Using stokes' or divergence theorem to solve integral

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a surface integral using either Stokes' theorem or the divergence theorem, specifically over a closed surface shaped like a tin can defined by the equation x²+y²=9 and bounded by z=0 and z=5. The vector field given is V = 2xyi - y²j + (z + xy)k.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the divergence theorem to convert the surface integral into a volume integral. There is confusion regarding the calculation of the divergence and the appropriate volume element. Some participants suggest switching to cylindrical coordinates to simplify integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the correct expressions for the divergence and the volume element. There is acknowledgment of previous mistakes in interpreting the divergence, and some guidance has been offered regarding coordinate systems and integration techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of applying the divergence theorem and ensuring correct calculations, particularly in relation to the cylindrical geometry of the problem. There is a noted emphasis on the importance of correctly identifying the divergence and its implications for integration.

leroyjenkens
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Homework Statement



Use either Stokes' theorem or the divergence theorem to evaluate this integral in the easiest possible way.

∫∫V \cdotndσ over the closed surface of the tin can bounded by x2+y2=9, z = 0, z = 5, if V = 2xyi - y2j + (z + xy)k

The bolded letters are vectors.


Homework Equations



∫∫( xV) \cdot ndσ = ∫V \cdotdr Stokes' theorem

∫∫∫ \cdotVdτ = ∫∫V \cdotndσ Divergence theorem


The Attempt at a Solution



So what I did was use the divergence theorem to turn this into a volume integral. I did the ∇xV to get 2y-2y+1. But here's where I'm stuck. I can input the formula for the volume of a cylinder, right? Is that dτ? I have to integrate with respect to τ. So if 2y-2y+1 = 1, then I'm left with τ after I integrate, and is τ just ∏r2h?

Thanks
 
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You mean you calculated ##\nabla\cdot \vec{V}##, not the curl. ##d\tau## is the volume element. For cartesian coordinates, it's equal to ##d\tau = dx\,dy\,dz##. The fact that you're integrating over a cylindrical volume is reflected in the limits. If I were you, however, I'd switch to cylindrical coordinates, where ##d\tau = r\,dr\,d\theta\,dz##.

EDIT: Never mind the last sentence. I misread your expression for the divergence and thought you would need to actually evaluate a non-trivial integral. Your work looks fine. If the divergence weren't simply a constant, you'd probably be better off switching to cylindrical coordinates.
 
leroyjenkens said:

Homework Statement



Use either Stokes' theorem or the divergence theorem to evaluate this integral in the easiest possible way.

∫∫V \cdotndσ over the closed surface of the tin can bounded by x2+y2=9, z = 0, z = 5, if V = 2xyi - y2j + (z + xy)k

The bolded letters are vectors.

Homework Equations



∫∫( xV) \cdot ndσ = ∫V \cdotdr Stokes' theorem

∫∫∫ \cdotVdτ = ∫∫V \cdotndσ Divergence theorem

The Attempt at a Solution



So what I did was use the divergence theorem to turn this into a volume integral. I did the ∇xV to get 2y-2y+1. But here's where I'm stuck. I can input the formula for the volume of a cylinder, right? Is that dτ? I have to integrate with respect to τ. So if 2y-2y+1 = 1, then I'm left with τ after I integrate, and is τ just ∏r2h?

Thanks

That all sounds reasonable. You can switch to cylindrical co-ordinates to make integrating easier I believe.
 
vela said:
You mean you calculated ##\nabla\cdot \vec{V}##, not the curl. ##d\tau## is the volume element. For cartesian coordinates, it's equal to ##d\tau = dx\,dy\,dz##. The fact that you're integrating over a cylindrical volume is reflected in the limits. If I were you, however, I'd switch to cylindrical coordinates, where ##d\tau = r\,dr\,d\theta\,dz##.

EDIT: Never mind the last sentence. I misread your expression for the divergence and thought you would need to actually evaluate a non-trivial integral. Your work looks fine. If the divergence weren't simply a constant, you'd probably be better off switching to cylindrical coordinates.

But the divergence isn't a constant. It's 2x-2y+1. After you integrate over the cylinder then the 2x and 2y drop out. But you should say why.
 
That's the same mistake I made originally, but the first term is really 2y, not 2x.
 
vela said:
That's the same mistake I made originally, but the first term is really 2y, not 2x.

Ooo. Yes, it is.
 

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