Closed curve line integral of gradient using Green's Theorem

In summary, closed curve line integrals are evaluated along a closed curve and measure the work done by a vector field along the curve. The gradient represents the rate of change of a function and Green's Theorem relates closed curve line integrals to double integrals. It simplifies the calculation of line integrals and has applications in physics, engineering, and computer graphics.
  • #1
twotwelve
9
0
Apostol page 386, problem 5

Homework Statement


Given [tex]f,g[/tex] continuously differentiable on open connected [tex]S[/tex] in the plane, show
[tex]\oint_C{f\nabla g\cdot d\alpha}=-\oint_C{g\nabla f\cdot d\alpha}[/tex]
for any piecewise Jordan curve [tex]C[/tex].

Homework Equations


1. Green's Theorem
2. [tex]\frac{\partial P}{\partial y}=\frac{\partial Q}{\partial x}[/tex] for [tex]\nabla f,\nabla g[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I need some general direction on this one...
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Use that grad(fg)=f*grad(g)+g*grad(f), maybe?
 
  • #3
\begin{facepalm*}
that makes it about a 2 second proof then
\end{facepalm*}
-thanks
 

1. What is a closed curve line integral?

A closed curve line integral is a type of line integral that is evaluated along a closed curve, meaning that the starting and ending points of the curve are the same. It measures the total amount of work done by a vector field along the curve.

2. What is the gradient?

The gradient is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function with respect to its variables. It is a vector that points in the direction of the steepest increase of the function and its magnitude represents the rate of change.

3. What is Green's Theorem?

Green's Theorem is a fundamental theorem in vector calculus that relates the closed curve line integral of a vector field to the double integral over the region enclosed by the curve. It provides a convenient way to calculate line integrals using partial derivatives instead of complicated parametrizations.

4. How is Green's Theorem used in calculating closed curve line integrals?

Green's Theorem allows us to convert a closed curve line integral into a double integral over the region enclosed by the curve. This makes the calculation of the line integral much simpler, as it only requires the evaluation of partial derivatives of the vector field at each point in the region.

5. What are some real-world applications of closed curve line integrals using Green's Theorem?

Closed curve line integrals using Green's Theorem have various applications in physics and engineering, such as calculating work done by a force, finding the circulation of a fluid flow, and determining the total electric flux through a closed surface. They are also used in computer graphics to calculate the curvature of a 2D shape.

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