Surface integrals and line integrals

In summary, when calculating the electric field due to a plane sheet or the magnetic field due to a wire, we are calculating it at a single point by adding contributions from the entire plane or wire. The method used in both cases is to add up the contributions from each point in the plane or wire.
  • #1
superkraken
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0

Homework Statement



when we calculate the electric field due to a plane sheet or the magnetic field due to a wire,are we calculating it at a single point or the whole field due to the total wire?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
You are calculating the field at a single point by adding contributions from the entire plane or wire.
 
  • #3
superkraken said:

Homework Statement



when we calculate the electric field due to a plane sheet or the magnetic field due to a wire,are we calculating it at a single point or the whole field due to the total wire?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

What method are you using in each of these cases?
 

Related to Surface integrals and line integrals

1. What is a surface integral?

A surface integral is a mathematical concept that involves calculating the total value of a function over a given surface. It is a generalization of the concept of a regular integral, where the function is integrated over a one-dimensional interval.

2. What is the difference between a surface integral and a line integral?

A surface integral involves calculating the total value of a function over a surface, while a line integral involves calculating the total value of a function along a curve or line. In other words, a surface integral is a two-dimensional integral, while a line integral is a one-dimensional integral.

3. How do you calculate a surface integral?

The calculation of a surface integral involves dividing the surface into small, infinitesimal units and summing up the contributions from each unit. This can be done using a double integral, where one integral is taken over the surface and the other over the function being integrated.

4. What is the significance of surface integrals in physics?

In physics, surface integrals are used to calculate physical quantities such as electric and magnetic flux, which are important in the study of electromagnetism. They are also used in fluid mechanics to calculate the total flow through a surface.

5. Can surface integrals and line integrals be applied in real-world scenarios?

Yes, surface integrals and line integrals have many applications in real-world scenarios, particularly in physics and engineering. For example, they are used to calculate the work done by a force along a curved path, or to determine the total mass of a three-dimensional object by integrating its density function over its surface.

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