Surface integral without using Gauss's Theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the surface integral \(\int_A \bullet da\) for the vector field \(A = xi - yj + zk\) over a cylinder defined by \(c^2 = x^2 + y^2\) with height \(h\). While the initial solution utilized Gauss's Theorem, the user seeks a direct integration method without it. The approach involves dividing the cylinder's surface into three components: two end caps and one curved surface, and determining the differential area vector \(d\textbf{a}\) for each section.

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  • Understanding of surface integrals in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Theorem and divergence
  • Knowledge of cylindrical coordinates
  • Ability to compute differential area elements for surfaces
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mattmatt321
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Homework Statement



Find the value of the surface integral [tex]\int[/tex]A [tex]\bullet[/tex] da, where A = xi - yj + zk, over the surface defined by the cylinder c2 = x2 + y2. The height of the cylinder is h.

Homework Equations



I found the answer quite easily using Gauss's theorem, as the divergence of the vector A is simply 1, so the volume integral reduces to [tex]\int[/tex]dv, which just becomes the volume of the cylinder. However, I was wondering how to integrate directly without using Gauss's theorem; i.e., integrate the original surface integral [tex]\int[/tex]A [tex]\bullet[/tex] da. I feel like this is a pretty simple question and I'm thinking way too hard.
 
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mattmatt321 said:
I found the answer quite easily using Gauss's theorem, as the divergence of the vector A is simply 1, so the volume integral reduces to [tex]\int[/tex]dv, which just becomes the volume of the cylinder. However, I was wondering how to integrate directly without using Gauss's theorem; i.e., integrate the original surface integral [tex]\int[/tex]A [tex]\bullet[/tex] da. I feel like this is a pretty simple question and I'm thinking way too hard.

Divide the cylinder's surface up into 3 pieces: two endcaps and one curved surface. What is [itex]d\textbf{a}[/itex] for each of these 3 pieces? What variables change over each surface, which stay the same (and what are their fixed values)?
 

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