Flux

Learning objectives

  • Develop an intuitive understanding of flux through a surface
  • Distinguish between a flux and a flux density
  • Motivating example is mass flux:  \int_S \vec F \cdot d\vec A where
    • S is an oriented surface in 3-space
    • \vec{F} is a vector field in 3-space, units \hbox{kg}/(\hbox{meter}^2 \cdot \hbox{second})
  • Compute flux integrals geometrically
    • when vector field is tangent to the surface
    • when vector field is orthogonal to the surface and of constant magnitude on the surface
  • Compute some flux integrals analytically using surface parameterizations

Before class

  • Read Hughes-Hallett section 19.1, 19.2
  • Ponder Hughes-Hallett problems:  19.1: 1, 2, 10, 11, 37, 38; 19.2: 5, 13, 21.

In class

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