1. The Jacobian determinant $\left|\frac{\partial(x,y,z)}{\partial(u,v,w)}\right|$ represents which of the following in a change of variables for a triple integral?
- A.The direction in which the coordinate axes are rotated
- B.The scaling factor that accounts for the distortion of volume elements under the transformation
- C.The gradient of the transformation function
- D.The curvature of the coordinate surfaces in the new system
View Answer
Answer: The scaling factor that accounts for the distortion of volume elements under the transformation
Definition of the Jacobian: The Jacobian determinant measures how infinitesimal volume elements change when we transform from one coordinate system to another. Why the correct answer works: It acts as a scaling factor: $dV_{xyz} = \left|\frac{\partial(x,y,z)}{\partial(u,v,w)}\right| du\, dv\, dw$, ensuring the integral's value is preserved under the change of variables. Why distractors fail: Option A confuses the Jacobian with a rotation matrix. Option C confuses it with the gradient, which is a vector, not a determinant. Option D confuses it with a geometric property of coordinate surfaces.