Math Problem Statement

Use the Divergence Theorem to compute the net outward flux of the field

Fequals=left angle 3 x comma font size decreased by 6 4 y comma font size decreased by 6 minus 2 z right angle3x, 4y, −2z

across the surface​ S, where S is the sphere

StartSet left parenthesis x comma y comma z right parenthesis : x squared plus y squared plus z squared equals 6 EndSet(x,y,z): x2+y2+z2=6.

Solution

The Divergence Theorem states:

SFndS=V(F)dV\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot \mathbf{n} \, dS = \iiint_V (\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F}) \, dV

Where:

  • SS is the closed surface,
  • F\mathbf{F} is the vector field,
  • F\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} is the divergence of F\mathbf{F},
  • VV is the volume enclosed by SS.

We are given: F=3x,4y,2z\mathbf{F} = \langle 3x, 4y, -2z \rangle and SS is the sphere x2+y2+z2=6x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 6.

Step 1: Compute the divergence of F\mathbf{F}

The divergence of a vector field F=Fx,Fy,Fz\mathbf{F} = \langle F_x, F_y, F_z \rangle is: F=Fxx+Fyy+Fzz\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} = \frac{\partial F_x}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F_y}{\partial y} + \frac{\partial F_z}{\partial z} Here:

  • Fx=3xF_x = 3x, so Fxx=3\frac{\partial F_x}{\partial x} = 3,
  • Fy=4yF_y = 4y, so Fyy=4\frac{\partial F_y}{\partial y} = 4,
  • Fz=2zF_z = -2z, so Fzz=2\frac{\partial F_z}{\partial z} = -2.

Thus: F=3+42=5\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} = 3 + 4 - 2 = 5

Step 2: Use the Divergence Theorem

The volume VV is the interior of the sphere x2+y2+z2=6x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 6, which has radius r=6r = \sqrt{6}. The volume of a sphere is: Volume of sphere=43πr3=43π(6)3=43π(66)\text{Volume of sphere} = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3 = \frac{4}{3} \pi (\sqrt{6})^3 = \frac{4}{3} \pi (6\sqrt{6})

The net outward flux is: SFndS=V(F)dV=V5dV=5Volume of sphere\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot \mathbf{n} \, dS = \iiint_V (\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F}) \, dV = \int_V 5 \, dV = 5 \cdot \text{Volume of sphere}

Substitute the volume: SFndS=543π(66)=203π(66)=406π\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot \mathbf{n} \, dS = 5 \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi (6\sqrt{6}) = \frac{20}{3} \pi (6\sqrt{6}) = 40\sqrt{6} \pi

Final Answer:

Net outward flux=406π\text{Net outward flux} = 40\sqrt{6} \pi

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or detailed steps! 😊


Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How is the Divergence Theorem related to Gauss's Law in physics?
  2. What happens if the vector field F\mathbf{F} is solenoidal (F=0\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} = 0)?
  3. How does the flux calculation change for non-spherical surfaces?
  4. Can the Divergence Theorem be applied to surfaces that are not closed?
  5. How is the volume element dVdV computed in cylindrical or spherical coordinates?

Tip: Always verify the divergence computation carefully—it’s the foundation of applying the Divergence Theorem correctly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Calculus
Divergence
Flux
Sphere Geometry

Formulas

Divergence of F = ∇ ⋅ F = ∂F_x/∂x + ∂F_y/∂y + ∂F_z/∂z
Flux: ∫∫_S F ⋅ n dS = ∫∫∫_V (∇ ⋅ F) dV
Volume of a sphere: (4/3)πr^3

Theorems

Divergence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus III