Calculate integral using Stokes Theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Stokes' Theorem to calculate the integral $\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3dx+x^3dy-^3dz\right )$, where $\sigma$ is defined by the intersection of the surfaces $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$. Participants explore the nature of the curve, its closure, and the appropriate surface for applying the theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the curve defined by the given relations is closed, noting the use of $\int$ instead of $\oint$.
  • Others assert that the curve is indeed closed and clarify that the notation does not affect this property.
  • There is a discussion about the surface $\Sigma$ to be used in Stokes' Theorem, with suggestions that the plane $x+y+z=1$ bounded by the cylinder $x^2+y^2=1$ is a suitable choice.
  • Participants explore the parametrization of the surface, with one proposing $\Sigma (x,y)=\left (x, \pm \sqrt{1-x^2}, 1-x-y\right )$ and another suggesting an alternative form $\Sigma(r,\theta)=(r\cos\theta, r\sin\theta, 1 - r\cos\theta - r\sin\theta)$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the curve is closed and that the surface can be chosen appropriately for Stokes' Theorem. However, there is disagreement regarding the specific parametrization of the surface.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the choice of surface and its parametrization, as well as the implications of using different integral notations.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

I want to calculate $\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3dx+x^3dy-^3dz\right )$ using the fomula of Stokes, when $\sigma$ is the curve that is defined by the relations $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$.

Is the curve not closed? Because we have an integral of the form $\int_{\sigma}$ and not of the form $\oint_{\sigma}$ ? (Wondering)

We have that $$\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3dx+x^3dy-^3dz\right )=\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3, x^3, -z^3\right )\cdot \left (dx, dy, dz\right )=\int_{\sigma}f\cdot d\sigma$$ with $f(x,y,z)=\left (-y^3, x^3, -z^3\right )$, right?

From the formula of Stokes we have that $$\int_{\sigma} f\cdot d\sigma=\iint_{\Sigma}\left (\nabla \times f\right )\cdot N\ dA$$ Which is the surface $\Sigma$ ? Do we take the intersection of the given relations $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$ ? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

I want to calculate $\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3dx+x^3dy-^3dz\right )$ using the fomula of Stokes, when $\sigma$ is the curve that is defined by the relations $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$.

Is the curve not closed? Because we have an integral of the form $\int_{\sigma}$ and not of the form $\oint_{\sigma}$ ?

Hey mathmari!

The intersection of $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$ is a closed curve.
So yes, it's closed.
The fact that the symbol $\int$ is used instead of $\oint$ doesn't mean it's not closed. The circle in the integral symbol is just an indication. Leaving it out doesn't mean it's not closed. (Thinking)

mathmari said:
We have that $$\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3dx+x^3dy-^3dz\right )=\int_{\sigma}\left (-y^3, x^3, -z^3\right )\cdot \left (dx, dy, dz\right )=\int_{\sigma}f\cdot d\sigma$$ with $f(x,y,z)=\left (-y^3, x^3, -z^3\right )$, right?

From the formula of Stokes we have that $$\int_{\sigma} f\cdot d\sigma=\iint_{\Sigma}\left (\nabla \times f\right )\cdot N\ dA$$ Which is the surface $\Sigma$ ? Do we take the intersection of the given relations $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$ ?

Yes. (Nod)
Actually, any surface with the same bounding curve will do, but the plane $x+y+z=1$ bounded by the cylinder $x^2+y^2=1$ seems to be a good choice.
 
I like Serena said:
Hey mathmari!

The intersection of $x^2+y^2=1$ and $x+y+z=1$ is a closed curve.
So yes, it's closed.
The fact that the symbol $\int$ is used instead of $\oint$ doesn't mean it's not closed. The circle in the integral symbol is just an indication. Leaving it out doesn't mean it's not closed. (Thinking)
Yes. (Nod)
Actually, any surface with the same bounding curve will do, but the plane $x+y+z=1$ bounded by the cylinder $x^2+y^2=1$ seems to be a good choice.

We have that $x^2+y^2=1 \Rightarrow y^2=1-x^2 \Rightarrow y=\pm \sqrt{1-x^2}$ and $x+y+z=1 \Rightarrow z=1-x-y$.

So, do we consider $\Sigma (x,y)=\left (x, \pm \sqrt{1-x^2}, 1-x-y\right )$ ? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
We have that $x^2+y^2=1 \Rightarrow y^2=1-x^2 \Rightarrow y=\pm \sqrt{1-x^2}$ and $x+y+z=1 \Rightarrow z=1-x-y$.

So, do we consider $\Sigma (x,y)=\left (x, \pm \sqrt{1-x^2}, 1-x-y\right )$ ?

Shouldn't that be $\Sigma (x,y)=\left (x, y, 1-x-y\right )$?

Or alternatively $\Sigma(r,\theta)=(r\cos\theta, r\sin\theta, 1 - r\cos\theta - r\sin\theta)$? (Wondering)
 

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