Chapter 18: Problem 6
Show that \(\int_{c} \mathbf{F} \cdot d \mathbf{r}\) is independent of path by finding a potential function \(f\) for \(F\). $$ \mathbf{F}(x, y)=\left(5 y^{3}+4 y^{3} \sec ^{2} x\right) \mathbf{i}+\left(15 x y^{2}+12 y^{2} \tan x\right) \mathbf{j} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The potential function is \(f(x, y) = 5y^3 x + 4y^3 \tan x + C\). The integral is path independent.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Form of F
The vector field is given by \( \mathbf{F}(x, y) = (5y^3 + 4y^3 \sec^2 x) \mathbf{i} + (15xy^2 + 12y^2 \tan x) \mathbf{j} \). We need to verify if there exists a potential function \(f(x, y)\) such that \(abla f = \mathbf{F}\).
02
Determine Potential Function Candidates
The partial derivative with respect to \(x\) of the potential function \(f\) should be \(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 5y^3 + 4y^3 \sec^2 x\). Integrating with respect to \(x\), we have:
03
Integrate With Respect to x
Integrate \(5y^3 + 4y^3 \sec^2 x\) with respect to \(x\):\[ f(x, y) = 5y^3 x + 4y^3 \tan x + g(y) \]where \(g(y)\) is an arbitrary function of \(y\).
04
Differentiate With Respect to y
To find \(g(y)\), differentiate \(f(x, y)\) with respect to \(y\):\[ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = 15xy^2 + 12y^2 \tan x + g'(y) \]
05
Equate to Known Component
The given \(y\)-component of \(\mathbf{F}\) is \(\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = 15xy^2 + 12y^2 \tan x\). Substitute this into the above expression:\[ 15xy^2 + 12y^2 \tan x + g'(y) = 15xy^2 + 12y^2 \tan x \]This implies \(g'(y) = 0\).
06
Solve for g(y)
Since \(g'(y) = 0\), we have \(g(y) = C\) where \(C\) is a constant. Hence, the potential function is\[ f(x, y) = 5y^3 x + 4y^3 \tan x + C \]
07
Conclude Independence from Path
Since we found a potential function \(f(x, y) = 5y^3 x + 4y^3 \tan x + C\) such that \(abla f = \mathbf{F}\), the line integral is path independent when within its domain.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Potential Function
In vector calculus, a potential function is a scalar function whose gradient is equal to a given vector field. If a vector field \(\mathbf{F}\) on a region \(D\) is conservative, then there exists a potential function \(f\) such that \(\mathbf{F} = abla f\).
- This implies that the vector field is the gradient of some scalar field.
- Finding a potential function helps in simplifying calculations of line integrals and establishing path independence.
Path Independence
Path independence is a property of line integrals within a vector field where the integral between two points does not depend on the path taken.
- A key requirement for path independence is that the vector field must be conservative.
- If there exists a potential function for the vector field, it confirms path independence.
Line Integral
A line integral is an integral where a function is evaluated along a curve. In vector calculus, it commonly involves integrating a vector field along a path or curve.
- Line integrals of vector fields are used to compute quantities like work done by a force.
- The integral's value depends on both the vector field and the path taken.
Gradient Field
A gradient field is a vector field that is the gradient of a scalar field. It is typically denoted as \(\mathbf{F} = abla f\).
- This field represents the direction and rate of fastest increase for the potential function \(f\).
- In mathematical terms, a gradient field is conservative.