Surface Integral of a Vector Field on a Paraboloid Above a Square

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on evaluating the surface integral of the vector field F(x, y, z) = xyi + yzj + zxk over the paraboloid defined by z = 4 - x² - y², constrained within the square [0,1] x [0,1]. The divergence of the vector field was calculated as y - x² - y² + 4, and the user initially considered applying the divergence theorem. However, it was clarified that the divergence theorem is applicable only for closed surfaces, and since the surface does not include the base, direct integration over the surface is recommended.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and surface integrals
  • Knowledge of the divergence theorem in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with parametrizing surfaces in three-dimensional space
  • Basic skills in multivariable calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to parametrize the surface of a paraboloid for integration
  • Study the application of the divergence theorem in closed surfaces
  • Explore techniques for computing surface integrals directly
  • Investigate examples of vector fields and their divergences
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in multivariable calculus, mathematicians working with vector fields, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of surface integrals and the divergence theorem.

Niles
Messages
1,834
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi all. Please take a look at the following problem:

Evaluate the surface integral \int{F \cdotp d\vec{S}} for the following vector field:

F(x;y;z) = xyi + yzj + zxk, where i, j and k are unit vectors. S is the part of the paraboloid z = 4-x^2-y^2 that lies above the square x \in [0;1] and y \in [0;1].

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, I first find the divergence of F(x,y,z), which is y-x^2-y^2+4 (I have substituted z). Then I find dV, which is just dxdy and use the limits for x and y as stated above.

Is this method correct?

Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Apparently you are referring to the "divergence theorem", that
\int\int_T\int (\nabla\cdot \vec{v})dV= \int_S\int \vec{v}\cdot d\vec{S}

Are we to assume that the surface is oriented by "outward normals" which is part of the condition for the divergence theorem to hold?

You say "S is part of the paraboloid z = 4-x^2-y^2 that lies above the square x \in [0;1] and y \in [0;1]." So you are not incuding the base? If you are not integrating over a closed surface, the divergence theorem does not hold.

I think it would be simplest just to do the problem directly- integrate over the surface itself. Do you know how to do that?
 
Yes I do. I forgot that the divergence theorem only goes when we are talking about closed surfaces.

Thanks again, Mr.!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K