Evaluating a Line integral in spherical polar coordinates

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the line integral A dot dl with a closed curve in spherical polar coordinates. The person is struggling with the problem and is asking for help and a general trick for solving line integral problems. However, full solutions are not allowed on the forum. A hint is given to find an expression for dl before attempting to integrate A.dl.
  • #1
wam_mi
81
1

Homework Statement




Consider the vector potential
A = cr * [(sin theta)^2 * (cos fi) * (sin fi) + (cos theta)^2 ) er
+ (sin theta) cos (theta) * [(sin fi) (cos fi)  − 1] e theta
+ {(sin theta) (cosfi)^2 } efi


er: in the er direction
e theta: in the e theta direction
e fi: in the e fi direction

A is given in spherical polar coordinates.

Calculate the line integral A dot dl with closed curve C, where C is the circle parametrised by fi, at some arbitrary values of (r, theta)


Please help, I really can't do this line integral.
It would also be nice to see a full solution!


Can anyone please also tell me what's the general trick of tackling problems with line integral?


Many thanks guys!




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
wam_mi said:
Please help, I really can't do this line integral.
It would also be nice to see a full solution!

The Attempt at a Solution


We don't provide full solutions;it's against forum policy!

Make an attempt, post your work and we'll help you through it.:smile:

As a hint, a good starting point is to find an expression for dl (after all, you are going to have a heck of a time integrating A.dl if you don't know what dl is! :wink:)...
 

1. What is a line integral in spherical polar coordinates?

A line integral in spherical polar coordinates is a way to calculate the total change along a curved path in three-dimensional space. It takes into account the distance, direction, and magnitude of the change at each point along the path.

2. How is a line integral in spherical polar coordinates different from a regular line integral?

The main difference is that a line integral in spherical polar coordinates takes into account the curved nature of the path, whereas a regular line integral is calculated along a straight line.

3. What are the steps for evaluating a line integral in spherical polar coordinates?

The steps for evaluating a line integral in spherical polar coordinates are as follows:

  • 1. Determine the limits of integration for each variable (r, θ, and φ).
  • 2. Convert the integrand into spherical polar coordinates.
  • 3. Evaluate the integral using the appropriate formula for spherical polar coordinates.
  • 4. Plug in the limits of integration and simplify the expression.

4. What are some applications of line integrals in spherical polar coordinates?

Line integrals in spherical polar coordinates are commonly used in physics and engineering to calculate things like work, electric field, and magnetic field along a curved path. They are also used in fluid mechanics to calculate fluid flow along a curved path.

5. Are there any limitations to using spherical polar coordinates for evaluating line integrals?

Yes, spherical polar coordinates are not always the most efficient or accurate way to evaluate line integrals. They are best suited for problems involving spherical symmetry or when the path being integrated along is curved. In other cases, it may be more appropriate to use other coordinate systems such as Cartesian or cylindrical coordinates.

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