Use Stokes Theorem to show a relationship

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using Stokes' Theorem to demonstrate a relationship involving integrals of vector fields and their curls. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin proving the stated relation, which connects surface and line integrals through vector calculus identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Stokes' Theorem and relevant vector calculus identities. There are inquiries about the meaning of certain terms and the implications of substituting specific variables in the theorem. Some participants suggest starting points and identities that may be useful in the proof.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing hints and guidance on how to approach the proof. There is recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between different forms of the integrals involved, and some participants are exploring the implications of their substitutions and interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the notation of integrals, specifically the difference between single and double integral symbols in the context of surface integrals. Participants are also considering the implications of these notational differences on the proof being discussed.

princessme
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Homework Statement



Use the Stokes' Theorem to show that

[itex]\int[/itex]f(∇ X A) dS = [itex]\int[/itex](A X ∇f) dS + [itex]\oint[/itex]f A dl

Homework Equations



Use vector calculus identities. Hint given : Start with the last integral in the above relation.

The Attempt at a Solution


To be honest, I really don't know how to start doing this. I could understand Stokes theorem when needed to evaluate the circulation, vector and surface, but I don't have any idea on how to start to prove this relation. Please help?
 
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Do you know any identities? What does stokes theorem state?
 
ArcanaNoir said:
Do you know any identities? What does stokes theorem state?

The ones that I know are like the ones states in this webpage : http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vecal2.html

Stokes theorem is [itex]\oint[/itex]F.dr = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X F . n dS
 
Did you know that by convention ##\mathbf n dS## is the same as ##d\mathbf S##?

So what do you get if you set ##\mathbf F = f \mathbf A## and ##\mathbf r = \mathbf l##?

Is there another identity on your web page that you can apply then?
 
I like Serena said:
Did you know that by convention ##\mathbf n dS## is the same as ##d\mathbf S##?

So what do you get if you set ##\mathbf F = f \mathbf A## and ##\mathbf r = \mathbf l##?

Is there another identity on your web page that you can apply then?

Sorry but I still don't get it..quite confused. How should I actually begin proving it?
 
princessme said:
Sorry but I still don't get it..quite confused. How should I actually begin my proving it?

Start with [itex]\oint[/itex]F.dr = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X F . dS

What do you get if you substitute ##\mathbf F = f \mathbf A## and ##\mathbf r = \mathbf l##?
 
I like Serena said:
Start with [itex]\oint[/itex]F.dr = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X F . dS

What do you get if you substitute ##\mathbf F = f \mathbf A## and ##\mathbf r = \mathbf l##?

I'll get [itex]\oint[/itex]fA.dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X F . dS
 
princessme said:
I'll get [itex]\oint[/itex]fA.dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X F . dS

Good!
But there's still an ##\mathbf F## in there.
Can you replace that too?
 
I like Serena said:
Good!
But there's still an ##\mathbf F## in there.
Can you replace that too?

So it will be [itex]\oint[/itex]fA.dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X fA . dS
 
  • #10
princessme said:
So it will be [itex]\oint[/itex]fA.dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X fA . dS

Right!
Actually, let's make that [itex]\oint[/itex](fA).dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X (fA) . dS

Do you have another identity on your web page for something like that?
Perhaps something like ##\nabla \times (u\mathbf A)##?
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Right!
Actually, let's make that [itex]\oint[/itex](fA).dl = [itex]\int[/itex]∇ X (fA) . dS

Do you have another identity on your web page for something like that?
Perhaps something like ##\nabla \times (u\mathbf A)##?

Okay!

Yeah ∇ x (uA) = u∇ x A - A x ∇u
 
  • #12
princessme said:
Okay!

Yeah ∇ x (uA) = u∇ x A - A x ∇u

Good!

Substitute?
 
  • #13
I like Serena said:
Good!

Substitute?

[itex]\oint[/itex](fA).dl = [itex]\int[/itex] (u∇ x A - A x ∇u ) dS ?

I can see where is this going now..But the original form they wanted is f(∇ x A) dS . so u∇ x A dS is equivalent to that form?
 
  • #14
princessme said:
[itex]\oint[/itex](fA).dl = [itex]\int[/itex] (u∇ x A - A x ∇u ) dS ?

I can see where is this going now..But the original form they wanted is f(∇ x A) dS . so u∇ x A dS is equivalent to that form?

Yes.
You were supposed to replace u by f as part of the substitution.
 
  • #15
I like Serena said:
Yes.
You were supposed to replace u by f as part of the substitution.

alright. So the it doesn't matter that the f in the original form is outside the bracket and not just stuck with ∇?
 
  • #16
princessme said:
alright. So the it doesn't matter that the f in the original form is outside the bracket and not just stuck with ∇?

In this case it doesn't matter. Both forms are the same.
But as a rule, you should read ##f\nabla \times \mathbf A## as ##f(\nabla \times \mathbf A)##.
 
  • #17
I like Serena said:
In this case it doesn't matter. Both forms are the same.
But as a rule, you should read ##f\nabla \times \mathbf A## as ##f(\nabla \times \mathbf A)##.

Okay thank you for the great help!
 
  • #18
I like Serena said:
In this case it doesn't matter. Both forms are the same.
But as a rule, you should read ##f\nabla \times \mathbf A## as ##f(\nabla \times \mathbf A)##.

Hi there. I have another question. I realized that I made a mistake on my Stokes' Theorem equation at first. The surface integral should be a double integral. But for the one that I need to prove, it is just a single integral. Will that make any difference to my answer?
 
  • #19
princessme said:
Hi there. I have another question. I realized that I made a mistake on my Stokes' Theorem equation at first. The surface integral should be a double integral. But for the one that I need to prove, it is just a single integral. Will that make any difference to my answer?

That's not really a mistake.
You are integrating with ##d\mathbf S## which is an infinitesimal surface element.
You can either use one or two integral symbols - it means the same thing.

Formally, it should be a single integral symbol, since there is only one infinitesimal specified.
It should only be a double integral if your integrating with the infinitesimals ##dx dy## or some such.
 

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