Chapter 6: Problem 73
In the following exercises, find the work done by force field \(\mathbf{F}\) on an object moving along the indicated path. How much work is required to move an object in vector field \(\mathbf{F}(x, y)=y \mathbf{i}+3 x \mathbf{j}\) along the upper part of ellipse \(\frac{x^{2}}{4}+y^{2}=1\) from \((2,0)\) to \((-2,0) ?\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Parametrize the Path
Compute Derivative
Evaluate the Force Field at \( \mathbf{r}(t) \)
Calculate the Work Integral
Simplify and Integrate
Conclusion
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Work Done by a Force Field
- The force field, denoted as \( \mathbf{F}(x, y) \), gives the force at any point \( (x, y) \) in space.
- The path taken by the object is important since work can vary depending on the path through the field.
- Understanding the work done in vector fields helps in applications like physics, engineering, and beyond.
Line Integral
- The line integral of a vector field \( \mathbf{F} \) over a curve \( C \) is denoted as \( \int_C \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{r} \).
- The dot product in the integral represents work as a scalar quantity, combining force with the direction of motion.
- The path \( C \) must be parameterized appropriately to compute this integral.
- This type of integral has applications in physics, helping to analyze fields like electromagnetism and fluid dynamics.
Parametrization of Curves
- For example, an ellipse can be parameterized as \( x = a \cos(t) \) and \( y = b \sin(t) \), where \( t \) varies over a specific interval.
- The choice of parameters significantly impacts the ease of calculations, particularly with line integrals.
- Parametrization translates a geometric curve into a form suitable for calculus operations.
- It turns a complex path into a manageable component of integration and differentiation.
Trigonometric Identities
- Common identities include \( \sin^2(t) + \cos^2(t) = 1 \), which is often used to simplify products and powers of sine and cosine.
- In the solution provided, the identity was used to simplify the expression \(-2 \sin^2(t) + 6 \cos^2(t)\) into \(6 - 8 \sin^2(t)\).
- Understanding and employing these identities can make solving calculus problems more efficient.
- They play a key role in optimizing solutions and reducing complex trigonometric functions to simpler forms.