)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Divergence Theorem in the context of surface integrals. Participants are examining a problem related to a closed surface defined by adding a surface at z=0 and calculating contributions from this surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Divergence Theorem and questions how to handle the contribution from the surface at z=0. Some participants suggest that the contribution may be zero based on the normal vector and the function involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the implications of their setups and calculations. There is acknowledgment of the need to consider the contribution from the z=0 surface, with some suggesting it may not affect the result. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the problem being from an old final exam, indicating a context of review rather than a current assignment. Participants are also clarifying the nature of the problem and the surfaces involved.

jegues
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Homework Statement



See figure attached for problem statement.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



See figure attached for my attempt.

What I decided to do was add a surface z=0 so that S became a closed surface.

Then I preformed the integration using divergence theorem and obtained a value of 972pi

Now all I have to do is remove the portion that the surface z=0 contributes.

How do I figure this out? I'm looking at the given F and I can see that the normal for z=0 will simply be, [tex]\hat{k}[/tex] and that will be dotted with the z component of F which is,

[tex]z^{2}[/tex] but z=0 so it's going to be 0.

Is what have done the right approach?

Thanks again!
 

Attachments

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Is this a take-home exam problem?
 
LCKurtz said:
Is this a take-home exam problem?

No, I am studying for my upcoming final exam using old final exams. It was an exam problem from 2009.
 
jegues said:

Homework Statement



See figure attached for problem statement.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



See figure attached for my attempt.

What I decided to do was add a surface z=0 so that S became a closed surface.

Then I preformed the integration using divergence theorem and obtained a value of 972pi

Now all I have to do is remove the portion that the surface z=0 contributes.

How do I figure this out? I'm looking at the given F and I can see that the normal for z=0 will simply be, [tex]\hat{k}[/tex] and that will be dotted with the z component of F which is,

[tex]z^{2}[/tex] but z=0 so it's going to be 0.

Is what have done the right approach?

Thanks again!

LCKurtz said:
Is this a take-home exam problem?

jegues said:
No, I am studying for my upcoming final exam using old final exams. It was an exam problem from 2009.

OK, that's good. I will try to delete another post where I asked the same question.

As for your solution. First, your surface isn't just in the first quadrant. Second, when you set up your triple integral, you don't plug the z on the surface in the integrand. The inner integral will have limits z going from z =0 to z on the surface.
 
Last edited:
LCKurtz said:
OK, that's good. I will try to delete another post where I asked the same question.

As for your solution. First, your surface isn't just in the first quadrant. Second, when you set up your triple integral, you don't plug the z on the surface in the integrand. The inner integral will have limits z going from z =0 to z on the surface.

I only drew the surface in the first quadrant to get an idea of what it looked like, I knew it was in all quadrants but perhaps I should do a full drawing next time.

Alrighty here's my second crack at it. (See figure attached)

Any problems?
 

Attachments

  • 2009Q3AT2.jpg
    2009Q3AT2.jpg
    30.9 KB · Views: 430
Your setup is OK. I didn't check all your steps but at most there would only be algebra errors, if any. Looks like you're good to go...
 
LCKurtz said:
Your setup is OK. I didn't check all your steps but at most there would only be algebra errors, if any. Looks like you're good to go...

Also do I have to think about removing the portion that the surface z=0 contributes?

I think if you were to calculate that it would be 0 anyways.

We know that the unit normal to this surface will simply be [tex]\hat{k}[/tex] dotting this with the k-component of F when z=0 will simply provide us with the integral of 0.

Is this correct?
 
jegues said:
Also do I have to think about removing the portion that the surface z=0 contributes?

I think if you were to calculate that it would be 0 anyways.

We know that the unit normal to this surface will simply be [tex]\hat{k}[/tex] dotting this with the k-component of F when z=0 will simply provide us with the integral of 0.

Is this correct?

Yes. I didn't comment about that part because you were thinking correctly. If it wasn't zero you would have to account for it.
 

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