Find potential integrating on segments parallel to axes

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the conditions necessary for a domain ##D## to allow the calculation of potential in a conservative vector field using integrals along segments parallel to the coordinate axes. The primary requirement is that the domain must be connected, but mere connectivity is insufficient. An example provided illustrates that a connected domain, such as $$D= \{ (x,y) : y>x-1\}$$, does not guarantee that all points can be connected to the point ##(0,0)## via axis-parallel segments. The conversation suggests that additional mathematical properties, potentially involving compactness, may be necessary to establish these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservative vector fields
  • Knowledge of line integrals in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with the concept of connectedness in topology
  • Basic principles of compactness in mathematical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of connectedness in topological spaces
  • Study the implications of compactness in vector calculus
  • Explore examples of conservative vector fields and their potentials
  • Learn about path connectivity and its relation to line integrals
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying vector calculus or topology who seeks to understand the conditions for calculating potential in conservative vector fields.

crick
Messages
39
Reaction score
4
A simple method to find the potential of a conservative vector field defined on a domain ##D## is to calculate the integral
$$U(x,y,z)=\int_{\gamma} F \cdot ds$$

On a curve ##\gamma## that is made of segments parallel to the coordinate axes, that start from a chosen point ##(x_0,y_0,z_0)##.

I would like to know what are precisely the conditions that ##D## must satisfy to use this method. ##D## should be made in such way that "any point can be connected to ##(x_0,y_0,z_0)## with, indeed, a segment parallel to the coordinate axes".

But what are the sufficient mathematical conditions for $D$ in order to have this property?**

I would say that it surely has to be connected, but that seems not to be enough. For example taking
$$D= \{ (x,y) : y>x-1\} \,\,\,\, \,\,\,\,\,(x_0,y_0)=(0,0)$$
##D## is connected but I do not think that any point can be connected to ##(0,0)## via a segment parallel to the coordinate axes.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
crick said:
I do not think that any point can be connected to (0,0) via a segment parallel to the coordinate axes.
It does not need to be. It only has to be connected by some path consisting of segments parallel to the axes. Of course, it could get quite messy.
A simple example which does not work is two regions connected only by a diagonal line.
 
Last edited:
In my mind it seems like a compactness argument should be useful, but I do not presently have the energy to follow up.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K