Vector calculus - show that the integral takes the form of (0, a, 0)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a vector calculus problem involving the evaluation of an integral in Cartesian coordinates, specifically in the context of a surface integral involving a vector field and its curl. Participants are exploring the correct setup and interpretation of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration in Cartesian coordinates versus spherical polar coordinates, questioning the appropriateness of the coordinate system for the problem. There are attempts to compute the integral and inquiries about the use of vector identities. Some participants express uncertainty about the components of the differential surface area vector.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the implications of using different coordinate systems. Some guidance has been offered regarding the normalization of the surface area vector, and there is a recognition of the need to clarify the components involved in the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to use Cartesian coordinates and the implications of integrating over a surface defined in spherical coordinates. There is an acknowledgment of the potential complexity introduced by the vector identities involved.

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Homework Statement
suppose that V is the hemisphere with |x| <= R, z>=0, F = (z, x^2+y^2, 0) in Cartesian coordinates. Verify the equality shown below by calculating both integrals and showing that they take the form (0, a, 0) in Cartesian coordinates, for some constant a to be determined.
Relevant Equations
It was previously proven that the first equation below should hold.
IMG_1188.jpg

Since the question asks for Cartesian coordinates, I wrote dV as 2pi(x^2+y^2+z^2)dxdydz and did the integral over the left hand side of the equation with x, y, z from 0 to R. My integral returned (0, 2*pi*R^5, 5/3*pi*R^6) which doesn't seem right.

I also tried to compute the right-hand side of the equation, letting dS = dxdy, however I'm not sure how to work with the curl between F and dS. Should I use some vector identity and rewrite this?

Thanks for your help in advance!
 
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"In cartesian coordinates" means to use a cartesian basis for the vectors, rather than a spherical polar basis. This is good practise, since in spherical polars the basis vectors are not constants and so you cannot integrate componentwise as you can in cartesians. The domain of integration, on the other hand, is best expressed in spherical polars.

Thus you want \int_S \mathbf{F} \times d\mathbf{S} = <br /> \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^{\pi/2} \begin{pmatrix} z \\ x^2 + y^2 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \times<br /> \begin{pmatrix} x/R \\ y/R \\ z/R \end{pmatrix} R^2 \sin \theta\,d\theta\,d\phi etc.
 
pasmith said:
"In cartesian coordinates" means to use a cartesian basis for the vectors, rather than a spherical polar basis. This is good practise, since in spherical polars the basis vectors are not constants and so you cannot integrate componentwise as you can in cartesians. The domain of integration, on the other hand, is best expressed in spherical polars.

Thus you want \int_S \mathbf{F} \times d\mathbf{S} =<br /> \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^{\pi/2} \begin{pmatrix} z \\ x^2 + y^2 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \times<br /> \begin{pmatrix} x/R \\ y/R \\ z/R \end{pmatrix} R^2 \sin \theta\,d\theta\,d\phi etc.
Thank you for the response, however I am wondering how you got the components of dS to be (x/R, y/R, z/R)? Thanks!
 
Keep in mind what dS represents. It should have a magnitude equal to the differential surface area and a direction pointing normal to the surface. That direction vector ought to be normalized.
 
nucl34rgg said:
Keep in mind what dS represents. It should have a magnitude equal to the differential surface area and a direction pointing normal to the surface. That direction vector ought to be normalized.
Aah I see! I didn't consider the normalization! Thank you
 

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