Integral Over CFds: Homework Statement & Eqns

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the line integral of a vector field F over a curve C defined by the parametric equations r = (t, t^2) for t ranging from 0 to 1. The vector field is given as F = (x^2+y)i + (y-x)j.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriate form of the integral, questioning the relevance of polar coordinates and the meaning of the notation Fds. There is an exploration of expressing the integral in terms of the parameter t and the relationship between differentials dt and ds.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on rewriting the integral in terms of t, while others are clarifying the notation and the components involved in the integral. Multiple interpretations of the integral's setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the notation Fds and its implications for the integral, as well as the absence of polar coordinates in the problem setup. Participants are also navigating the transition from vector notation to parametric representation.

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Homework Statement


For F = (x^2+y)i + (y-x)j, calculate the integral over C of Fds for r = (t, t^2) where t goes from 0 to 1.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the integral over C of fds is f*sqrt(r'(t)^2+r^2*theta'(t)^2) dt. But I have no theta in this question, is this the wrong integral?
 
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dylanhouse said:

Homework Statement


For F = (x^2+y)i + (y-x)j, calculate the integral over C of Fds for r = (t, t^2) where t goes from 0 to 1.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the integral over C of fds is f*sqrt(r'(t)^2+r^2*theta'(t)^2) dt. But I have no theta in this question, is this the wrong integral?

Yes, that's the wrong integral. This problem has nothing to do with polar coordinates. You have ##\vec r(t) =\langle x(t),y(t)\rangle = \langle t,t^2\rangle##. Write the integral in terms of ##t##.
 
So F would be (2t^2)i + (t^2 - t)j. And dr is just <1, 2t>dt. But how would I integrate with respect to ds if I end up with a dt?
 
dylanhouse said:
So F would be (2t^2)i + (t^2 - t)j. And dr is just <1, 2t>dt. But how would I integrate with respect to ds if I end up with a dt?

Your integral is stated with an Fds. I don't think that is an arc length integral, but then you haven't told us what that notation means. F is a vector. What is ds? I would assume you mean ##\vec F\cdot d\vec s## which might otherwise be written ##\vec F\cdot \hat T~ds## or ##\vec F\cdot d\vec r##. In any case I expect you would evaluate it as ##\int\vec F\cdot \vec r'(t)~dt##.
 

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