Calculating an Intergral over C Using Force F and Circle C

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jlmac2001
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by the force vector F = yi + xj along the closed path defined by the circle C, given by the equation x² + y² + 2x = 0. Participants confirm that since the force field is conservative, the integral around any closed path, including circle C, evaluates to zero. They also clarify that C is not a constant but the specified path for integration. Additionally, the application of Green's Theorem is discussed, reinforcing that the integral of the force field results in zero due to the nature of the exact differential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and force vectors
  • Familiarity with line integrals and their applications
  • Knowledge of Green's Theorem and its implications
  • Basic calculus, including integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Green's Theorem in various contexts
  • Learn about conservative vector fields and their properties
  • Explore the concept of exact differentials in calculus
  • Practice calculating line integrals over different paths
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are interested in vector calculus, particularly those working with force fields and line integrals.

jlmac2001
Messages
75
Reaction score
0
Find the work (intergral over C )F dot dr done by a force F=yi + xj in going all the wy counterclockwise around circle C give by x^2+y^2+2x=0, by the easiet technique you know.

Would i get a double intergral over C (-1) dxdy? How would I get C?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
U can interchange dy into dx and vice versa from the equation of circle and it will be easy to integrate
 
The easiest way is this: Since d(y)/y= 1= d(x)/dx, this is a "conservative" force field (mathematically, ydx+ xdy is an "exact differential") and so its integral around any closed path is 0.

I'm not sure where you got "-1" from. Using Green's theorem the integrand would be d(x)/dx- d(y)/dy= 1- 1= 0 just as above.

Saying "How would I get C?" makes it sound as if you think C is a constant. You don't have to "get" C: C is the path given.

IF the problem were to integrate, say, ydx+ 3xdy, then we would integrate [tex]\int (\frac{d(3x)}{dx}-\frac{d(y)}{dy})dA[/tex]
= [tex]2\int dA[/tex] which is just 2 times the area of the circle.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
1K