Find integral curve over vector field

In summary, the conversation is asking for an integral curve of a given vector field in R^3 space that passes through a specific point. The solution involves integrating the partial derivatives of the vector field and using a constant of integration that can be a function of the variables. It is unclear if the person asking the question understands the concept correctly.
  • #1
Alteran
18
0
The question should be very easy, its from topics of Differential Geometry, I just want to make sure that I understands it right :shy: . My question is:

in [tex]R^3[/tex] we have vector field [tex]X[/tex] and for every point [tex]p(x,y,z)[/tex] in [tex]R^3[/tex] space, vector field [tex]X(p) = (p; X_x(p), X_y(p), X_z(p))[/tex] has:
[tex]X_x(p) = -x+y+z[/tex]
[tex]X_y(p) = x-y+z[/tex]
[tex]X_z(p) = x+y-z[/tex]

Find integral curve [tex]\alpha[/tex] of this vector field and it should pass through point [tex]$q=(a,b,c) \in R^3[/tex] so that [tex]\alpha(0)=q[/tex].

Thanks for any advise.
 
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  • #2
In other words, you are looking for [itex]\alpha (x,y,z)[/itex] such that
[tex]\frac{\partial \alpha}{\partial x}= -x+ y+ z[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\partial \alpha}{\partial y}= x- y+ z[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\partial \alpha}{\partial z}= x+ y- z[/tex]

Integrating the first with respect to x (treating y and z as constants) gives [itex]\alpha(x,y,z)= -\frac{1}{2}x^2+ xy+ xz+ u(y,z)[/itex].
Note that the "constant of integration", since we are treating y and z as constants, may be a function of x and y. Do you remember dealing with "path integrals independent of the path" in Calculus? You should be able to finish this yourself.

We can't tell you whether you are "understanding it right" or not since you haven't told us how you understand it.
 

1. What is an integral curve in relation to a vector field?

An integral curve is a smooth curve that is tangent to a given vector field at every point along its path. In other words, the vector field represents the direction and magnitude of the tangent vector to the curve at each point.

2. How do you find an integral curve over a vector field?

To find an integral curve over a vector field, you must first determine the initial point on the curve, and then use the vector field to calculate the direction and magnitude of the tangent vector at that point. From there, you can use differential equations or numerical methods to plot the curve.

3. What is the purpose of finding integral curves over a vector field?

Finding integral curves over a vector field allows us to visualize and understand the behavior of the vector field. It can also help us solve various physical problems, such as predicting the path of a moving object in a given field.

4. Can integral curves intersect or cross each other?

No, integral curves cannot intersect or cross each other. This is because at each point on the curve, the tangent vector must match the direction and magnitude of the vector field. If two curves were to intersect, this condition would not be satisfied.

5. Are there any limitations to finding integral curves over a vector field?

There are some limitations to finding integral curves over a vector field, such as the fact that they may not exist at certain points or may only exist for a limited range of values. Additionally, the process of finding integral curves can be complex and may require advanced mathematical techniques.

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