Finding the circulation of a vector field

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To find the circulation of the vector field E = (xy)X^ - (x^2 + 2y^2)Y^ around a triangular path, Green's theorem is applicable. The initial attempt involved incorrect integration limits, leading to confusion. By applying Green's theorem correctly, the integrand should be Q_x - P_y, not their sum. The solution was achieved by integrating with respect to x from 0 to 1 and y from 0 to x, resulting in the correct answer of -1. Proper use of Green's theorem clarified the process and resolved the problem.
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Homework Statement


Can someone guide me through solving a problem involving the circulation of a vector field?
The question is as stated
for the vector field E = (xy)X^ - (x^2 + 2y^2)Y^, where the letters next to the parenthesis with the hat mean they x y vector component. I need to find the circulation of that vector field given by the close path of a triangle going from (0,0) to (0,1) to (1,1) and back to (0,0)


Homework Equations



circulation = ∫Bdl

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried taking the partial derivatives with respect to x and y and then added the results. Then I took the double integral from 0 to 1 for the given result. The answer in the back of the book says -1. The only examples I see everywhere is the one with the circle which is very simple and only has one path. I understand I can add the integration of the individual paths, so how can I do the last part goinf from (1,1) to (0,0) when the vector changes for both variables?
 
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polaris90 said:

Homework Statement


Can someone guide me through solving a problem involving the circulation of a vector field?
The question is as stated
for the vector field E = (xy)X^ - (x^2 + 2y^2)Y^, where the letters next to the parenthesis with the hat mean they x y vector component. I need to find the circulation of that vector field given by the close path of a triangle going from (0,0) to (0,1) to (1,1) and back to (0,0)


Homework Equations



circulation = ∫Bdl

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried taking the partial derivatives with respect to x and y and then added the results. Then I took the double integral from 0 to 1 for the given result. The answer in the back of the book says -1. The only examples I see everywhere is the one with the circle which is very simple and only has one path. I understand I can add the integration of the individual paths, so how can I do the last part goinf from (1,1) to (0,0) when the vector changes for both variables?

You need to show your work. Among other possible errors, integrating both x and y from 0 to 1 would describe a square, not a triangle. Are you using Green's theorem? That would give an integrand of ##Q_x - P_y## not their sum.
 
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Thank you for your reply. I didn't know what I was doing, but I used Green's theorem as you said and helped me solve the problem. I integrated with respect to x from 0 to 1 and with respect to y from 0 to x and I obtained the right answer.
 
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?

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