Stokes' Theorem on Intersection of Cone and Cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a line integral using Stokes' theorem, specifically for a vector field F defined as < exp(x^2), x + sin(y^2), z > over the curve formed by the intersection of a cone and a cylinder. The cone is described by the equation z = √(x² + y²), and the cylinder by x² + (y - 1)² = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize the cone in polar coordinates and calculate the curl of F. They express concerns about discrepancies in their final answer compared to the expected result.
  • Some participants question the necessity of using polar coordinates and suggest alternative parameterizations that may simplify the problem.
  • Others point out potential issues with the differential area element used in the calculations, specifically regarding the inclusion of an extra 'r' factor.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different parameterization methods and discussing the implications of their choices on the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of the problem, and there is an ongoing examination of the assumptions made in the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted expectation for the final answer to equal pi, which raises questions about the accuracy of the calculations presented. The discussion includes considerations of the surface and curve definitions as well as the application of Stokes' theorem.

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Homework Statement



Note: the bullets in the equations are dot products, the X are cross products

Evaluate: [over curve c][tex]\oint[/tex]( F [tex]\bullet[/tex] dr ) where F = < exp(x^2), x + sin(y^2) , z> and C is the curve formed by the intersection of the cone: z = [tex]\sqrt{(x^2 + y^2)}[/tex] and the cylinder: x^2 + (y-1)^2 = 1 oriented CCW looking down from + z axis

Homework Equations



I'm assuming this is a Stokes' theorem question, so:

[over curve C][tex]\oint[/tex] F [tex]\bullet[/tex] dr = [over surface S][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]( curl(F) [tex]\bullet[/tex] dS)


The Attempt at a Solution



First, the surface looks like it's on the cone, so paramaterizing the cone in polar coordinates:

(S) r(t,r) = < rcost , rsint , r >

now for finding curl(F) i did: gradient X F = <0,0,1>

So according to the equation mentioned above,


[over curve C][tex]\oint[/tex] F [tex]\bullet[/tex] dr = [over surface S][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]( curl(F) [tex]\bullet[/tex] dS)

and: [over surface S][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]( curl(F) [tex]\bullet[/tex] dS) = [over domain D][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] curl(F) [tex]\bullet[/tex] < r(partial derivative with t) X r(partial derivative with r) > dA

so i found curl(F) already, < r(partial with t) X r(partial with r) > = <rcost, rsint, -r> , and dA = rdrdt
the domain is the domain of the parameters, (t,r), so plugging in the cylinder equation i get:

r = 2sint, so: 0 < r < 2sint and 0 < t < pi , and plugging all that in i get:

[tex]\int[/tex][0<t<pi][tex]\int[/tex][0<r<2sint] <0,0,1> [tex]\bullet[/tex] <rcost,rsint,-t> r dr dt

i get this down to (-8/2)[tex]\int[/tex][0 to pi] (sint)^3 dt which is = -32/9.

I know the answer is supposed to = pi , but I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your time!
 
Last edited:
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You don't really need to go to polar coordinates. Since the curl(F)=(0,0,1) you only need to find the z component of the vector dS. If you parameterize the cone as r=(x,y,sqrt(x^2+y^2)), just find the z component of dr/dx X dr/dy (both derivatives partial, of course). I think you'll find the integrand is constant over your domain.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. I see your point, and I can solve it with your method. However, I can't quite see what's wrong with using polar coords, it feels like I'm doing the same thing.
 
goliath11 said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I see your point, and I can solve it with your method. However, I can't quite see what's wrong with using polar coords, it feels like I'm doing the same thing.

It's mostly right. What's wrong is the 'r' in dA=r*dr*dt. The cross product of the two tangent vectors already gives you that 'r'. If Tr and Tt are the two tangents, you should just have dS=Tr X Tt dr dt, not Tr X Tt r*dr*dt.
 

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