Green's Theorem Verification for Vector Field F and Region R

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying Green's Theorem for a specific vector field and region. Participants analyze the calculations involved in applying the theorem, including the line integral and the divergence of the vector field.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the vector field \(\overrightarrow{F} = -y \hat{\imath} + x \hat{\jmath}\) and the curve \(C\) defined parametrically, along with the region \(R\).
  • The same participant calculates the line integral \(\oint_C{\overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}}ds\) and finds it to be zero, asserting that \(\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F} = 0\) leads to \(\iint_R{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}}dA = 0\).
  • Another participant questions the definition of \(\hat{n}\), suggesting it should be a unit vector.
  • Further replies clarify that \(\hat{n}\) can be made a unit vector by dividing by its length, which is \(a\), resulting in \(\hat{n} = \cos{t} \hat{\imath} + \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}\).
  • Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the exercise beyond the unit vector issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the overall exercise, as participants focus on the unit vector aspect of \(\hat{n}\) and do not reach a definitive conclusion regarding the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of using a non-unit vector for \(\hat{n}\) in the context of Green's Theorem, leaving some assumptions and dependencies unaddressed.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

I have to verify the Green's Theorem $\oint_C{ \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}}ds=\iint_R{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}}dA$.
The following are given:
$$\overrightarrow{F}=-y \hat{\imath}+x \hat{\jmath}$$
$$C: r=a \cos{t} \hat{ \imath}+a \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}, 0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi$$
$$R: x^2+y^2 \leq a^2$$

I have done the following:
$$\hat{n}=\frac{dy}{dt} \hat{ \imath}-\frac{dx}{dt} \hat{\jmath}=a \cos{t} \hat{\imath}+a \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}$$
$$\oint_C{\overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}}ds=\int_0^{2 \pi} {(-a \sin{t} \hat{\imath}+ a \cos{t} \hat{\jmath})(a \cos{t} \hat{\imath}+a \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}) } a dt=\int_0^{2 \pi}{(-a^2 \sin{t} \cos{t}+a^2 \cos{t} \sin{t})a}dt=\int_0^{2 \pi}{0}dt=0$$

$$ \nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}=0$$
$$\iint_R{\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{F}}dA=\iint_R{0}dA=0$$

Have I calculated correct these two integrals? Is the change of variables at the first integral right?
 
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Hi!
emoticon-alladin-016.gif
mathmari said:
$$\hat{n}=\frac{dy}{dt} \hat{ \imath}-\frac{dx}{dt} \hat{\jmath}=a \cos{t} \hat{\imath}+a \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}$$

Isn't $\hat n$ supposed to be a unit vector? :eek:
 
I like Serena said:
Hi!
emoticon-alladin-016.gif


Isn't $\hat n$ supposed to be a unit vector? :eek:
So can I not use this $\hat{n}$? which $\hat{n}$ can I use instead?
 
mathmari said:
So can I not use this $\hat{n}$? which $\hat{n}$ can I use instead?

To make it a unit vector, you should divide by its length, which happens to be $a$:
$$\hat{n}= \cos{t} \hat{\imath}+ \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}$$
 
I like Serena said:
To make it a unit vector, you should divide by its length, which happens to be $a$:
$$\hat{n}= \cos{t} \hat{\imath}+ \sin{t} \hat{\jmath}$$

Aha, ok! And besides from that is the exercise correct?
 
mathmari said:
Aha, ok! And besides from that is the exercise correct?

Yep!
 
I like Serena said:
Yep!

Ok! Thanks a lot! (Smirk)
 

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