Computationally based proofs of Stokes's theorem and Gauss's theorem
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Relative to perhaps forty years ago, the current undergraduate curriculum in physics and in mathematics often contains less rigourous proof and more computation. As a consequence, by the time physics majors take a junior level course in electricity and magnetism, many of them have not been exposed to proofs of Gauss's theorem and Stokes's theorem; indeed, their very knowledge of these essential theorems may even be questioned. However, it is straightforward to establish these theorems with computationally based proofs. Stokes's theorem is proved by considering a small arbitrary triangle, from which an arbitrary surface can be approximated. Gauss's theorem is proved by considering a small arbitrary tetrahedron, from which an arbitrary volume can be approximated. 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.
