When the integral of total derivative[tex] \oint d U = 0 [/tex]?,

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which the integral of a total derivative, specifically \(\oint dU\), equals zero or does not equal zero. Participants explore various scenarios, mathematical formulations, and the implications of exact differentials in the context of line integrals and contour integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that \(\oint dU = 0\) if \(dU\) is an exact differential, indicating that \(U\) is a state function.
  • Others argue that certain forms, such as \(w = \frac{dz}{z}\), are not exact on specific contours, leading to non-zero integrals.
  • One participant raises a specific case involving the integral \(\oint d\left(\frac{dA}{dy} \exp(A)\right)\) and questions why it is non-zero despite starting and ending at the same point.
  • Another participant references a theorem related to Stokes' theorem, suggesting that the integral equals zero if the function is exact in the region of definition.
  • There is a discussion about the behavior of the variable \(y\) in different regions and its implications for the integral's value.
  • One participant questions the exactness of the differential form \(\frac{(xdy - ydx)}{(x^2 + y^2)}\) and its integral along the unit circle, suggesting it is not zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the conditions under which the integral of a total derivative is zero or non-zero. The discussion remains unresolved, with differing interpretations of exactness and the implications for specific integrals.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the definitions of exact differentials, the behavior of variables in different regions, and the presence of singularities affecting the integrals.

alejandrito29
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when the integral of total derivative[tex]\oint d U = 0[/tex]?,

when the integral of total derivative
[tex]\oint d U = 0[/tex]?, and ¿why is zero?

and,

when

[tex]\oint d U \neq 0[/tex] ??
 
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Alex: are you integrating the identity? And, what is the region over which you are
integrating?
 


The closed line integral dU = 0 if dU is an exact differential. U is then a state function and by definition if you end up where you started you get zero.

Think of a closed line integral of gravitational or electrostatic force.
 


An example , a classical one, I think, of a form that is not exact is that of w=dz/z

defined on the circle |z|=1, embedded in R-{(0,0)}, or C-{(0,0)} .
 


Bacle said:
Alex: are you integrating the identity? And, what is the region over which you are
integrating?

my problem is

[tex]\oint d( \frac{dA}{dy} exp(A) )[/tex]

where [tex]A=|y|[/tex]
but, y is a angular coordinate...between [tex])-\infty, \infty([/tex]
but my problem is that
[tex]\frac{d|y|}{dy} = -1 , y \in )-\pi,0(, )\pi,2\pi(, etc[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d|y|}{dy} = 1 , y \in )0,\pi(, )2\pi,3\pi(, etc[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d|y|}{dy} = undefinided , y =-\pi,0,\pi...k \cdot \pi[/tex]
........................
but, if i integrate

[tex]\oint exp(|y|)[/tex] ¿why is it Non zero, if i too started and end in the same point (0 and 2pi por example)
 
Last edited:


Alex:
By a theorem; I think Stokes or one of its corollaries, your last integral equals zero iff , f (exp|y| , in our case) as a differential form, is exact, or, equivalently, if there is an F
in the region of definition, with dF= exp|y|.

I'm sorry, I still don't fully understand why y is positive in some regions, and negative in others. Do you have an explicit formula for it?

Still, if you know that your y is defined as you said, the only reason I can see for why
it is not zero, is that , it does not have a global antiderivative.
 


question :

can i to say [tex]d \theta = \frac{1}{x^2+y^2} (-y dx +x dy )[/tex]
since i am to integrate on a circle, and , since

[tex]x = 1 \cdot \cos (\theta) ; y = 1 \cdot \sin (\theta)[/tex]

and then

[tex]\oint e^{|\theta|} d \theta = \oint e^{| \sin^{-1} y|} \frac{1}{x^2+y^2} (-y dx +x dy ) \neq 0[/tex] , since is not globally defined in [tex]x, y = 0,0[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:


The standard way (the one I know : ) ) of doing line integrals/ contour integration is
by parametrizing the contour:

x=cosθ , so that dx=cosθdθ

y=sinθ , so that dy=sinθdθ

And then integrate from 0 to 2∏ ; since the singularity happens at (0,0), which is
not in the contour, you don't need to worry about this. Still, another way of testing
whether:

dθ:= (xdy -ydy)/(x2+y2)

is exact, is by integrating around a close contour. If the form is exact, it would then
integrate to 0, by an extension of the fundamental theorem of calculus.
 


firts , sorry by many questions,

in my case, i need to integrate on te circle

but in a text says:

[tex](xdy -ydy)/(x^ 2+y^ 2)[/tex] it is not exact, since its integral along the unit circle is not 0... [tex]\int ^\pi_{-\pi} d\theta = 2 \pi[/tex]...
this is a argument for says that [tex]\oint e^{|\theta|} d\theta[/tex] is not zero??
 

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