Vector calculus question on showing the area of a surface is infinite

Surface_areaIn summary, the surface area of S is given by the equation ∫∫_{S}dS=∫∫_{D}(1+(∂f/∂x)^{2}+(∂f/∂y)^{2})^{1/2}dxdy, where S is the surface z = 1/(x^{2} + y^{2})^{1/2}, 1 ≤ z < ∞ and D is the disk with radius 1 when viewed from the top. This equation can be found in the surface integral formula for calculating surface area.
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Homework Statement



Let S be the surface z = 1/(x[itex]^{2}[/itex] + y[itex]^{2}[/itex])[itex]^{1/2}[/itex], 1 ≤ z < ∞.
Show that the area of S is infinite.

Homework Equations


the surface S is given by z=f(x,y) with f(x,y)=1/(x[itex]^{2}[/itex]+y[itex]^{2}[/itex])[itex]^{1/2}[/itex] and for x,y in the disk D which is the circle seen when the surface is viewed from the top given by x[itex]^{2}[/itex]+y[itex]^{2}[/itex]≤ 1 z=0. Then the surface area of S is ∫∫[itex]_{S}[/itex]dS=∫∫[itex]_{D}[/itex](1+(∂f/∂x)[itex]^{2}[/itex]+(∂f/∂y)[itex]^{2}[/itex])[itex]^{1/2}[/itex]dxdy. Where has the last line come from. an explanation would be great as I cannot see where this is coming from. This is an example I have found. I am only stuck on this line.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
its sorted no worries :)
 
  • #3
If you're referring to the square root factor it comes from differential surface element's area.

Check the wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_integral
 

FAQ: Vector calculus question on showing the area of a surface is infinite

What is vector calculus and how is it related to finding the area of a surface?

Vector calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of vector fields, which are quantities that have both magnitude and direction. It is used to analyze and solve problems related to multi-dimensional systems, such as calculating the area of a curved surface in three-dimensional space.

2. Why is it important to show that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus?

Showing that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus can provide valuable insight into the behavior and properties of the surface. It can also help in making predictions and solving real-world problems, such as in fluid mechanics and electromagnetism.

3. What is the process for showing that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus?

The process for showing that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus involves using the divergence theorem, which relates the surface integral of a vector field to the volume integral of its divergence. By setting the divergence of the vector field equal to a constant and solving for the surface area, it can be shown that the area is infinite.

4. Can the area of a surface ever be infinite in a finite space?

No, the area of a surface can only be infinite if the space in which it exists is also infinite. In a finite space, the area of a surface will always be a finite value, even if it is a curved surface.

5. Are there any real-world applications for showing that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus?

Yes, there are many real-world applications for showing that the area of a surface is infinite using vector calculus. For example, it can be used in fluid mechanics to calculate the flow of a fluid through a curved surface, or in electromagnetism to analyze the behavior of electric and magnetic fields around a curved surface.

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