Given value of a line integral, find line integral along different curves

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating line integrals along different curves given a specific value for a line integral along a defined curve. The subject area is vector calculus, specifically focusing on line integrals and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to evaluate line integrals along three different curves, questioning whether the vector field remains consistent across these curves and if the resulting values can be inferred from the given integral.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's reasoning, with one participant expressing uncertainty about the tone of a response. The discussion appears to be productive, with acknowledgment of the clarity in the original poster's understanding.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the directional differences of the curves and raises questions about the implications of these orientations on the line integral values. There is an underlying assumption that the vector field is the same for all curves, which is not explicitly confirmed.

SithsNGiggles
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Given value of a line integral, find line integral along "different" curves

Homework Statement


I think I've got this figured out, so I'm just checking my answers:

Suppose that

[itex]\int_\gamma \vec{F}(\vec{r}) \cdot d\vec{r} = 17[/itex],
where [itex]\gamma[/itex] is the oriented curve [itex]\vec{r}(t) = \cos{t} \vec{i} + \sin{t} \vec{j}[/itex],
[itex]0 \leq t \leq \pi/2[/itex].

Use this to evaluate the line integrals in 1-3.

Homework Equations


1. [itex]\int_{C_1} \vec{F}(\vec{r}) \cdot d\vec{r}[/itex], where [itex]C_1[/itex] is the curve
[itex]\vec{r}(t) = \sin{t} \vec{i} + \cos{t} \vec{j}[/itex],
[itex]0 \leq t \leq \pi/2[/itex].

2. [itex]\int_{C_2} \vec{F}(\vec{r}) \cdot d\vec{r}[/itex], where [itex]C_2[/itex] is the curve
[itex]\vec{r}(t) = t \vec{i} + \sqrt{1-t^2} \vec{j}[/itex],
[itex]0 \leq t \leq 1[/itex].

3. [itex]\int_{C_3} \vec{F}(\vec{r}) \cdot d\vec{r}[/itex], where [itex]C_3[/itex] is the curve
[itex]\vec{r}(t) = \sqrt{1-t^2} \vec{i} + t \vec{j}[/itex],
[itex]0 \leq t \leq 1[/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution


I realize that each curve [itex]\vec{r}[/itex] represents a quarter-circle in the first quadrant, and [itex]\gamma[/itex] and [itex]C_3[/itex] have a counter-clockwise direction starting at [itex](1, 0)[/itex], whereas [itex]C_1[/itex] and [itex]C_2[/itex] have a clockwise direction starting at [itex](0, 1)[/itex].

[itex]\vec{F}[/itex] is the same in each case, right? And if so, are the answers simply
1. -17
2. -17
3. 17?

Thanks!
 
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Sure. What could be wrong with that?
 


:rolleyes: I'm not sure how to interpret that... It can easily be mistaken for sarcasm.
 


SithsNGiggles said:
:rolleyes: I'm not sure how to interpret that... It can easily be mistaken for sarcasm.

It's not. I just meant that your understanding is clear enough I can't think what to add. Suppose I should have said that.
 


Ok. Thank you!
 

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