Stokes' Theorem Verification for Triangle with Given Vertices

In summary: Okay, so the correct area of integration should be the region bounded by the lines x=y, x=0, and y=1. The integrand is then 2x-2y, and integrating over this region gives 1/3, matching the book's answer.
  • #1
c0der
54
0

Homework Statement


Verify Stokes' theorem for the following:

[itex]F=[y^2, x^2, -x+z][/itex]

Around the triangle with vertices [itex](0,0,1),(1,0,1),(1,1,1)[/itex]

Homework Equations


[itex]\int\int_S(curlF)\cdot ndA=\int_C F\cdot r' ds[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
For the LHS:
[itex]curlF\cdot n=2x-2y[/itex]
[itex]\int\int_S(curlF)\cdot ndA=\int_0^1 \int_0^{1-x}2x-2ydydx [/itex]

This gives zero. Also integrating over the three curves of the triangle gives zero. However, the book's answer is 1/3. Any idea what the mistake is?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
c0der said:

Homework Statement


Verify Stokes' theorem for the following:

[itex]F=[y^2, x^2, -x+z][/itex]

Around the triangle with vertices [itex](0,0,1),(1,0,1),(1,1,1)[/itex]

Homework Equations


[itex]\int\int_S(curlF)\cdot ndA=\int_C F\cdot r' ds[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
For the LHS:
[itex]curlF\cdot n=2x-2y[/itex]
[itex]\int\int_S(curlF)\cdot ndA=\int_0^1 \int_0^{1-x}2x-2ydydx [/itex]

This gives zero. Also integrating over the three curves of the triangle gives zero. However, the book's answer is 1/3. Any idea what the mistake is?

First of all, the area of integration is wrong. The triangle is bounded by the line x = y, the x axis, and the line y = 1.

Second, in this area, the integrand is 2x - 2y = 2(x-y). For the entire area, this is positive (except for at the boundary x = y, where it is zero). The result must therefore be positive. Try drawing the points (in the x-y-plane, the z-coordinate is constant) on a piece of paper. In the region you have integrated over, the integrand is antisymmetric with respect to x=y and the the area is symmetric with respect to this and should therefore give a zero result.

In short, you have verified Stokes' theorem, but for a different curve.
 
  • #3
Thank you, stupid me.
 

What is Stokes' theorem?

Stokes' theorem is a mathematical theorem that relates the integral of a differential form over a manifold to the integral of its exterior derivative over the boundary of the manifold.

What is the significance of Stokes' theorem?

Stokes' theorem is significant because it allows for the calculation of integrals over complicated and curved surfaces by reducing them to integrals over simpler boundaries. It also has applications in physics and engineering, particularly in the study of fluid dynamics and electromagnetism.

How is Stokes' theorem used in practice?

In practice, Stokes' theorem is used to calculate the flux of a vector field through a surface and the circulation of a vector field around a closed curve. It is also used in the calculation of work done by a force along a path.

What are the assumptions of Stokes' theorem?

Stokes' theorem assumes that the surface and boundary are smooth and continuous, and that the vector field is differentiable. It also assumes that the surface is orientable, meaning that there is a consistent way to define the direction of the normal vector at each point.

What are some real-world applications of Stokes' theorem?

Stokes' theorem has many real-world applications, including in the calculation of fluid flow around objects, the calculation of electromagnetic fields, and the study of fluid dynamics in geology and meteorology. It is also used in the design and analysis of structures such as bridges and buildings.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
818
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
876
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
883
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
444
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
787
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top