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Mathematical Expression Editor
Let be the sphere of radius centered at the point , i.e., and let be the
northern hemisphere meaning In both cases, arrange the orientation so that the
positive-flux direction at the north pole points in the direction of the positive
-axis.
Define a vector field by the rule
.
This equals, by Stokes’ theorem, .
But is empty, so the integral vanishes.
.
Let be the equator meaning so that is a circle of radius .
By Stokes’ theorem, this integral is .
Let be the equatorial disk
By Stokes’ theorem, these integrals are also equal to provided is oriented
appropriately—in this case, with .
Since , these integrals are the area of , which is .
.
By the divergence theorem, the given integral is the same as the integral of over the
enclosed volume.
But and the sphere of radius has volume .
So the integral is .
Let be the equatorial disk
Then and (suitably oriented) together bound an solid hemisphere.
By the divergence theorem, the difference between the flux through and equals
integrated over that solid hemisphere.
But and the hemisphere of radius has volume .
So the difference between the flux through and is .
The flux through can be computed by hand: in that case, but then on the quantity
.