Conservative field over a domain

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The vector field \(\vec{F} = \frac{-y^2}{(x-y)^2}\vec{i} + \frac{x^2}{(x-y)^2}\vec{j}\) is confirmed to be conservative within the domain defined by \((x+5)^2 + y^2 \leq 9\). The partial derivatives \(\frac{\partial P}{\partial y}\) and \(\frac{\partial Q}{\partial x}\) are equal, specifically \(\frac{-2xy}{(x-y)^3}\), establishing conservativeness. The potential function is identified as \(f = \frac{xy}{x-y}\). The domain is crucial as it determines whether the field remains conservative, particularly regarding the line \(y = x\) which does not intersect the disk defined by the domain.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of conservative fields and potential functions
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives and their applications
  • Basic concepts of domain restrictions in multivariable calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of conservative vector fields in depth
  • Learn about potential functions and their significance in vector calculus
  • Explore the implications of domain restrictions on vector fields
  • Investigate the relationship between partial derivatives and field conservativeness
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those focusing on vector calculus, multivariable analysis, and anyone interested in the properties of conservative fields and potential functions.

manenbu
Messages
101
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



prove that:
[tex]\vec{F} = \frac{-y^2}{(x-y)^2}\vec{i} + \frac{x^2}{(x-y)^2}\vec{j}[/tex]
is a conservative field, and find the potential in the domain:
[tex]D: (x+5)^2 + y^2 \leq 9[/tex]

Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



Well,
[tex]\frac{\partial P}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial Q}{\partial x} = \frac{-2xy}{(x-y)^3}[/tex]
So is it conservative.
Also, the potential is:
[tex]f = \frac{xy}{x-y}[/tex]
which is correct according to my answer.

My question is - where does the domain come in? Why do I have it? I didn't use it while solving the problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your field, the potential, and the partials Py and Qx are undefined on the line y = x. Your domain D is a disk of radius 3, centered at (-5, 0). Does the line y = x intersect D? If not, your field is conservative over all of D. If so, the field is not conservative over all of D.
 
It doesnt't intersect.
ok, thanks.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K