Flux of Vector Field \vec{F} through Surface S

In summary, the Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface is a measure of the flow of a vector field through a given surface. It is calculated using a surface integral formula and can indicate the direction of the vector field in relation to the surface. The unit of measurement depends on the units of the vector field and surface. It is used in various real-world applications such as physics, engineering, and fluid dynamics.
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Homework Statement


Question is:

Compute the flux of the vector field, \vec{F} , through the surface, S.
[tex]\vec{F} = 7\vec{r}[/tex] and S is the part of the surface [tex]z = x^2 + y^2[/tex] above the disk [tex]x^2 + y^2 \leq 4[/tex] oriented downward.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




[tex]\int\limits_R (7x\vec{i} + 7y\vec{j} + (x^2 + y^2)\vec{k}) \cdot (2x\vec{i} + 2y\vec{j} - k) dA[/tex]
[tex]\int\limits_R (14x^2 + 14y^2 - (x^2 + y^2)) dA[/tex]
[tex]\int\limits_R (13x^2 + 13y^2) dA[/tex]
[tex]13 \int\limits_R (x^2 + y^2) dA[/tex]
[tex]13 \int^{2\pi}_0\int^4_0 r^3 dA[/tex]
[tex]13 \int^{2\pi}_0 64 dA[/tex]

is this correct?
 
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  • #2


Your attempt at solving this problem is correct. You have correctly set up the integral and applied the divergence theorem to calculate the flux of the vector field through the given surface. Your final answer of 832π is also correct. Good job!
 

FAQ: Flux of Vector Field \vec{F} through Surface S

What is the definition of the Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface?

The Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface is a measure of the flow of a vector field, represented by 𝒎, through a given surface, represented by S. It is the amount of the vector field that passes through the surface per unit time.

How is the Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface calculated?

The Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface is calculated using the surface integral formula: S𝒎 ⋅ dτ, where τ is the unit normal vector to the surface S and represents the dot product. This integral sums up the flow of the vector field through every point on the surface.

What does a positive or negative Flux value indicate?

A positive Flux value indicates that the vector field is flowing outwards or away from the surface, while a negative Flux value indicates that the vector field is flowing inwards or towards the surface. This can also be thought of as the direction of the normal vector τ in relation to the vector field 𝒎.

What is the unit of measurement for Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface?

The unit of measurement for Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface depends on the units of the vector field 𝒎 and the surface S. For example, if the vector field is measured in meters per second and the surface is measured in square meters, the Flux would be measured in cubic meters per second.

How is Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface used in real-world applications?

The concept of Flux of a Vector Field through a Surface is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and fluid dynamics. It can be used to calculate the rate of flow of fluids through a surface, the amount of electric or magnetic field passing through a surface, and the rate of heat transfer through a surface. It is also used in computer graphics to visualize and simulate fluid flow and other vector fields.

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