Path Integral of F = (x, y2, 2z) from a to b - Calculating Line Integrals

  • Thread starter Thread starter Prologue
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cross Integral
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the path integrals of the vector field F = (x, y², 2z) along the line segment from point a = (0, 0, 0) to point b = (1, 1, 1). The first integral, ∫ab F × dℝ, requires calculating the cross product of F with the differential vector dℝ, while the second integral, ∫ab F ds, involves integrating the vector field along the path defined by r(s) = (s, s, s) for s in [0, 1]. The participant expresses confusion regarding the nature of vector integrals and the necessary steps to compute them.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically line integrals.
  • Familiarity with vector fields and their properties.
  • Knowledge of cross products in three-dimensional space.
  • Ability to parameterize curves in three dimensions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of line integrals in vector calculus.
  • Learn how to compute cross products of vectors in three dimensions.
  • Explore parameterization of curves and their applications in integrals.
  • Practice evaluating vector field integrals using specific examples.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector calculus and need to understand line integrals and vector fields.

Prologue
Messages
183
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


For F = (x, y2, 2z), evaluate the path integrals along the line of a to b:

[tex]\vec{a}=(0,0,0), \vec{b}=(1,1,1), \int^{b}_{a} \vec{F} \times d\vec{r}[/tex]

[tex]\int^{b}_{a} \vec{F} ds[/tex]

Homework Equations



No idea.

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't have a clue what these integrals even evaluate to. The first one should be a vector, and I have no idea what that even means, an integral that isn't a scalar. The second one is the same problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Write down the path r(s)=(s,s,s) from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1) with s going from 0 to 1. dr is (dr/ds)*ds which is (1,1,1)*ds. The integral of Fds is F(r(s))*ds. To integrate the vector ds just find the vector whose components are the integral of each component of the vector. I.e. (integral sds, integral s^2ds, integral 2sds). To find Fxdr cross the vector F(r(s)) with (1,1,1) and integrate that vector ds.
 

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K