Using Green's Theorem for Vector Fields

In summary, Green's Theorem is a mathematical tool used to convert a line integral into a double integral over the region enclosed by a closed curve. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving vector fields, such as calculating work, flux, and circulation. To use Green's Theorem, the curve must be simple and closed, the region must be simply connected, and the vector field must be continuous with continuous partial derivatives. Green's Theorem is related to the Divergence Theorem, which is a higher-dimensional generalization of the theorem. It can be used for both conservative and non-conservative vector fields, but the double integral over the region will not always equal the line integral in the case of non-conservative
  • #1
Calpalned
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6

Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand how the book went from calculating Green's theorem on ##\int _c Pdx + Qdy + \int _{-c'} Pdx + Qdy = ## (1 in the attached picture) to getting (labeled 2) ##\int _c Pdx + Qdy = \int _{c'} Pdx + Qdy ##

Thank you
 
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  • #2
just work out the derivatives ##\frac{\partial Q}{\partial x}## & ##\frac{\partial P}{\partial y}## & use the fact that for a path C, ##\int_{-C} P\,dx + Q\,dy = -\int_{C} P\,dx + Q\,dy##
 

1. What is Green's Theorem?

Green's Theorem is a mathematical tool used to relate a line integral around a closed curve to a double integral over the region enclosed by that curve. It is an important theorem in vector calculus and is often used in physics and engineering.

2. How is Green's Theorem used to solve problems?

Green's Theorem can be used to solve problems involving vector fields by converting a line integral into a double integral, which can often be easier to evaluate. It is particularly useful in calculating work, flux, and circulation of a vector field.

3. What are the conditions for using Green's Theorem?

To use Green's Theorem, the curve must be simple and closed, meaning it does not intersect itself. The region enclosed by the curve must also be simply connected, meaning it does not have any holes or gaps. The vector field must also be continuous and have continuous partial derivatives within the region.

4. How does Green's Theorem relate to the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem is a higher-dimensional generalization of Green's Theorem. While Green's Theorem relates a line integral to a double integral, the Divergence Theorem relates a surface integral to a triple integral. Both theorems are used to solve problems involving vector fields and have similar conditions for their application.

5. Can Green's Theorem be used for non-conservative vector fields?

Yes, Green's Theorem can be used for both conservative and non-conservative vector fields. However, for non-conservative fields, the double integral over the region enclosed by the curve will not equal the line integral around the curve. In this case, Green's Theorem is still useful for evaluating the work done by the vector field along the curve.

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