Surface Integral - 2 methods give different answer

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving parametrizing into spherical coordinates and finding the value of an integral. The solution manual and the student's solution differ by a factor of r, leading to confusion. The conversation also touches on the formula for dA and how it is related to the parametric equation. The expert summary concludes that the formula for dA does not include the 'volume' part (r) and will be automatically accounted for in |ru x rv|.
  • #1
destroyer130
18
0
Thanks for checking this out. Here's the problem:
Question.PNG


I attempted to do it by using parametrize it into spherical coordinate.

r(r,t) = (x= cost, y= sint, z=r)
dS=|r[itex]_{u}[/itex] x r[itex]_{v}[/itex]| dA = r[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex] dA
dA = rdrdt

[itex]\int\int[/itex]x[itex]^{2}[/itex]z[itex]^{2}[/itex]dS = [itex]\int\int[/itex][itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex] cos[itex]^{2}[/itex] r[itex]^{6}[/itex] drdt

I check my solution manual and this is how they do it. My integral has r[itex]^{6}[/itex] factor. However, solution's only has r[itex]^{5}[/itex] instead. I am very confused because these two are supposed to be from the same source...
solution.jpg
 
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  • #2
destroyer130 said:
r(r,t) = (x= cost, y= sint, z=r)
dS=|r[itex]_{u}[/itex] x r[itex]_{v}[/itex]| dA = r[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex] dA
dA = rdrdt

There is one r too many here. dS = |ru x rv| dr dθ
 
  • #3
clamtrox said:
There is one r too many here. dS = |ru x rv| dr dθ

Oh, so why dA not equal to rdrdt in this case?
 
  • #4
destroyer130 said:
Oh, so why dA not equal to rdrdt in this case?

Why would it be? What is dA anyway?
 
  • #5
Based on parametric equation, if x = rcosθ, y=rsinθ, then dA = r dr dθ
In my homework case: dS = |ru x rv| dA = |ru x rv| r dr dθ
so that why somehow there is r^1 excess? but idk what r is excess?
 
  • #6
destroyer130 said:
Based on parametric equation, if x = rcosθ, y=rsinθ, then dA = r dr dθ
In my homework case: dS = |ru x rv| dA = |ru x rv| r dr dθ
so that why somehow there is r^1 excess? but idk what r is excess?

When you are using the formula |ru x rv| dA you don't add the 'volume' part (r) to dr dθ in dA. You'll automatically get that factor from the |ru x rv|.
 
  • #7
Okay, thanks so much for your help :)
 

FAQ: Surface Integral - 2 methods give different answer

What is a surface integral?

A surface integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the total value of a function over a given surface. It is similar to a regular integral, but instead of integrating over a one-dimensional interval, it integrates over a two-dimensional surface.

What are the two methods used to calculate a surface integral?

The two methods used to calculate a surface integral are the parametric form and the vector field form. The parametric form involves defining the surface using a set of parametric equations, while the vector field form involves using a vector field to define the surface.

Why might two methods give different answers for a surface integral?

Two methods may give different answers for a surface integral due to the fact that the two methods are based on different mathematical approaches. This can lead to differences in the way the surface is defined and the way the integral is calculated.

How can you determine which method is more accurate for a surface integral?

The most accurate method for a surface integral depends on the specific problem and the desired level of precision. In some cases, one method may be easier to use and provide a good approximation, while in other cases, a more complex method may be necessary for a more accurate result.

How can inconsistencies between methods be resolved for a surface integral?

If two methods give different answers for a surface integral, it is important to carefully examine the methods and their assumptions to determine the source of the inconsistency. In some cases, adjusting certain parameters or using a different method altogether may help to resolve the differences and achieve a more accurate result.

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