Math Problem Statement

If F = ax i + by j + cz k, a, b, c are constants; show that ∫∫ F · dS = 4π(a + b + c), where S is the surface of a unit sphere.

Solution

The image shows a mathematical expression related to surface integrals. It involves a vector field F=axi^+byj^+czk^\mathbf{F} = ax \hat{i} + by \hat{j} + cz \hat{k}, where aa, bb, and cc are constants. The task is to evaluate the surface integral of this vector field F\mathbf{F} over the surface of a unit sphere.

This type of question involves applying the Divergence Theorem to simplify the calculation.

Approach:

  1. The Divergence Theorem states that the surface integral of a vector field over a closed surface is equal to the volume integral of the divergence of the vector field inside the region bounded by the surface.

    Mathematically: SFdS=V(F)dV\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = \iiint_V (\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F}) dV Where SS is the closed surface (in this case, the surface of a sphere), and VV is the volume inside the sphere.

  2. Compute the Divergence of F\mathbf{F}: F=x(ax)+y(by)+z(cz)\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(ax) + \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(by) + \frac{\partial}{\partial z}(cz) Since aa, bb, and cc are constants: F=a+b+c\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F} = a + b + c

  3. Volume Integral: The volume integral becomes: V(a+b+c)dV\iiint_V (a + b + c) \, dV Since a+b+ca + b + c is a constant, the integral is: (a+b+c)Volume of the sphere(a + b + c) \cdot \text{Volume of the sphere} The volume of a unit sphere is 43π\frac{4}{3} \pi.

    Thus, the surface integral is: SFdS=(a+b+c)43π\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = (a + b + c) \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi

  4. Result: Therefore, the final result of the surface integral is: SFdS=4π(a+b+c)\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = 4\pi (a + b + c)

Summary:

The integral SFdS\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S}, where F=axi^+byj^+czk^\mathbf{F} = ax \hat{i} + by \hat{j} + cz \hat{k}, evaluates to 4π(a+b+c)4\pi(a + b + c), with SS being the surface of the unit sphere.

Would you like further details or clarifications on any part of the solution? Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How is the Divergence Theorem derived?
  2. How do we compute the surface integral for non-constant vector fields?
  3. Can the Divergence Theorem be used for non-spherical surfaces?
  4. How is the divergence of a vector field computed in general?
  5. What is the relationship between surface integrals and flux?

Tip: When dealing with vector fields and surface integrals, always consider using the Divergence Theorem to simplify the calculations if the surface is closed and the region is easily defined.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Calculus
Surface Integrals
Divergence

Formulas

Divergence Theorem: ∫∫ F · dS = ∫∫∫ (∇ · F) dV
Divergence of F: ∇ · F = ∂(ax)/∂x + ∂(by)/∂y + ∂(cz)/∂z
Volume of a sphere: (4/3)πr³

Theorems

Divergence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

College Level