Compute Flux of Vector Field Through Surface S

In summary, to compute the flux of the vector field through the given surface, the integral of the dot product of the vector field and the surface normal should be taken. By finding the function for z from the given surface equation and computing the dot product, we get <8x+12>. The integration values for the first octant of the plane are 0<x<3 and 0<y<6, as the xy domain is a triangle bounded by x=0, y=0 and the given plane equation. However, using these values results in an incorrect answer, indicating a possible error in the integration process.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Compute the flux of the vector field, , through the surface, S.
[tex]\vec{F}[/tex]= 3xi + yj + zk and S is the part of the surface z + 4x + 2y = 12 in the first octant oriented upward.

Homework Equations


by definition from my book the integral is
[tex]\int[/tex]F(x,y,f(x,y)[tex]\circ[/tex]<-fx,fy,1>dxdy

for a plane oriented up

The Attempt at a Solution



So to get f(x,y) from the surface i did
z=f(x,y)=12-4x-2y

I have to find the integral of the vector field dot product with <-fx,-fy,1> which turns out to be <4,2,1>

So <3x,y,12-4x-2y>dot<4,2,1>=8x+12

Next I have to find
[tex]\int[/tex]8x+12dxdy

I'm not sure what to set my values at to solve this, I tried 0<x<3 and 0<y<6
With those values my integral equaled 288 which was the wrong answer
then I tried to dot the first part with <-4,-2,1> and my answer was -432 which was still wrong

Can someone help me find the integration values for the first octant of that plane, I think that's all I need to solve this?
 
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  • #2
The xy domain is a triangle, it's bounded by x=0, y=0 and the line 0=12-4x-2y, isn't it? 0<x<3 and 0<y<6 is a rectangle.
 

FAQ: Compute Flux of Vector Field Through Surface S

What is a vector field?

A vector field is a mathematical concept that assigns a vector (a direction and magnitude) to each point in a given space. This can be represented visually as arrows at each point, with the direction and length of the arrow indicating the direction and magnitude of the vector at that point.

What does it mean to compute the flux of a vector field?

Computing the flux of a vector field through a surface means calculating the amount of flow or movement of the vector field through that surface. This can be imagined as the amount of fluid or air passing through a surface, with the vector field representing the direction and magnitude of the flow.

How is the flux of a vector field through a surface calculated?

The flux of a vector field through a surface is calculated using a mathematical formula called the flux integral, which involves integrating the dot product of the vector field and the surface's normal vector over the surface. This can be a complex calculation, and may require advanced mathematical techniques such as multivariable calculus.

What is the significance of computing the flux of a vector field through a surface?

Calculating the flux of a vector field through a surface is important in many fields of science and engineering, as it allows us to understand and analyze the flow of fluids, gases, and other physical phenomena. It can also be used to solve real-world problems, such as predicting the movement of air or water in a given environment.

Are there any applications of computing the flux of a vector field through a surface?

Yes, there are many applications of computing the flux of a vector field through a surface. Some examples include analyzing fluid dynamics in engineering, modeling weather patterns in meteorology, and understanding the flow of blood in the human body in biomedical research. It is a fundamental concept in many fields of science and has numerous practical applications.

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