Can F be expressed as the gradient of a scalar?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a vector field \(\textbf{F} = \widehat{r} 2r \sin\phi + \widehat{\phi} r^2 \cos\phi\) and requires verification of Stokes's theorem over a specified contour. Additionally, there is a question regarding whether \(\textbf{F}\) can be expressed as the gradient of a scalar.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the evaluation of line and surface integrals in cylindrical coordinates, questioning the correctness of the integration steps and the interpretation of differential elements.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the integration process, pointing out potential errors in the interpretation of differential elements. There is an indication that the original poster has recognized a mistake in their calculations, suggesting a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of Stokes's theorem and the conditions under which a vector field can be expressed as a gradient, with specific attention to the details of the contour and the integrals involved.

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Homework Statement


Assume a vector field:\textbf{F} = \widehat{r} 2r sin\phi + \widehat{\phi} r^2 cos\phi

a) Verify the Stokes's theorem over the ABCD contour shown in Fig. 1 .
b) Can F be expressed as the gradient of a scalar? Explain

fig1.jpg


My problems results in not being able to verify Stoke's Theorem

Homework Equations


Stoke's Theorem
\oint_{C} \textbf{F}\cdot \overrightarrow{dl} = \int \int_{S} (\nabla\times\textbf{F})\cdot \overrightarrow{dS}


The Attempt at a Solution


We can see that the line integral and surface integrals can be dealt with in cylindrical coordinates.
for line integrals:
\int _{DA}+\int _{AB}+\int _{BC}+\int _{CD} =-\int_{r=2}^{1}2rsin(0)dr + \int_{\phi=0}^{\pi/3}cos(\phi)d\phi + \int_{r=1}^{2}2rsin(\pi/3)dr + \int_{\phi=\pi/3}^{0}4cos(\phi)d\phi
= \frac{\sqrt3}{2} +\frac{\sqrt3}{2}(4-1) -4\frac{\sqrt3}{2}=0

I also obtain that \nabla\cdot \textbf{F}=\widehat{z}cos\phi(3r-2)
And surface integral is evaluated as -\int_{r=1}^{2}\int _{\phi=0}^{\phi/3}cos\phi(3r-2)rdrd\phi=-(8-4)\frac{\sqrt3}{2}=-4\frac{\sqrt3}{2}
The negative is due to the fact that ds is in the -z direction.
Am I doing something wrong while integrating?

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In your line integrals for segments AB and CD, d\phi represents a change in angle, which s not the same as a change in arc length, dl.
 
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True, but isn't \overrightarrow{dl} = \widehat{\phi}r d\phi for path AB and \overrightarrow{dl} = -\widehat{\phi} r d\phi for path CD? The after dot product, I obtain the integrals previously?
 
SteamKings point is that, in the integral from C to D, ds= 2d\phi. You need another factor of 2.
 
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Ahh I see now I was missing r = 2 in the the CD line integral, now Stoke's theorem can be verified. Thank you very much guys!
 

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