Integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ - Finding the Error

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a problem involving the integration of \nabla \times{F} over a portion of a surface under a plane using both direct computation and Stokes theorem. The individual details of the computation are discussed, including parametrization and cross product calculation. A mistake is identified and the correct result is given. The conversation ends with a question about identifying a positive oriented normal in different coordinate systems.
  • #1
Telemachus
835
30

Homework Statement


Hi there. I was trying to solve this problem, from the book. The problem statement says:
Integrate [tex]\nabla \times{F},F=(3y,-xz,-yz^2)[/tex] over the portion of the surface [tex]2z=x^2+y^2[/tex] under the plane z=2, directly and using Stokes theorem.

So I started solving the integral directly. For the rotational I got:

[tex]\nabla \times{F}=\left|\begin{matrix}i&j&k\\ \frac{\partial}{\partial x}&\frac{\partial}{\partial y}&\frac{\partial}{\partial z}\\3y&-xz&-yz^{2}\end{matrix}\right|=(x-z^{2},0,-z-3)[/tex]

Then I parametrized the surface.:

[itex]\begin{matrix}x=x=r\cos \theta\\ y=r \sin \theta \\z=\displaystyle\frac{r^2}{2}\end{matrix}, \theta[0,2\pi] ,r[0,2][/itex]

Then I did: [tex]T_r\times{T_{\theta}}[/tex]

[tex]T_r=(\cos \theta,\sin \theta,r),T_{\theta}=(-r\sin \theta,r\cos \theta,0)[/tex]

For the cross product I got:
[tex]T_r\times{T_{\theta}}=(r^2\cos \theta,-r^2\sin \theta,r)[/tex]

And then I computed the integral

[tex]\displaystyle\int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi}(r\cos \theta-\displaystyle\frac{r^4}{4},0,\displaystyle\frac{-r^2}{2}-3)\cdot{(-r^2\cos \theta,-r^2\sin \theta,r)}d\theta dr=-12\pi[/tex]

The result given by the book is: [tex]20\pi[/tex].

I don't know what I did wrong, and is one of the first exercises that I've solved for the stokes theorem, so maybe I could get some advices and corrections from you :)

Thank you in advance. Bye.
 
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  • #2
I've corrected some typos. Is there anybody out there? :P
 
  • #3
Telemachus said:

Homework Statement


Hi there. I was trying to solve this problem, from the book. The problem statement says:
Integrate [tex]\nabla \times{F},F=(3y,-xz,-yz^2)[/tex] over the portion of the surface [tex]2z=x^2+y^2[/tex] under the plane z=2, directly and using Stokes theorem.

So I started solving the integral directly. For the rotational I got:

[tex]\nabla \times{F}=\left|\begin{matrix}i&j&k\\ \frac{\partial}{\partial x}&\frac{\partial}{\partial y}&\frac{\partial}{\partial z}\\3y&-xz&-yz^{2}\end{matrix}\right|=(x-z^{2},0,-z-3)[/tex]

Then I parametrized the surface.:

[itex]\begin{matrix}x=x=r\cos \theta\\ y=r \sin \theta \\z=\displaystyle\frac{r^2}{2}\end{matrix}, \theta[0,2\pi] ,r[0,2][/itex]

Then I did: [tex]T_r\times{T_{\theta}}[/tex]

[tex]T_r=(\cos \theta,\sin \theta,r),T_{\theta}=(-r\sin \theta,r\cos \theta,0)[/tex]

For the cross product I got:
[tex]T_r\times{T_{\theta}}=(r^2\cos \theta,-r^2\sin \theta,r)[/tex]
This is wrong. It should be [itex]\left<-r^2cos(\theta), -r^2sin(\theta), r\right>[/itex] (oriented "upward").

And then I computed the integral

[tex]\displaystyle\int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi}(r\cos \theta-\displaystyle\frac{r^4}{4},0,\displaystyle\frac{-r^2}{2}-3)\cdot{(-r^2\cos \theta,-r^2\sin \theta,r)}d\theta dr=-12\pi[/tex]

The result given by the book is: [tex]20\pi[/tex].

I don't know what I did wrong, and is one of the first exercises that I've solved for the stokes theorem, so maybe I could get some advices and corrections from you :)

Thank you in advance. Bye.
 
  • #4
Thank you very much HallsofIvy. How did you realize that the orientation was negative? I can identify a positive oriented normal in the Cartesian coordinates, but I don't know how to do it in cylindrical or spherical coordinates.
 

FAQ: Integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ - Finding the Error

What is the purpose of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$?

The purpose of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ is to find the error or difference between the exact value and the estimated value of a function. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the function and its behavior.

What is the process of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$?

The process of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ involves evaluating the integral of the function over a given domain, using techniques such as substitution or integration by parts. This results in a single value that represents the error of the function.

What factors can affect the accuracy of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$?

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$, including the chosen method of integration, the complexity of the function, and the choice of domain. It is important to carefully consider these factors in order to obtain a more accurate result.

What are some common challenges when integrating $\nabla \times{F}$?

Some common challenges when integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ include dealing with functions that are not easily integrable, encountering singularities or discontinuities in the domain, and choosing the appropriate method of integration for a given function.

How can the result of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ be interpreted?

The result of integrating $\nabla \times{F}$ represents the error of the function, which can be interpreted as the difference between the exact value and the estimated value. This can provide valuable insights into the accuracy and behavior of the function.

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