Struggling with Stokes' Theorem? Need Help Solving?

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    Stokes Theorem
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Stokes' theorem, specifically in the context of integrating over a triangular area defined by vertices in three-dimensional space. Participants are exploring the calculation of the curl of a vector field and the normal vector to a plane formed by the triangle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the normal vector and its implications for the area integral. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the cross product and whether normalization of the normal vector is necessary. There is also inquiry into the boundaries of integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the geometric setup and mathematical expressions involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the normal vector and the differential of area, but multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can employ. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach and the calculations involved.

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Homework Statement



I got stuck using the Stokes' theorem, the problem is at the bottom of the pic.
I found the Curl of F, and also the normal of the Triangle. As you can see, I ended up with an area integer with 3 variables, how do I solve this? did I do it right?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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The area over which you now need to integrate is the interior of the triangle with vertices A= (0,0,1), B= (2,0,9), and C= (2,2,11). The vector from A to B is <2, 0, 8> and from A to C is <2, 2, 10>. A normal to that plane is given by the cross product: <-16, -2, 4> or, dividing by 2 to simplify, <8, -1, 2>. The equation of the plane is 8x- y+ 2(z-1)= 0 or 8x- y+ 2z= 2 which we can finally write as z= 1- 4x+ (1/2)y. Writing that as a vector equation, using x and y as parameters, [itex]\vec{r}(x,y)= x\vec{i}+ y\vec{j}+ (1- 4x+ y/2)\vec{i}[/itex]. Then [itex]\vec{r}_x= \vec{i}- 4\vec{k}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{r}_y= \vec{j}+ 1/2\vec{k}[/itex]. The "fundamental vector product for the surface is the cross product of those, [itex]2\vec{i}- (1/2)\vec{j}+ \vec{k}[/itex]. You need to integrate the dot product of that with curl F with respect to x and y, over the area in the xy-plane with vertices (0,0), (2,0), and (2,2), the projection of the points given to the xy-plane.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The area over which you now need to integrate is the interior of the triangle with vertices A= (0,0,1), B= (2,0,9), and C= (2,2,11). The vector from A to B is <2, 0, 8> and from A to C is <2, 2, 10>. A normal to that plane is given by the cross product: <-16, -2, 4> or, dividing by 2 to simplify, <8, -1, 2>. The equation of the plane is 8x- y+ 2(z-1)= 0 or 8x- y+ 2z= 2 which we can finally write as z= 1- 4x+ (1/2)y. Writing that as a vector equation, using x and y as parameters, [itex]\vec{r}(x,y)= x\vec{i}+ y\vec{j}+ (1- 4x+ y/2)\vec{i}[/itex]. Then [itex]\vec{r}_x= \vec{i}- 4\vec{k}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{r}_y= \vec{j}+ 1/2\vec{k}[/itex]. The "fundamental vector product for the surface is the cross product of those, [itex]2\vec{i}- (1/2)\vec{j}+ \vec{k}[/itex]. You need to integrate the dot product of that with curl F with respect to x and y, over the area in the xy-plane with vertices (0,0), (2,0), and (2,2), the projection of the points given to the xy-plane.
Thanks a lot HallsofIvy.

I think the first cross product should be (-16, -4, 4), right?
 
Another thing.
I marked everything in the pic.
Shouldn't I normalize the normal vector?
Did I write the boundaries right?

10x again.
 

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Whether you should normalize the normal vector depends upon exactly how you are calculating the differential of area. I prefer to use the "fundamental vector product" as above. That is both normal to the plane and its length is the correct differential of area. That you do NOT want to normalize.
 

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