Finding the circulation of a vector field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the circulation of the vector field E = (xy)X^ - (x^2 + 2y^2)Y^ along a triangular path defined by the vertices (0,0), (0,1), and (1,1). The correct approach involves applying Green's Theorem, which states that circulation can be computed using the formula ∫Bdl, where the integrand is derived from the partial derivatives of the vector field components. The user initially struggled with the integration limits but successfully resolved the issue by integrating with respect to x from 0 to 1 and y from 0 to x, ultimately confirming the answer of -1 as stated in the textbook.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and their components
  • Familiarity with Green's Theorem
  • Knowledge of line integrals and double integrals
  • Ability to compute partial derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Green's Theorem in different contexts
  • Explore examples of circulation calculations for various vector fields
  • Learn about the relationship between line integrals and area integrals
  • Investigate other theorems related to vector calculus, such as Stokes' Theorem
USEFUL FOR

Students studying vector calculus, particularly those focusing on circulation and line integrals, as well as educators seeking to clarify the application of Green's Theorem in practical problems.

polaris90
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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.
 

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