What is the difference between Surface and Flux Integrals?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the Divergence Theorem to compute the flux of the vector field F⃗ (x,y,z)=⟨x,y,5z⟩ through a closed surface S, which is the boundary of the solid W defined by the paraboloid z=x²+y² and the plane z=4. The flux through S is calculated as ∬s F⃗ ⋅dA⃗ = 56π. For part B, participants emphasize the need to compute the flux through the open surfaces of W, specifically the top surface at z=4 and the bottom surface at z=x²+y², which requires determining normal vectors and performing 2D integrals manually. The distinction between surface and flux integrals is clarified, noting that flux integrals apply to closed surfaces, allowing the use of the Divergence Theorem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Divergence Theorem
  • Familiarity with vector fields and surface integrals
  • Knowledge of normal vectors in multivariable calculus
  • Ability to perform double integrals in Cartesian coordinates
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  • Explore examples of surface and flux integrals in multivariable calculus
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andrec
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Hi, so this is my first time on this forum and I've just gotten very frustrated with trying to understand this one problem. I got part A by using divergence theorem but I don't know how go about computing part B.

Suppose F⃗ (x,y,z)=⟨x,y,5z⟩. Let W be the solid bounded by the paraboloid z=x2+y2 and the plane z=4. Let S be the closed boundary of W oriented outward.

(a) Use the divergence theorem to find the flux of F⃗ through S.
s F⃗ ⋅dA⃗ = 56pi

(b) Find the flux of F⃗ out the bottom of S (the truncated paraboloid) and the top of S (the disk).
Flux out the bottom =
Flux out the top =


Thanks for your help.

BTW, side question. What exactly is the difference in the Surface and Flux integral.
 
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The flux integral is over a closed surface, so you can invoke the Divergence Theorem. For part b, you need to consider open surfaces (on which the divergence theorem no longer applies). You're going to have to figure out the normal vectors to the surfaces and actually do these 2d integrals by hand, so to speak.
 
andrec said:
Hi, so this is my first time on this forum and I've just gotten very frustrated with trying to understand this one problem. I got part A by using divergence theorem but I don't know how go about computing part B.

Suppose F⃗ (x,y,z)=⟨x,y,5z⟩. Let W be the solid bounded by the paraboloid z=x2+y2 and the plane z=4. Let S be the closed boundary of W oriented outward.

(a) Use the divergence theorem to find the flux of F⃗ through S.
s F⃗ ⋅dA⃗ = 56pi

(b) Find the flux of F⃗ out the bottom of S (the truncated paraboloid) and the top of S (the disk).
Flux out the bottom =
Flux out the top =


Thanks for your help.

BTW, side question. What exactly is the difference in the Surface and Flux integral.
Hello andrec. Welcome to PF !

For (b), it's much easier to calculate the flux through the top surface, z=4. Use that and the result for part (a) to get the flux through bottom surface, z=x2+y2 .
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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