Undergrad Stokes Theorem: Vector Integral Identity Proof

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Stokes' Theorem in proving a vector integral identity. The user outlines their approach, which involves manipulating the curl of a vector field and integrating over a surface. Key steps include expressing the curl as a function of a constant vector and utilizing the scalar triple product identity. The conclusion emphasizes the equality of two vector expressions derived from the theorem, confirming the validity of the approach taken.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Stokes' Theorem in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with vector fields and curl operations
  • Knowledge of scalar triple product identity
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus notation and integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proof of Stokes' Theorem in detail
  • Learn about vector calculus identities and their applications
  • Explore examples of vector integral identities in physics
  • Investigate the implications of curl and divergence in vector fields
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector calculus and seeking to deepen their understanding of Stokes' Theorem and its applications in vector integral identities.

Master1022
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TL;DR
It is a proof question, but I am struggling to understand what steps I should take next
Hi,

My question pertains to the question in the image attached.
Screen Shot 2020-01-15 at 3.56.25 PM.png


My current method:
Part (a) of the question was to state what Stokes' theorem was, so I am assuming that this part is using Stokes' Theorem in some way, but I fail to see all the steps.

I noted that \nabla \times \vec F = \nabla \times (\psi \vec B) = \psi \left( \nabla \times \vec B \right) - \vec B \times \nabla \psi
Then I thought that \nabla \times \vec B = \vec 0 as \vec B is a constant vector. Simplifying the above expression, we are left with:
\nabla \times \vec F = - \vec B \times \nabla \psi Then I attempted to include the normal vector \hat n dS by 'dotting' both sides with it:
\left( \nabla \times \vec F \right) \cdot \hat n dS = \left( - \vec B \times \nabla \psi \right) \cdot \hat n dS
Then, using Stokes Theorem, integrating both sides over the surface S, and swapping the LHS for the line integral and using the scalar triple product identity for the RHS:
\left( - \vec B \times \nabla \psi \right) \cdot \hat n dS = \left(\nabla \psi \times \vec B \right) \cdot \hat n dS = \left(\hat n \times \nabla \psi \right) \cdot \vec B dS
\oint \left( \psi \vec B \right) \cdot d\vec r = \iint_S \left(\hat n \times \nabla \psi \right) \cdot \vec B dS

What I have there doesn't look too different from the required solution, however I believe that I may have made a grave error along the way. Would anyone be able to provide me with some suggestions/hints on how to proceed?

Thanks in advance
 
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You can re-write your last line as ##B\cdot \left(\oint_C \psi \ dr\right)=B\cdot\left(\iint_S (\hat{n}\times\nabla\psi) dS\right)##. In general if ##v## and ##w## are vectors and ##B\cdot v=B\cdot w## for all vectors ##B##, then ##v## must equal ##w##.
 
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Infrared said:
You can re-write your last line as ##B\cdot \left(\oint_C \psi \ dr\right)=B\cdot\left(\iint_S (\hat{n}\times\nabla\psi) dS\right)##. In general if ##v## and ##w## are vectors and ##B\cdot v=B\cdot w## for all vectors ##B##, then ##v## must equal ##w##.

Many thanks. Yes, that makes sense.
 
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