Proving Stokes Theorem w/ Homework Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving Stokes' Theorem in the context of a vector field, specifically relating to the equation involving the integral of the squared magnitude of the vector field and its curl. Participants are exploring the implications of the theorem and its application to the given problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to relate the identity involving the curl of the squared magnitude of the vector field to Stokes' Theorem. There are questions about the interpretation of the terms involved, particularly the meaning of the squared magnitude and the role of the unit normal vector.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the components of the integral and the application of Stokes' Theorem, suggesting that breaking down the vector-valued integral into its components may clarify the approach. However, there remains uncertainty about the correct interpretation of certain terms and the overall setup.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the initial understanding of the problem, and participants are questioning assumptions about the vector field and its representation. The discussion is framed within the constraints of homework guidelines, emphasizing the need for careful reasoning.

Gregg
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Homework Statement



Prove that

## \oint_{\partial S} ||\vec{F}||^2 d\vec{F} = -\int\int_S 2 \vec{F}\times d\vec{A} ##

Homework Equations



Identities:

##\nabla \times (||\vec{F}||^2 \vec{k}) = 2\vec{F} \times \vec{k} ##

For ##\vec{k} ## constant i.e. ## \nabla \times \vec{k} = 0 ##

Stokes Theorem

##\oint_{\partial S} \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{x} = \int\int_S (\nabla \times \vec{B})\cdot d \vec{A} ##

The Attempt at a Solution



So I need to use that identity ##\nabla \times (||\vec{F}||^2 \vec{k}) = 2\vec{F} \times \vec{k} ##

The problem is that Stokes theorem is in a different form. The constant vector here I think is the k=dA.

I really can't think of what to do
 
Last edited:
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Well, \vec F is the vector field, but I'm not sure what ||\vec F|| represents in the original equation.
 
I made an error. It is a squared term.
 
Assuming that there are no more mistakes in your first post, \vec k represents the outward unit normal vector from the surface, S.
 
Maybe you should use Stokes' theorem for each component of the original vector-valued integral
\vec{I}= \oint ||\vec{F}||^2 d\vec{F}
I_x = \oint (||\vec{F}||^2 \vec{e}_x) \cdot d\vec{F}
etc. Now it's in the correct form.
 
clamtrox said:
Maybe you should use Stokes' theorem for each component of the original vector-valued integral
\vec{I}= \oint ||\vec{F}||^2 d\vec{F}
I_x = \oint (||\vec{F}||^2 \vec{e}_x) \cdot d\vec{F}
etc. Now it's in the correct form.

I don't understand this?
 
Gregg said:
I don't understand this?

\vec{e}_x is the unit vector in x-direction. The lower integral is just the x-component of your full integral. You can calculate this by taking the dot product with \vec{e}_x.
 

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