Evaluating Line Integrals Along a Curve

In summary, the conversation discusses evaluating a line integral using the dot product and provides an example of how it can be split up and simplified. The limits of the integral are corrected to be from t=0 to t=2pi.
  • #1
bfr
52
0
If a question says something like: "evaluate [tex]\int[/tex](x*z*y)dx - (x-y)dy + (x^3)dz from (1,0,0,) to (1,0,2pi) along the curve (x,y,z)=(cos(t),sin(t),t)" or something like that, this is just basically splitting up a line integral? In my example, it would be the same as: [tex]\int[/tex]cos(t)*t*sin(t)) * (-sin(t)) dt - [tex]\int[/tex](cos(t)-sin(t))*cos(t) dt ... etc. , which is just: [tex]\int[/tex]<(cos(t)*t*y),-(cos(t)-y),(cos(t)^3)> dot <-sin(t),cos(t),1> dt from t=0 to t=1 ("dot" represents a dot product).
 
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  • #2
bfr said:
If a question says something like: "evaluate [tex]\int[/tex](x*z*y)dx - (x-y)dy + (x^3)dz from (1,0,0,) to (1,0,2pi) along the curve (x,y,z)=(cos(t),sin(t),t)" or something like that, this is just basically splitting up a line integral? In my example, it would be the same as: [tex]\int[/tex]cos(t)*t*sin(t)) * (-sin(t)) dt - [tex]\int[/tex](cos(t)-sin(t))*cos(t) dt ... etc. , which is just: [tex]\int[/tex]<(cos(t)*t*y),-(cos(t)-y),(cos(t)^3)> dot <-sin(t),cos(t),1> dt from t=0 to t=1 ("dot" represents a dot product).
Pretty much, though the limits would be from t=0 to t=2pi, and it's the second form of the integral (i.e. the expanded dot product) that is useful to calculate (by evaluating the definite integral with respect to t).
 
  • #3
OK, thanks.

And, er, yeah, I meant from t=0 to t=2pi.
 

1. What is a line integral along a curve?

A line integral along a curve is a mathematical concept used in multivariable calculus to calculate the total change of a scalar or vector field along a given curve. It involves breaking the curve into small sections and calculating the contribution of each section to the overall integral.

2. How is a line integral along a curve evaluated?

To evaluate a line integral along a curve, you first need to parameterize the curve by expressing it in terms of a single variable. Then, you need to determine the limits of integration by identifying the starting and ending points of the curve. Finally, you integrate the function being evaluated along the curve between the given limits.

3. What is the difference between a line integral and a regular integral?

A line integral is a type of integral that is calculated along a curve, while a regular integral is calculated over a specific interval. Line integrals involve considering the direction of the curve, while regular integrals do not. Additionally, line integrals can be used to calculate the work done along a path by a vector field, while regular integrals are used to calculate the area under a curve.

4. What are some real-world applications of line integrals along a curve?

Line integrals along a curve have many real-world applications, including calculating the work done by a force moving along a curved path, calculating the circulation of a fluid flow around a closed path, and determining the center of mass of a curved object.

5. Are there any limitations to using line integrals along a curve?

One limitation of using line integrals along a curve is that it can only be applied to smooth curves. If the curve has sharp corners or discontinuities, the calculation may become more complicated or even impossible. Additionally, line integrals may give different results depending on the chosen parameterization of the curve.

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