Using Stokes' theorem to find a value

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying Stokes' theorem to evaluate the integral ∫s2(∇xV)⋅dS for the curved surface ABEF, where the vector field V(r) is defined as V(r) = -y³i + x³j + z³k. The participants clarify that the integral over the vertical surfaces OAF, BED, and ODEF evaluates to zero, allowing the conclusion that the surface integral through ABEF equals the integral over the unit square OABD. The key takeaway is that the flux of V through the vertical surfaces is zero, confirming that all flux must pass through the curved surface ABEF.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Stokes' theorem and its application in vector calculus.
  • Familiarity with vector fields and curl operations, specifically ∇×V.
  • Knowledge of surface integrals and line integrals in multivariable calculus.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical notation and vector components.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Stokes' theorem in various contexts, focusing on different vector fields.
  • Learn how to compute curl and divergence of vector fields, particularly in three dimensions.
  • Explore surface integrals in depth, including parametrization of surfaces and evaluation techniques.
  • Practice problems involving vector calculus to strengthen understanding of integrals and their physical interpretations.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector calculus, particularly those seeking to deepen their understanding of Stokes' theorem and its applications in evaluating integrals over surfaces.

InclusiveMonk
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Homework Statement


. In the diagram below, the line AB is at x = 1 and the line BD is at y = 1.
760d0f492e4a1823e2e42894767a694f.png

Use Stokes’ theorem to find the value of the integral ∫s2(∇xV)⋅dS where S2 where S2 is
the curved surface ABEF, given that AF and BE are straight lines, and the curve EF is in the y-z plane (i.e. the plane x = 0), explaining how you are able to do this.
[Hint: Consider the value of ∇×V on the vertical surfaces OAF, BED and ODEF. You should not need to actually calculate any integrals.]

Homework Equations


Stokes' theorem - ∫s2(∇xV)⋅dS = ∫CV⋅dr

Earlier on in the question I used Stoke's theorem to calculate the area and line integral for the path C and the area enclosed by C. The answer was 2.

I also calculated that (∇xV)=(3x2+3y2)k

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea for this part of the question. These are the types of questions I struggle at with vector calculus. I have a feeling it have something to do with the fact that at x=1 the line is straight. Also he has suggested we consider the value for (∇xV) when x and y are unchanged and we have already looked at when z is unchanged. Other than that I'm really not sure. A point in the right direction would be of great help.
 
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InclusiveMonk said:

Homework Statement


. In the diagram below, the line AB is at x = 1 and the line BD is at y = 1.
760d0f492e4a1823e2e42894767a694f.png

Use Stokes’ theorem to find the value of the integral ∫s2(∇xV)⋅dS where S2 where S2 is
the curved surface ABEF, given that AF and BE are straight lines, and the curve EF is in the y-z plane (i.e. the plane x = 0), explaining how you are able to do this.
[Hint: Consider the value of ∇×V on the vertical surfaces OAF, BED and ODEF. You should not need to actually calculate any integrals.]

Homework Equations


Stokes' theorem - ∫s2(∇xV)⋅dS = ∫CV⋅dr

Earlier on in the question I used Stoke's theorem to calculate the area and line integral for the path C and the area enclosed by C. The answer was 2.

I also calculated that (∇xV)=(3x2+3y2)k

You haven't told us what C is nor given us the equation for V. So I will assume C is the boundary of the square in the xy plane and that you have calculated curl V correctly. Also, with respect to what I highlighted in red, you are not calculating the area. That is a unit square and its area is 1.

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea for this part of the question. These are the types of questions I struggle at with vector calculus. I have a feeling it have something to do with the fact that at x=1 the line is straight. Also he has suggested we consider the value for (∇xV) when x and y are unchanged and we have already looked at when z is unchanged. Other than that I'm really not sure. A point in the right direction would be of great help.

The point of this problem is that if you added those three vertical sides to the curved surface, then your new surface would have C as its boundary. That's the setting you need to use Stoke's theorem. But what are you adding to the surface integral when you throw in those three sides? That is what the hint is about. So what about ##\nabla \times \vec V\cdot d\vec S## on those three surfaces? The hint notes you shouldn't have to do much work to figure out what you get for those three surfaces.
 
Sorry it was in an edit that I didn't save.

The vector field is V(r)=-y3i+x3j+z3k

The C from the first question was the square path OABD.

Also w.r.t. what you highlighted in red, in my notes ∫S(∇xV)⋅dS is called the area integral. That's what I was referring to.
 
Last edited:
Okay, ADEF is in the x plane, which makes the dS=dydzi. This would mean ∫C(∇xV)⋅dS=∫S(3x2+3y2)k⋅dydzi. I know that dotting two different unit vectors = 0, so does that mean ∫C(∇xV)⋅dS is equal to 0 for ADEF and by extension, BED and OAF are 0 too?
 
You should, as a matter of course, quote the message to which you are replying.

InclusiveMonk said:
Sorry it was in an edit that I didn't save.

The vector field is V(r)=-y3i+x3j+z3k

The C from the first question was the square path OABD.

Also w.r.t. what you highlighted in red, in my notes ∫S(∇xV)⋅dS is called the area integral. That's what I was referring to.

The more common usage is to call such an integral a surface integral.

InclusiveMonk said:
Okay, ADEF is in the x plane, which makes the dS=dydzi. This would mean ∫C(∇xV)⋅dS=∫S(3x2+3y2)k⋅dydzi. I know that dotting two different unit vectors = 0, so does that mean ∫C(∇xV)⋅dS is equal to 0 for ADEF and by extension, BED and OAF are 0 too?

You mean dotting to perpendicular unit vectors gives zero. And, yes, any integral whose integrand is zero evaluates to zero. And I wouldn't say "by extension" the others are zero. Just check them.
 
LCKurtz said:
You mean dotting to perpendicular unit vectors gives zero. And, yes, any integral whose integrand is zero evaluates to zero. And I wouldn't say "by extension" the others are zero. Just check them.

Yes, apologies. I have a habit of explaining how my brain remembers things rather than the mathematical reasoning. It occasionally causes me to lose marks. OAF and BED are along the y plane, thus dS will contain the unit vector j which would cause the integral to be zero.

Okay, so I have shown that for the vertical sides (∇xV)⋅dS=0. Does this mean that the surface integral through the curved surface ABEF equals the same as the surface integral though OABD, the unit square?
 
InclusiveMonk said:
Yes, apologies. I have a habit of explaining how my brain remembers things rather than the mathematical reasoning. It occasionally causes me to lose marks. OAF and BED are along the y plane, thus dS will contain the unit vector j which would cause the integral to be zero.

Okay, so I have shown that for the vertical sides (∇xV)⋅dS=0. Does this mean that the surface integral through the curved surface ABEF equals the same as the surface integral though OABD, the unit square?

Yes, because both equal ##\int_C \vec V \cdot d\vec r##. And you do understand why it is important that the three vertical surfaces give zero, right?
 
LCKurtz said:
Yes, because both equal ##\int_C \vec V \cdot d\vec r##. And you do understand why it is important that the three vertical surfaces give zero, right?

I think so. No flux of V is passing through the sides so it all must be through the ABEF surface (as I type that I'm beginning to think I don't understand)
 

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