Tricky Surface Integral Homework | Solved Step by Step"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a surface integral problem, specifically involving the upper hemisphere of a sphere defined by the equation x² + y² + z² = a². Participants are exploring different methods to approach the integral, including the potential application of the divergence theorem and parameterization techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the merits of using spherical coordinates and the divergence theorem. There is uncertainty about whether to parameterize the surface or compute the integral directly. Questions arise regarding the necessity of closing the surface for the divergence theorem to apply and the implications of doing so.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various approaches being considered. Some participants have suggested parameterization as a viable method, while others are still grappling with the best way to proceed. There is no explicit consensus on the approach to take, but productive ideas are being exchanged.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem statement is not fully visible, which may affect their understanding and approach. There is also mention of the need to clarify the conditions under which the divergence theorem can be applied.

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.

I tried to solve it without using divergence theorem, just a straight forward surface integral.

I got up to this point and got stuck. I did try this before using divergence theorem and it didn't seem any easier, which way am I suppose to do this integral?

Thanks again!
 

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can't read it, though maybe speherical polar coords could be useful?
 
lanedance said:
can't read it, though maybe speherical polar coords could be useful?

Here's a better size pic of the problem statement, sorry it's so small in the original post.

I'm still stuck on this one.

Is spherical the right route to take? Should I be applying Divergence theorem?

Thanks again!
 

Attachments

  • BetterSize.JPG
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Try parameterizing the surface rather than computing the integral directly. The divergence theorem will work ONLY if the bottom of the hemisphere is closed. It doesn't look like that is what the problem is stating.
 
lineintegral1 said:
Try parameterizing the surface rather than computing the integral directly. The divergence theorem will work ONLY if the bottom of the hemisphere is closed. It doesn't look like that is what the problem is stating.

Yes but I could always add the surface z=0 to close and remove it after applying divergence theorem.

Anyways, what do you mean by parameterizing the surface?
 
jegues said:
Yes but I could always add the surface z=0 to close and remove it after applying divergence theorem.

Anyways, what do you mean by parameterizing the surface?
Any smooth surface, a two dimensional object, can be written with x, y, and z as functions of two parameters.
Here, your figure is the upper hemisphere of the sphere [itex]x^2+ y^2+ z^2= a^2[/itex]
and the simplest way to parameterize it is to use spherical coordinates with the [itex]\rho[/b] coordinate fixed at a:<br /> [tex]x= a cos(\theta)sin(\phi)[/tex]<br /> [tex]y= a sin(\theta)sin(\phi)[/tex]<br /> [tex]z= a cos(\phi)[/tex][/itex][tex] <br /> To use that to integrate on the surface, write the "position vector" of any point on the sphere as <br /> [tex]\vec{r}= x\vec{i}+ y\vec{j}+ z\vec{k}= a cos(\theta)sin(\phi)\vec{i}+ a sin(\theta)sin(\phi)\vec{j}+ a cos(\phi)\vec{k}[/tex]<br /> <br /> Differentiating with respect to the two parameters gives two vectors in the tangent plane at each point:<br /> [tex]\vec{r}_\theta= -a sin(\theta)sin(\phi)\vec{i}+ a cos(\theta)sin(\phi)\vec{j}[/tex]<br /> [tex]\vec{r}_\phi= a cos(\theta)cos(\phi)\vec{i}+ a sin(\theta)cos(\phi)\vec{j}- a sin(\phi)\vec{k}[/tex]<br /> <br /> The cross product of those two vectors, called the "fundamental vector product" for the surface,<br /> [tex]a^2cos(\theta)sin^2(\phi)\vec{i}+ a^2sin(\theta)sin^2(\phi)\vec{j}+ a^2sin(\phi)cos(\phi)\vec{k}[/tex]<br /> if multiplied by [itex]d\theta d\phi[/itex] give [itex]d\vec{S}[/itex], the "vector differential of surface area" and its length [itex]a^2 sin(\phi)[/itex], times [itex]d\theta d\phi[/itex] is the "differential of surface area" in those parameters.[/tex]
 

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