How Do Stokes' and Divergence Theorems Apply to a Cube's Surface Integral?

In summary, the conversation discusses the evaluation of a surface integral using the divergence theorem and Stokes' theorem. While the divergence theorem gives a dot product and the Stokes' theorem gives a cross product, both methods result in a value of 0 for this particular problem. It is suggested to draw a cube and visualize the directed line segments to gain a better understanding of the computation.
  • #1
jaejoon89
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0

Homework Statement



Given F = xyz i + (y^2 + 1) j + z^3 k
Let S be the surface of the unit cube 0 ≤ x, y, z ≤ 1. Evaluate the surface integral ∫∫(∇xF).n dS using
a) the divergence theorem
b) using Stokes' theorem

Homework Equations



Divergence theorem:
∫∫∫∇.FdV = ∫∫∇.ndS

Stokes theorem:
∫∫(∇xF).n dS = ∫F.dR

The Attempt at a Solution



The divergence theorem gives a dot product. Here we're asked for the cross product
∫∫(∇xF).n dS
but the divergence of the curl will be 0. The Stokes theorem applied here is nonzero. What's wrong?
 
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  • #2
Stokes' Theorem also gives 0. There are six faces on the cube. Each face contributes one line integral around its boundary, or equivalently four line integrals across directed line segments. You can save yourself a lot of computation if you will draw a medium or large cube. Then start drawing little arrows to indicate each directed line segment edge, and continue drawing until you see what happens.
 

Related to How Do Stokes' and Divergence Theorems Apply to a Cube's Surface Integral?

1. What are the Stokes and Divergence theorems?

The Stokes and Divergence theorems are mathematical theorems that relate the surface integral of a vector field to the volume integral of its divergence, and the line integral of a vector field to the surface integral of its curl. They are fundamental tools in vector calculus and are used to simplify the calculation of integrals over complex surfaces and volumes.

2. What is the significance of these theorems?

These theorems are important in many areas of mathematics and physics, including electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, and differential geometry. They allow us to relate a difficult surface or volume integral to an easier line or surface integral, making it easier to solve complex problems in various fields.

3. How are these theorems derived?

The Stokes and Divergence theorems are derived from the fundamental theorem of calculus, using the concept of the gradient, divergence, and curl of a vector field. They can also be derived using the concepts of differential forms and exterior derivatives in differential geometry.

4. What are some real-world applications of these theorems?

These theorems have many applications in physics and engineering, such as calculating the flow of fluids through a pipe, determining the electric and magnetic fields around a wire, and analyzing the stress and strain in a solid object. They are also used in computer graphics to simulate fluid and smoke effects.

5. Are there any limitations to these theorems?

While the Stokes and Divergence theorems are powerful tools, they do have limitations. They only apply to smooth vector fields in three-dimensional space, and the surfaces and volumes must be well-behaved. They also do not apply in higher dimensions, where more advanced theories, such as differential forms and cohomology, are needed.

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