Calculating Work Done by a Conservative Vector Field Along a Curve

In summary, the conversation discusses the computation of work done by a radial vector field F on a particle moving along a given curve C. The formula for the work is given as int(F dot dr), and the potential function is mentioned as a possible approach for the calculation. The conversation also includes a hint to differentiate the position function and take the dot product before integrating.
  • #1
krtica
50
0
If C is the curve given by r(t)=<1+3sin(t), 1+5sin^2(t), 1+5sin^3(t)>, 0≤t≤π/2 and F is the radial vector field F(x, y, z)=<x, y, z>, compute the work done by F on a particle moving along C.

Work= int (F dot dr)

If F is the potential function(?), do I integrate F with respect to each variable, then substitute the values of x, y, and z in r(t)? Would this then just be dotted into 1 since d/dt sin(t) is cos(t), which is 0 at π/2? Would my answer be something like (4^2/2)+(6^2/2)+(6^2/2)?
 
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  • #2
Hint: [itex]d\textbf{r}=\textbf{r}'(t)dt[/itex] :wink:
 
  • #3
So the integral is gross?
 
  • #4
No, the point of my hint is that you should differentiate your position function with respect to [itex]t[/itex], and then take the dot product with the position function and finally integrate the result. You'll have something like 6 terms to integrate, but they should all be straightforward.
 

1. What is a conservative vector field?

A conservative vector field is a type of vector field in which the line integral of the vector field around a closed loop is equal to zero. This means that the total work done by the vector field on a particle moving around the loop is independent of the path taken by the particle.

2. How can a conservative vector field be identified?

A conservative vector field can be identified by checking if it satisfies the condition of "curl F = 0", where F is the vector field. In other words, if the vector field has a curl of zero, it is conservative.

3. What is the significance of conservative vector fields?

Conservative vector fields play an important role in physics and mathematics, especially in the study of potential energy and work. They allow for the simplification of calculations and provide a useful tool for solving problems involving conservative forces.

4. Can a vector field be both conservative and non-conservative?

No, a vector field cannot be both conservative and non-conservative. If a vector field is conservative, it must satisfy the condition of "curl F = 0", while a non-conservative vector field will have a non-zero curl. However, a vector field can be conservative in some regions and non-conservative in others.

5. What are some real-life examples of conservative vector fields?

Some examples of conservative vector fields in real-life include the gravitational force field, electric field, and magnetic field. These fields exhibit the property of being conservative and can be used to calculate potential energy and work in physical systems.

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