Stokes theorem, parametrizing composite curves

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The discussion revolves around calculating a line integral using Stokes' theorem for a vector field F along a specified curve. The user suggests breaking the integral into three parts for easier calculation and contemplates the application of Stokes' theorem due to the geometry of the curve resembling a cone. However, they encounter difficulties in parametrizing the surface and seek assistance with variable substitution. Another participant questions the applicability of Stokes' theorem by highlighting the importance of the curl and suggests considering whether integrating the curl over the surface or the original line integral is simpler. The conversation emphasizes understanding the curl's role in determining the feasibility of using Stokes' theorem for this problem.
Gauss M.D.
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Homework Statement



Calculate the line integral:

F = <xz, (xy2 + 2z), (xy + z)>

along the curve given by:

1) x = 0, y2 + z2 = 1, z > 0, y: -1 → 1
2) z = 0, x + y = 1, y: 1→0
3) z = 0, x-y = 1, y: 0 → -1

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't think the problem is very difficult when just dividing the line integral into three parts, calculating each separately. But I want to be thorough to see if I got all the concepts.

I tried to draw the curve (see attachment) which made me realize a cone cut in half would be a capping surface, so we should be able to apply Stokes theorem. But I'm having trouble parametrizing it since we've basically dealt exclusively with very standard parametrizations.

I think that one parameter should be the height of the cone, h = \sqrt{y^{2}+z^{2} running from 0 to 1 and the other should be the angle in the xz-plane running from 0 to \pi. I'm just having trouble setting up the variable substitution. Can anyone give me a push?
 

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  • semicone.jpg
    semicone.jpg
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Hi Gauss M.D.! :smile:

Before you spend time trying to apply stokes …

what is the curl? :wink:
 
<x-2,x-y,y^2>... you're saying Stokes theorem is a bad idea here?
 
stokes is useful if the curl is 0, or something simple

which do you think is easier, integrating that curl over that curved surface, or integrating the original line integral directly? :smile:
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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