Work Done from (1,0,0) to (1,0,1) in Conservative Force Vector F

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by a conservative force vector F = (x^2 + y)i + (y^2 + x)j + (ze^z)k when moving from the point (1,0,0) to (1,0,1). Participants explore various paths for integration and the implications of the force being conservative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of curl to determine the conservativeness of the force and the implications for path independence. There are attempts to derive a potential function from the force components, with some questioning the correctness of their calculations. Others explore the integration of the force along specific paths and the resulting work done.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their calculations and reasoning. Some have identified potential errors in their approaches, while others confirm their results. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the integration process and the evaluation of the potential function.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the force is conservative, which affects their approach to calculating work. There are references to specific integration paths and the need for clarity on the relationship between the force components and the potential function.

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I have a force vector that is [tex]F = (x^2 + y)i + (y^2 + x)j +ze^z k)[/tex] and I am supposed to find the work done from (1,0,0) to (1,0,1). The question gives a bunch of paths to integrate, but I used the curl and found that the force was conservative (hence path independent), so I was going to make a function of x,y,z based on F.

[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = x^2 + y[/tex]

[tex]f(x,y,z) = (1/3)x^3 +xy+g(y,z)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x+\frac{\partial g}{\partial y} = y^2 +x[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial g}{\partial y} = y^2[/tex]

[tex]g(y,z)= (1/3)y^3 +h(z)[/tex]

so now continue to build the function

[tex]f(x,y,z)=(1/3)x^3 +xy+(1/3)y^3 + h(z)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial z} = 0 + \frac{\partial h}{\partial z} = ze^z[/tex]

solve by parts to get

[tex]h(z)=ze^z - \int e^z dz = e^z(z-1)[/tex]

[tex]f(x,y,z)=(1/3)x^3 + xy+(1/3)y^3 + e^z(z-1)[/tex]

Now I know that the last part is the part that I screwed up because [tex]f_z[/tex] is supposed to equal ze^z, and it doesn't. What I can't figure out is what I screwed up. Anyone see it?
 
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No I get the same answer as you, dx=dy=0, so the only term left in [tex]\int_{1,0,0}^{1,0,1}{F.dl}[/tex] is [tex]\int_{0}^{1}{z e^{z} dz}[/tex], which gets you [tex][e^z(z-1)]_{0}^{1} = -1[/tex]. Why should it be ze^z? df is an element of work done, not dF.
 
Don't you have to regain F with its respective partials? Taking the partial of the function with respect to x gives [tex]x^2 + y[/tex], which is the x (or M) term; with respect to y gives [tex]y^2 + x[/tex], which is the y (or N) term; yet, with repsect to z it is [tex]e^z+ze^z-e^z[/tex] (errr... whoops I just realized it did work out - for some reason I assumed it didn't).

It would give +1 though, since evaluating gives 0--1=1.
 
Last edited:
Since you know the force is conservative, you know the work done is independent of the path. Integrate F along the straight line from (1, 0, 0) to (0, 0, 1): x= 1, y= 0, z= t. dx= 0, dy= 0, dz= dt so the integral is
[tex]\int_0^1 te^t dt[/tex].
 

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