Evaluating ∫cF⋅dr Using Stokes' Theorem

In summary, for this problem, you need to use Stokes' Theorem to evaluate the circulation integral, which can be written as the surface integral of the curl of the vector field F. It is possible to use either the left or right side of the theorem, but one may be easier than the other depending on the given information. In this case, since you are told to use the theorem, it is best to use it to go from a circulation integral to a surface integral.
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happykamper21
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Homework Statement


Use Stokes' Theorem to evaluate ∫cF ⋅ dr, where F(x, y, z) = x2zi + xy2j + z2k and C is the curve of the intersection of the plane x + y + z = 1 and the cylinder x2 + y2 = 9 oriented counterclockwise as viewed from above.

Homework Equations


Stoke's Theorem:
cF ⋅ dr = ∫s curlF ⋅ ds

The Attempt at a Solution


For this problem I am extremely confused of which variant of Stoke's theorem to use and when it is appropriate to use a certain variant. For this problem my teacher found the curlF and then dotted it with the ds. However there are problems in the same section where he uses the left side of Stoke's Theorem. Is it possible to use both? If so, would it be possible to say which would be more advantageous over the other?
 
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  • #2
Since both sides give identical answers, it is concievable to use either one or both. But often one is much easier than the other. You can probably get a feel for which is easier by looking at the examples and the one that your teacher did not use to see what the problems would be. In example problems, you are often given the information needed for one side and not for the other, so it is simple.
 
  • #3
Since you are being told to use the theorem to compute the circulation integral, you should use it to go from a circulation integral to a surface integral. If you just computed the circulation integral you would not be using the theorem...
 
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1. What is ∫cF⋅dr?

∫cF⋅dr is the line integral of a vector field F along a closed curve c in a two or three-dimensional space. It represents the total amount of work done by the vector field along the curve.

2. What is Stokes' Theorem?

Stokes' Theorem is a mathematical theorem that relates the line integral of a vector field to the surface integral of its curl. It states that the line integral of a vector field F along a closed curve c is equal to the surface integral of the curl of F over any surface bounded by c.

3. How is Stokes' Theorem used to evaluate line integrals?

To evaluate a line integral using Stokes' Theorem, we first find the curl of the vector field F. Then, we choose a surface bounded by the given closed curve c and calculate the surface integral of the curl over that surface. Finally, the value of the line integral is equal to the surface integral of the curl.

4. What are the advantages of using Stokes' Theorem to evaluate line integrals?

One advantage of using Stokes' Theorem is that it provides a more efficient method for evaluating line integrals. Instead of directly calculating the line integral, we can use the theorem to relate it to a surface integral, which may be easier to evaluate.

5. Are there any limitations to using Stokes' Theorem to evaluate line integrals?

Stokes' Theorem can only be applied to closed curves in two or three-dimensional space. It also requires the vector field to be differentiable and the surface bounded by the curve to be continuously differentiable. If these conditions are not met, then the theorem cannot be used to evaluate the line integral.

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