Solving Double Integral Using Stokes Theorem for Curl

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Stokes' Theorem to evaluate a double integral of the curl of a vector field over a surface defined by a portion of a sphere above a specific plane. The vector field is given, and the surface is described by the equation of the sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the boundary curve of the surface and its implications for the integral. There are attempts to simplify the integral using trigonometric identities and substitutions. Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their calculations and the implications of negative results.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to apply Stokes' Theorem, including both line integrals around the boundary and surface integrals. Some participants have identified potential errors in their initial setups and are reconsidering their approaches. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the correct boundary conditions and the application of the theorem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the boundary conditions related to the sphere's equation when z=1, which affects the setup of the problem. There is also mention of the need to account for the specific region of integration in the context of the sphere's geometry.

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Homework Statement



Use stokes theorem to find double integral curlF.dS where S is the part of the sphere x2+y2+z2=5 that lies above plane z=1.
F(x,y,z)=x2yzi+yz2j+z3exyk

Homework Equations



stokes theorem says double integral of curlF.dS = \intC F.dr

The Attempt at a Solution



boundary curve C is circle given by x2+y2=5, z=1.

Vector equation of c then is r(t)=\sqrt{5}costi+\sqrt{5}sintj+1k where 0<t<2pi

then r'(t)= -\sqrt{5}sinti+\sqrt{5}costj

\intCF.dr = \intF(r(t))dotr'(t).dt

F(r(t))=(\sqrt{5}cost)2(\sqrt{5}sint)i+(\sqrt{5}sint)j+e\sqrt{5}cost\sqrt{5}sint

then F(r(t))dotr'(t) = [(\sqrt{5}cost)2(\sqrt{5}sint)(-\sqrt{5}sint)]i + [(\sqrt{5}cost)(\sqrt{5}sint)]j

simplifying down and i got to

5\intsintcost-5cos2tsin2t.dt

how do i integrate that?
 
Last edited:
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Split it into two integrals and use simple substitution and double angle trig identities, like sin(2t)=2*sin(t)*cos(t) or sin(t)^2=(1-cos(2t))/2. You must have seen stuff like this before. Try it.
 
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Oh yeah! Just haunt got those identities in my table integrals so totally forgot. I'll see what answer I end up with.
 
okay so... i split it up to the two integrals.

\int5costsint.dt - \int25cos2tsin2t.dt

trig identities... 2costsint=sin2t and sin2tcos2t = (1-cos4t)/8

so

5/2\int2costsint.dt - 25\intcos2tsin2t.dt

= 5/2\intsin2t.dt -25\int(1-cos4t)/8.dt

= 5/2[-cos2t/2] + 25/8[sin4t/4]

evaluating those between 0 and 2pi and blah blah blah and i ended up with 0!

did i go wrong? or is that the answer?
 
wait i think i found an error...

where i simplified -25\int(1-cos4t)/8 to +25/8[sin4t/4]... i took out the 1/8 then the negative..

but it should be -25\int(1-cos4t)/8 becomes -25/8\int(1-cos4t)

which = -25/8[t-(sin4t)/4]

so re-evaluating..

5/2[-cos2t/2] + 25/8[t-sin4t/4]

= 5/2[(-cos2(2pi)/2) - -cos2(0)/2] - 25/8[(2pi-sin4(2pi)/4) - (0-sin4(0)/4)]

= 5/2[-1/2+1/2] - 25/8[2pi-0-0+0]

= -25pi/8

feedback time!
 
I think you need to recalculate your boundry curve - when z=1, x^2+y^2 \neq 5

Also, when using Stoke's Theorem, it should be an equation in 2 variables - since you're computing an area. It should be much simpler to compute using the curl of your vector field.

\oint \textbf{F} \cdot d\textbf{r} = \int\int \Delta X\textbf{F} \cdot \textbf{n} d\sigma
 
So just use double integral of curlF? With bounds in xy plane and bounds on z axis. So since it's a sphere obviously bounds will be 0<theta<2pi and then with x and y = 0 then z^2=5 so 0<z<sqrt5 and curlF is curl of the Function of the sphere?
 
ProPatto16 said:

Homework Statement



Use stokes theorem to find double integral curlF.dS where S is the part of the sphere x2+y2+z2=5 that lies above plane z=1.
F(x,y,z)=x2yzi+yz2j+z3exyk

Homework Equations



stokes theorem says double integral of curlF.dS = \intC F.dr

The Attempt at a Solution



boundary curve C is circle given by x2+y2=5, z=1.
This is incorrect. With z= 1, the equation of the sphere becomes x^2+ y^2+ 1= 5 or x^2+ y^2= 4, not x^2+ y^2= 5.

Vector equation of c then is r(t)=\sqrt{5}costi+\sqrt{5}sintj+1k where 0<t<2pi

then r'(t)= -\sqrt{5}sinti+\sqrt{5}costj

\intCF.dr = \intF(r(t))dotr'(t).dt

F(r(t))=(\sqrt{5}cost)2(\sqrt{5}sint)i+(\sqrt{5}sint)j+e\sqrt{5}cost\sqrt{5}sint

then F(r(t))dotr'(t) = [(\sqrt{5}cost)2(\sqrt{5}sint)(-\sqrt{5}sint)]i + [(\sqrt{5}cost)(\sqrt{5}sint)]j

simplifying down and i got to

5\intsintcost-5cos2tsin2t.dt

how do i integrate that?
 
ProPatto16 said:
So just use double integral of curlF? With bounds in xy plane and bounds on z axis. So since it's a sphere obviously bounds will be 0<theta<2pi and then with x and y = 0 then z^2=5 so 0<z<sqrt5 and curlF is curl of the Function of the sphere?

You'll be computing a surface integral over the 'dome' using your vector field to determine the circulation on the perimiter (I'm presuming). Stoke's Theorem states that the circulation on boundry is equivalent to the surface area bounded in a vector field (with conditions of being bounded, continuous, etc). Seeing as this is a part of a sphere, it will probably be much easier to convert coordinates to spherical, and you'll be integrating for surface over \phi and \theta since \rho is constant. Does this sound familiar? You should still get the same answer, but it should be a bit quicker using Stoke's Theorem (And if the question is asking for a solution using that, a line integral on the boundry probably isn't good :p)
 
  • #10
On the contrary, if the problem says "find the integral over the surface using Stoke's theorem" then an integration around the boundary is clearly intended!
 
  • #11
the question says "use stokes theorem to evaluate \int\intcurlF.dS.."

then in my textbook it has under the definition of stokes theorem
"\intCF.dr=\int\intSCurlF.dS"

so i just assumed i had to use that exact formula, and since I am given the curl.F.dS in the question i thought i had to use the boundary curve one.

however, i noticed that error with the boundary curve last night... and if i change that 5 to a 4 then that first integral breaks down to 2sintcost which is exactly the need for the identity to integrate so it ends up a lot neater, which seems more likely.

so which method should i use?
 
  • #12
mege,

i have seen that before. end up with

r(\phi,\theta)=asin\phicos\thetai+asin\phisin\thetaj+acos\phik

then integrate with bounds 0<\phi<\pi and o<\theta<2\pi

just not sure how to account for the xyplane starting at plane z=1.

should the vector equation just become

r(\phi,\theta)=sin\phicos\thetai+asin\phisin\thetaj+1k??
 
  • #13
Integration around the boundary.

Or you could do it both ways and verify that Stoke's theorem works. :wink:
 
  • #14
doing the boundary line one with the same method i used orignially outlined up there ^^^ but with

r(t)=2costi+2sintj+k

r'(t)=-2sinti+2costj

F(r(t))=(2cost)2(2sint)i+(2sint)j+e(2sint2cost)k

then \intCF.dr=\intF(r(t))dotr'(t)dt

= \int[(2cost)2(2sint)(-2sint)] + [(2sint)(2cost)].dt

=\int4sintcost - 16cos2tsin2t.dt

=2\int2sintcost.dt - 16\intcos2tsin2t.dt

=2\intsin(2t).dt - 16/8\int1-cos4t.dt (see ideentities in first post)

=2[-cos(2t)/t] - 2[t-sin(4t)/t]

evaluating between 0 and 2pi...

=2[-1/2--1/2] - 2[2pi-0-0-0]

= -4pi

...
 
  • #15
Looks good (except for typos where you divided by t rather than constants).
 
  • #16
oh whoops haha. that should be 2 and 4 respectively.

what does it mean when the answer is negative?
that just mean the orientation? the way i traversed around the curve?
 
  • #17
It means the vector field is generally "rotating" in the direction opposite to the direction of the integration path. This description of the curl in Wikipedia might help you visualize what that means.
 

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