1. A student explains: 'The flux integral $\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S}$ computes how much of the vector field $\mathbf{F}$ passes through the surface $S$ per unit time.' Which of the following most accurately refines this explanation?
- A.The integral measures only the tangential component of $\mathbf{F}$ along the surface.
- B.The integral sums the normal component of $\mathbf{F}$ over the surface, giving the net flow through $S$ in the direction of the chosen orientation.
- C.The integral computes the work done by $\mathbf{F}$ as a particle moves across the surface.
- D.The integral equals $\iint_S |\mathbf{F}|\, dS$ regardless of the angle between $\mathbf{F}$ and $\hat{\mathbf{n}}$.
View Answer
Answer: The integral sums the normal component of $\mathbf{F}$ over the surface, giving the net flow through $S$ in the direction of the chosen orientation.
Key idea: flux measures the normal component: $\mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = \mathbf{F} \cdot \hat{\mathbf{n}}\, dS$, so the integrand picks out the component of $\mathbf{F}$ perpendicular to the surface. Why the correct answer works: Option B correctly states that the flux integral sums the normal component over the surface, and that the sign depends on the chosen orientation. Why distractors fail: Option A confuses flux with a line integral that uses the tangential component. Option C describes work (a line integral concept). Option D ignores the dot product — angle matters, so $|\mathbf{F}|\,dS$ would overcount.