Proving Path Independence: Evaluating the Integral on a Given Curve"

  • Thread starter Thread starter joemama69
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Path
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the path independence of a vector field F and evaluating the line integral of F along a specified curve c, defined parametrically. The context involves concepts from vector calculus, particularly related to line integrals and path independence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary conditions for path independence, including the calculation of the curl of F. There is also a consideration of the implications of showing the curl is zero. Questions arise regarding the complexity of the integral and the choice of path for evaluation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the path independence of the integral by calculating the curl of F and finding it to be zero. However, there is ongoing discussion about the evaluation of the integral along the curve c, with one participant expressing frustration over the complexity of the resulting expression. Guidance has been offered regarding the choice of a more convenient path for integration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the problem's requirements, including the need to evaluate the integral over a specific curve and the potential for simplifying the integration process by selecting different paths.

joemama69
Messages
390
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



show that F is path independent. Then evaluate the integral F dot dr on c, where c = r(t) = (t+sin(pi)t) i + (2t + cos(pi)t) j, 0<=t<=1

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



F = 4x^3y^2 + 2xy^3 i + 2x^4y - 3x^2y^2 + 4y^3 j

grad f = 12x^2y^2 + 2y^3 i + 2x^4 - 6x^2y + 12y^2 j not sure i need this

my instructor talked about numerouse way to determine path independace. which is the easiest
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You mean the line integral of F is path independent? All you have to do is show that the curl of F is zero. Then the result follows from Stoke's theorem.
 
ok so i found the curl of F
curl F = (8x^3y - 6xy^2 - 8x^3y + 6xy^2) = 0

but then the problem says to eval the integral F dot dr over the region c

when i dot them i got a extremely long expression. is this problem just a pain in the butt or did i make a boo boo
 
You've shown that the line integral is path independent, so you can choose a more convenient path to do the integration. What does the curve C look like? What are its endpoints?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K