[Calc 3] Verifying Stokes Theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying Stokes' Theorem for a vector field F(x,y,z) = over a surface S defined by the plane x+y+z=1 within the cylinder x^2 + y^2 = 9. Participants are exploring the relationship between line integrals and surface integrals as part of this verification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the parametrization of the curve and the complexity of the resulting integrals. Questions arise regarding the choice of integration interval, with some suggesting [-π, π] and others proposing [0, 2π] for evaluating the line integral. There is also mention of leveraging symmetry in the integrands to simplify calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with participants sharing insights about the integrals and the implications of using different intervals. Some guidance has been provided regarding the behavior of odd functions over symmetric intervals, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the integrals involved and the implications of their choices regarding parametrization and integration limits. The discussion reflects a mix of algebraic manipulation and conceptual understanding of Stokes' Theorem.

steezi
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Homework Statement



V.Field F(x,y,z)=<x^2 z, xy^2, z^2> where S is part of the plane x+y+z=1 inside cylinder x2 + y2 =9

Homework Equations



Line integrals, Stokes Theorem, Parametrizing intersections...

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the answer to be 81pi/2 using stoke's theorem and the double integral, but now I have to verify it using a line integral and I'm stuck. I think r(t) is supposed to = <3cos(t), 3sin(t), 1-3cos(t)-3sin(t)> but it just turns out so nasty I'm wondering if there are pieces I'm missing. Any help is appreciated.
 
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steezi said:

Homework Statement



V.Field F(x,y,z)=<x^2 z, xy^2, z^2> where S is part of the plane x+y+z=1 inside cylinder x2 + y2 =9

Homework Equations



Line integrals, Stokes Theorem, Parametrizing intersections...

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the answer to be 81pi/2 using stoke's theorem and the double integral, but now I have to verify it using a line integral and I'm stuck. I think r(t) is supposed to = <3cos(t), 3sin(t), 1-3cos(t)-3sin(t)> but it just turns out so nasty I'm wondering if there are pieces I'm missing. Any help is appreciated.
You're doing it right. It's just kind of tedious. This is what Mathematica came up with for the integrand, in case you want to check your algebra:
27\,\sin^3 t - 18\,\sin^2 t + 3 \sin t - 27\,\cos^3 t +<br /> 18\,\cos^2 t - 3 \cos t + 81 \sin t\,\cos^3 t + 162\,\sin^2 t\,\cos^2 t -<br /> 54 \sin t\,\cos^2 t + 27 \sin^2 t\,\cos t
Integrate over the interval [-\pi,\pi]. You can avoid doing most of the integrals by arguing they're going to be 0 for various reasons. Two will cancel with each other.
 
Mind explaining why the interval is -pi to pi? Thought its be 0 to 2pi. Appreciate the help!
 
steezi said:
Mind explaining why the interval is -pi to pi? Thought its be 0 to 2pi. Appreciate the help!

Do it from 0 to 2pi, you'll see much easier which terms go to zero.

[Hint] - any term which is going to leave you with just sine or cosine raised to some power will go to zero over that interval, can you see why?
 
steezi said:
Mind explaining why the interval is -pi to pi? Thought its be 0 to 2pi. Appreciate the help!
You can use either one, but with the symmetric interval, you can use the fact that an odd integrand will result in the integral being 0 without actually having to do the integral. For example, the integral of sin3 t will be 0. If you're clever, you can argue why this result implies the integral of cos3 t is also 0.

If you instead just grind out the integrals, which actually aren't too bad, it doesn't make a difference what interval you use. You should also recognize it shouldn't make a difference what interval you use as long as you end up going around the loop once.
 
Last edited:
vela said:
You can use either one, but with the symmetric interval, you can use the fact that an odd integrand will result in the integral being 0 without actually having to do the integral. For example, the integral of sin3 t will be 0. If you're clever, you can argue why this result implies the integral of cos3 t is also 0.

If you instead just grind out the integrals, which actually aren't too bad, it doesn't make a difference what interval you use. You should also recognize it shouldn't make a difference what interval you use as long as you end up going around the loop once.

It's a matter of choice of which terms you want to make go to zero I suppose, but I like using 0 to 2Pi because for the trig functions it's equivalent to integrating over an interval with both end points being the same.
 
pergradus said:
It's a matter of choice of which terms you want to make go to zero I suppose, but I like using 0 to 2Pi because for the trig functions it's equivalent to integrating over an interval with both end points being the same.
Which is also true of [-\pi, \pi]. I don't see how 0 to 2\pi makes it any easier.
 
Thanks so much guys, it helps a lot to know that I'm going down the right bath, even if the integral is a pain in the a**.
 

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