Just clarify; Not a homework problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions under which a vector field is considered conservative, specifically addressing the implications when the vector field, F, is a function of velocity or time rather than solely position. It is established that if F is dependent on velocity (as in the Lorentz force F = v x B), the field cannot be conservative, as indicated by the non-zero curl. The conversation highlights that for a field to be conservative, it must only be a function of position, reinforcing that the closed loop line integral will not equal zero if the field is velocity-dependent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and conservative fields
  • Familiarity with curl and line integrals in vector calculus
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz force and its dependence on velocity
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical definition of conservative vector fields
  • Explore the implications of curl in vector calculus
  • Investigate the relationship between velocity and magnetic forces in electromagnetism
  • Learn about time-varying magnetic fields and their effects on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electromagnetism and vector calculus will benefit from this discussion.

neelakash
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Homework Statement



We know cyclic integral F(r).dl=0 => curl F(r)=0 and F(r) is a conservative vector field.
What if the vector field is NOT a function of r(x,y,z)?Suppose,F is a function of velocity or time...i.e. F=F(v) or F=F(t).Say we do not know v=v(r) or t=t(r).In that case will the field be at all consevative?

Is magnetic force (Lorentz force F=v x B ) a function of velocity?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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neelakash said:

Homework Statement



We know cyclic integral F(r).dl=0 => curl F(r)=0 and F(r) is a conservative vector field.
What if the vector field is NOT a function of r(x,y,z)?Suppose,F is a function of velocity or time...i.e. F=F(v) or F=F(t).Say we do not know v=v(r) or t=t(r).In that case will the field be at all consevative?
You might want to check out http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pegrav.html#cfor
neelakash said:
Is magnetic force (Lorentz force F=v x B ) a function of velocity?
Yes.
 
So,conservative vector field is only function of r,always...Right?The purpose of the question was to know another way to see that lorentz force is not conservative.Since curl E= -(del B/del t)...that is a common way to see it.
But if you know that this force is a function of velocity and for a field to be conservative,it is to be a function of position only,atleast qualitatively you know that the curl cannot be zero,nor the closed loop line integral is going to be zero.

Often there are cases where we use something (which we do not understand clearly) to prove another...Like this.I,perhaps, do not understand NOW why magnetic force is a function of velocity...Is this velocity is the velocity of the source charge or the test charge?
 

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