What is the closed volume integral symbol in Microsoft Word?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation and application of the closed volume integral symbol found in Microsoft Word. Participants explore its meaning, usage in mathematical contexts, and its relation to concepts like closed surface integrals and theorems in higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the closed volume integral symbol and its application, relating it to closed surface integrals and differential elements.
  • Another participant suggests that the dash box in Microsoft Word is for inserting the integrand and mentions the need to remember the differential volume element, ##dV##.
  • A different participant clarifies that the symbol in question is indeed a closed volume integral, referencing a Wikipedia page for further information.
  • One participant discusses the significance of the loop around the triple integral, suggesting it indicates a closed volume and questions how the divergence theorem applies to closed versus open volumes.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "closed volume" and seeks clarification on the difference between closed and open volumes.
  • One participant asserts that in three dimensions, the concept of a "closed volume" is not applicable, but acknowledges its existence in higher dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of closed versus open volumes, with some questioning the terminology and others asserting its relevance in higher dimensions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise implications of the closed volume integral symbol.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of closed and open volumes, as well as the application of the divergence theorem in different contexts. Some mathematical steps and assumptions remain unexplored.

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Hi everyone.

I've been curious about a particular symbol, but I've never seen it used or mentioned in any context. I don't really have much information about its usage, so I thought I would ask around and see if anyone knew about its application.

Screen Shot 2015-09-19 at 3.10.24 PM.png


I saw this symbol in Microsoft word.

How do we interpret it, and how do we use it?

I'm familiar with closed surface integrals with differential elements ##d \vec S##. We use those when we want to calculate the flux of a field ##\vec F##. I'm also familiar with closed surface integrals with differential elements ##dS##. We use those when we want to calculate surface area.

What about the closed volume integral above though?

I know we should probably use a differential element ##dV## for a closed volume, and the answer would represent the volume of the object. Is there such thing as a differential volume element ##d \vec V## such that we can extend theorems to the fourth dimension (theorem's like Stoke's theorem and the Divergence theorem)?

Thank you in advance.
 
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I think the dash box is simply for inserting your integrand.

Its up to you to remember the dV part.

There is a seldom used math symbol called the delambertian that's used in relativity that is the 4D version of the del operator but this isn't it.
 
Zondrina, I think you're asking about the integration symbol, not the box to the right. According to this page, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_symbol, that's a closed volume integral. I don't know much more about it, and a quick web search didn't turn up much.
 
So the only reason the loop is around the triple integral is to signify the volume is closed.

Does that mean something like the divergence theorem can be written like so:

Screen Shot 2015-09-19 at 6.09.47 PM.png


For a closed volume ##V## such as ##x^2 + y^2 + z^2 \leq 1##.

For a volume ##V## that isn't closed such as ##x^2 + y^2 + z^2 < 1##, would the theorem would take the form:

Screen Shot 2015-09-19 at 6.12.46 PM.png


Otherwise I don't see any reason to ever have to use the symbol mentioned in the OP.
 
Last edited:
I don't know what is meant by "closed volume". What is the difference between a closed volume and an open volume?
 
In three dimensions there is no such thing as a "closed volume". There can be in higher dimensions, of course.
 

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