Constructing Field Lines for a Vector Field with Inverse Distance Dependence

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the field lines of the vector field defined by F = (x^2+y^2)^{-1} (-y, x). The equations derived from the field line definition lead to a system of differential equations that, upon separation of variables, yield expressions involving x and y. The user expresses confusion about how these equations represent horizontal circles centered around the z-axis. After further calculations and adjustments, the user confirms understanding of the field lines' circular nature. The conversation emphasizes the importance of manipulating the equations correctly to reveal the geometric interpretation of the vector field.
Incand
Messages
334
Reaction score
47

Homework Statement


Determine the field lines of the vector field ##\vec F = (x^2+y^2)^{-1} (-y\hat x + x\hat y)##

Homework Equations


Definition of a field line
##\frac{d\vec r (\tau ) }{d\tau } = C \vec F (\vec r (\tau )) ##

The Attempt at a Solution


From the above equation and choosing ##C=1## we get
\begin{cases}\frac{dx}{d\tau } = \frac{-y}{x^2+y^2}\\
\frac{dy}{d\tau } = \frac{x}{x^2+y^2}.
\end{cases}
Separation of variables yields
\begin{cases}
\frac{x^3}{3}+y^2x = -y\tau + c_1\\
\frac{y^3}{3} + x^2y = x\tau + c_2
\end{cases}
somehow this is supposed to tell me the field lines are "horizontal circles centered around the z-axis" but I don't see how. If i multiply the first equation by x and the second by y and substract i end up with
##\frac{y^4-x^4}{3} = 2xy\tau + c_2y-c_1x##
But i still don't see why that is a circle.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You can calculate dx/dy. That gives easier formulas.
 
  • Like
Likes Incand
mfb said:
You can calculate dx/dy. That gives easier formulas.
Thanks got it now!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K