Work of the vector field-Stokes' Theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Stokes' Theorem to calculate the work done by a vector field along a circular path. Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in evaluating the integral using different approaches, including the area of the circle and polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using Stokes' Theorem to calculate the work of the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}=2y \hat{i}+3x\hat{j}-z^2\hat{k}$ along the circle defined by $x^2+y^2=9$.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the initial calculation and suggests that while using the area formula is valid, integrating over the disk directly is also possible.
  • A later reply suggests an alternative method using polar coordinates to evaluate the integral, providing a detailed calculation that results in the area of the circle.
  • There is a correction regarding the notation in the polar coordinate integration, with participants discussing the proper representation of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the calculations related to the work done by the vector field, but there are discussions about the methods used to arrive at the area of the circle. Some participants suggest alternative approaches, indicating a lack of consensus on the necessity of using the area formula versus direct integration.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved details regarding the notation in the polar coordinate integration, and some assumptions about the methods of integration are not explicitly stated.

mathmari
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Use the Stokes' Theorem to calculate the work of the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}=2y \hat{i}+3x\hat{j}-z^2\hat{k}$ at the circumference of the circle $x^2+y^2=9$ that is traversed in a counter-clockwise direction.

$\text{ Work } =\oint_C{\overrightarrow{F}}d\overrightarrow{R}= \iint_S {\nabla \times \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n}} d \sigma$

$\nabla \times \overrightarrow{F}=\hat{k}$

To find the vector $\hat{n}$:
Since the circle is on the plane $xy$, a perpendicular vector to the plane is a vector on the z-axis, so $\hat{n}=\hat{k}$. Is this correct??

$d\sigma=dxdy$

So $\text{ Work } = \iint_S{1}d \sigma=\text{ area of the circle with radius } 3=9 \pi ^2$.
Is this right? Is using the formula of the area of the circle the only way to calculate the last integral?
 
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Yes, that is correct. Of course, you don't have use the formula for the area of the circle. You could actually integrate 1 over the disk. Of course, it would be foolish to do that extra work when you know perfectly well that the integral of 1 over a disk is the area of the disk.
 
mathmari said:
So $\text{ Work } = \iint_S{1}d \sigma=\text{ area of the circle with radius } 3=9 \pi ^2$.

Hi! :)

I would make it $9 \pi$ instead. :eek:
Except for that it is all correct!
Is this right? Is using the formula of the area of the circle the only way to calculate the last integral?

Typical alternative is to switch to polar coordinates:
$$\iint_S d\sigma = \int_0^3 \int_0^{2\pi} r d\theta dr = \int_0^3 2\pi r d\theta = \pi r^2 \Big|_0^3 = 9\pi$$
 
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, that is correct. Of course, you don't have use the formula for the area of the circle. You could actually integrate 1 over the disk. Of course, it would be foolish to do that extra work when you know perfectly well that the integral of 1 over a disk is the area of the disk.

Nice! Thanks a lot! :o

- - - Updated - - -

I like Serena said:
Hi! :)

I would make it $9 \pi$ instead. :eek:
Except for that it is all correct!

Oh yes..you're right!
Great! :o
I like Serena said:
Typical alternative is to switch to polar coordinates:
$$\iint_S d\sigma = \int_0^3 \int_0^{2\pi} r d\theta dr = \int_0^3 2\pi r d\theta = \pi r^2 \Big|_0^3 = 9\pi$$

Shouldn't it be:
$\iint_S d\sigma = \int_0^3 \int_0^{2\pi} r d\theta dr = \int_0^3 2\pi r $$dr$ $= \pi r^2 \Big|_0^3 = 9\pi$ ?
 
mathmari said:
Shouldn't it be:
$\iint_S d\sigma = \int_0^3 \int_0^{2\pi} r d\theta dr = \int_0^3 2\pi r $$dr$ $= \pi r^2 \Big|_0^3 = 9\pi$ ?

Oh yeah. You're right! :o
 

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