Calculate the vector field over surface S using Gassian Law

In summary, the author attempted to solve a problem involving integrating a vector field over a surface without including the bottom or top, and found that Gaussian law can be used to calculate the vector field. Next, the vector field over top and bottom must be calculated, and for bottom, the divergence theorem must be used to determine the orientation of the surface. Lastly, thank you once again, Kurtz, for all your help!
  • #1
skrat
748
8

Homework Statement


Integrate vector field ##\vec{F}=(x+y,y+z,z+x)## over surface ##S##, where ##S## is defined as cylinder ##x^2+y^2=1## (without the bottom or top) for ##z\in \left [ 0,h \right ]## where ##h>0##

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Since cylinder is not closed (bottom and top are not included) I firstly have to take this into account, therefore Gaussian law is:

##\int \int _{S}+\int \int _{O}=\int \int \int _{Cylinder}\nabla\vec{F}dV##

so

##\int \int \int _{Cylinder}3dV=3\pi h##

Now, to calculate the vector filed over surface S, we need to firstly calculate the vector field over top and bottom (surface O).

Polar coordinates ##x=r\cos\phi ## and ##y=r\sin\phi ## for ##r\in \left [ 0,1 \right ]## and ##\phi \in \left [ 0,2\pi \right ]##.

Than ##\vec{F}(\phi , r)=(r\cos\phi + r\sin\phi , r\sin\phi + h,h+r\cos\phi )## and ##r_{phi}\times r_r=(0,0,-r)##

Than for bottom where ##z=0##: (Direction of ##r_{phi}\times r_r## is ok)

##\int_{0}^{2\pi }\int_{0}^{1}-r^2cos\phi drd\phi =0##

but for ##z=1##: (Direction of ##r_{phi}\times r_r## sign needs to be corrected)

##\int_{0}^{2\pi }\int_{0}^{1}(rh+r^2cos\phi ) drd\phi =\pi h##

So ##\int \int _{S}=2\pi h##

Or is my idea of surface orientation completely messed up?
 
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  • #2
skrat said:

Homework Statement


Integrate vector field ##\vec{F}=(x+y,y+z,z+x)## over surface ##S##, where ##S## is defined as cylinder ##x^2+y^2=1## (without the bottom or top) for ##z\in \left [ 0,h \right ]## where ##h>0##


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since cylinder is not closed (bottom and top are not included) I firstly have to take this into account, therefore Gaussian law is:

##\int \int _{S}+\int \int _{O}=\int \int \int _{Cylinder}\nabla\vec{F}dV##

so

##\int \int \int _{Cylinder}3dV=3\pi h##

Now, to calculate the vector filed over surface S, we need to firstly calculate the vector field over top and bottom (surface O).

Polar coordinates ##x=r\cos\phi ## and ##y=r\sin\phi ## for ##r\in \left [ 0,1 \right ]## and ##\phi \in \left [ 0,2\pi \right ]##.

Than ##\vec{F}(\phi , r)=(r\cos\phi + r\sin\phi , r\sin\phi + h,h+r\cos\phi )## and ##r_{phi}\times r_r=(0,0,-r)##

Than for bottom where ##z=0##: (Direction of ##r_{phi}\times r_r## is ok)

##\int_{0}^{2\pi }\int_{0}^{1}-r^2cos\phi drd\phi =0##

but for ##z=1##: (Direction of ##r_{phi}\times r_r## sign needs to be corrected)

##\int_{0}^{2\pi }\int_{0}^{1}(rh+r^2cos\phi ) drd\phi =\pi h##

So ##\int \int _{S}=2\pi h##

Or is my idea of surface orientation completely messed up?

I didn't check all your arithmetic, but that looks correct about the orientation. The difference between this problem and the one in the other thread is that the divergence theorem specifies the outward pointing normal so you know how the surface is oriented. That's why you know how to check the sign, unlike in the other thread.
 
  • #3
LCKurtz, thank you is not enough for all your help in both threads... However, THANK YOU!
I will probably have more problems like this by the end of this week, but you helped a lot!

Cheers
 

Related to Calculate the vector field over surface S using Gassian Law

1. What is Gaussian Law and how is it used to calculate vector fields over a surface?

Gaussian Law, also known as Gauss's Law, is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism that relates the electric field to the charge distribution it originates from. It states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed by that surface. This law can be used to calculate the electric field at any point on a surface by considering the charge distribution within and around the surface.

2. What is a vector field?

A vector field is a mathematical concept that assigns a vector to every point in a given space. In the context of Gaussian Law, a vector field represents the electric field at each point on a surface, taking into account the charge distribution within and around the surface.

3. How do you calculate the vector field over a surface using Gaussian Law?

To calculate the vector field over a surface using Gaussian Law, you must first determine the charge distribution within and surrounding the surface. Then, you can use the formula E = Q/ε0A, where E is the electric field, Q is the charge enclosed by the surface, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and A is the area of the surface. This formula allows you to calculate the electric field at any point on the surface.

4. What are some applications of calculating vector fields using Gaussian Law?

Gaussian Law and the calculation of vector fields are essential in understanding and predicting the behavior of electric fields in various systems. This knowledge is crucial in designing and analyzing electronic devices, such as circuits and antennas. It is also used in fields such as electromagnetics, electrical engineering, and physics.

5. Are there any limitations to using Gaussian Law to calculate vector fields?

While Gaussian Law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism, it has limitations in certain situations. It assumes that the electric field is static and that the charge distribution is spherically symmetric. In more complex systems, other laws and techniques may need to be applied to accurately calculate the vector field.

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