Path Integrals- Multivariable Calculus

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the line integral ∫F ds over the path defined by c(t) = (t, t², t³) for the vector field F(x, y, z) = (y, 2x, y). The user attempted to rewrite F in terms of t and compute the integral using the formula L = √(f'(t)² + g'(t)² + h'(t)²)dt. However, confusion arose regarding the proper formulation of the integral, specifically whether to use the dot product of vectors or the scalar path length. Clarification is needed on the correct approach to compute the integral.

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Path Integrals-- Multivariable Calculus

Hi all-- really stuck here, help would be greatly appreciated. :)
1. Evaluate ∫Fds (over c), where F(x, y, z) = (y, 2x, y) and the path c is de fined by the equation c(t) = (t, t^2, t^3); on [0, 1]:



2. Homework Equations
L = sqrt(f'(t)^2 + g'(t)^2 + h'(t)^2)dt from a to b



3. The Attempt at a Solution
I thought that F(x,y,z) could be rewritten as (t^2, 2t, t^2), F'(x,y,z) is (2t, 2, 2t)
Then ∫Fds should be ∫√(2(2t)^2 +2^2)dt from 0 to 1.
I don't think this is correct, though, since whenever we have integrals of the type ∫√(x^2+c)dx, our TA sends emails telling us it's okay to use Wolfram Alpha.
Can anyone give me a hint in the right direction?
 
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Physics_Is_Fun said:
Hi all-- really stuck here, help would be greatly appreciated. :)
1. Evaluate ∫Fds (over c), where F(x, y, z) = (y, 2x, y) and the path c is de fined by the equation c(t) = (t, t^2, t^3); on [0, 1]:

You appear to be mixing scalars and vectors. You have F as a vector and ds as a scalar. One would expect either a line integral of the type ##\int\vec F\cdot d\vec R## or ##\int F(x,y,z)ds##. Which is it?
 

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