Chapter 17: Problem 37
Let \(\overrightarrow{\boldsymbol{F}}=x \vec{i}+y \vec{j}\) and \(\overrightarrow{\boldsymbol{G}}=-y \vec{i}+x \vec{j}\) Sketch the vector field \(\vec{L}=\vec{F}+b \vec{G}\) if: (a) \(\quad b=0\) (b) \(\quad b>0\) (c) \(\quad b<0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
For the vector field \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \):
(a) When \( b = 0 \), vectors are radial.
(b) When \( b > 0 \), vectors rotate counter-clockwise.
(c) When \( b < 0 \), vectors rotate clockwise.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Given Vectors
The vector field \( \overrightarrow{\boldsymbol{F}} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} \) represents a vector field pointing in the direction of increasing \( x \) and \( y \). Meanwhile, \( \overrightarrow{\boldsymbol{G}} = -y \vec{i} + x \vec{j} \) represents a vector field that rotates 90 degrees counter-clockwise from \( \overrightarrow{\boldsymbol{F}} \).
02
Defining the Vector Field for Part (a)
In this case, we need to find \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \) when \( b = 0 \). Substitute \( b = 0 \) to get \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} \). Thus, \( \vec{L} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} \). This vector field is pointing away from the origin in the direction of each point \( (x, y) \), representing a radial field.
03
Analyzing the Vector Field for Part (b)
For \( b > 0 \), each vector in \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \) will have a component along an anti-clockwise direction due to \( \vec{G} \). At point \((x, y)\), \( \vec{L} = (x - by) \vec{i} + (y + bx) \vec{j} \). As \( b \) increases, the rotation impact intensifies.
04
Exploring the Vector Field for Part (c)
For \( b < 0 \), we observe that the component from \( \vec{G} \) is now being subtracted, leading each vector in \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \) to potentially rotate clockwise. At point \((x, y)\), the vector becomes \( (x - by) \vec{i} + (y + bx) \vec{j} \). As \( b \) becomes more negative, the clockwise rotation effect becomes more prominent.
05
Sketching the Vector Fields
To sketch: - For \( b=0 \), vectors radiate outward from the origin. - For \( b>0 \), the vectors in the field curve anti-clockwise around the origin since they have positive values of \( b \). - For \( b<0 \), the field exhibits clockwise curvature since the vectors include the negative rotation component associated with \( b \). Draw vectors at various \( x, y \) points to illustrate this.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Addition
Vector addition is a fundamental concept in vector fields, allowing us to combine two or more vectors to create a new vector. In our exercise, we add vectors \( \vec{F} \) and \( b \vec{G} \) to produce another vector field \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \).
This addition means combining the horizontal components \( (i) \) and the vertical components \( (j) \) of both vectors to find the i and j components of \( \vec{L} \).
This addition means combining the horizontal components \( (i) \) and the vertical components \( (j) \) of both vectors to find the i and j components of \( \vec{L} \).
- If \( b = 0 \), the vector \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} \), hence it's entirely defined by \( \vec{F} \).
- For \( b > 0 \), \( \vec{L} \) becomes \( (x - by) \vec{i} + (y + bx) \vec{j} \), where \( \vec{G} \) contributes a positive rotation component.
- When \( b < 0 \), the contribution from \( \vec{G} \) is negative, modifying \( \vec{L} \) into \( (x - by) \vec{i} + (y + bx) \vec{j} \) but with a potential clockwise rotation effect due to the negative value.
Radial Vector Fields
A radial vector field is a special type of field where vectors radiate outward from or inward to a central point, often the origin. In our exercise, the case where \( b = 0 \) demonstrates a perfect example of a radial vector field.
The vector \( \vec{F} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} \) points straight from the origin towards any point \( (x, y) \). Each vector's length increases proportionally with distance from the origin, creating a field that looks like spokes on a wheel. Key characteristics of a radial vector field include:
The vector \( \vec{F} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} \) points straight from the origin towards any point \( (x, y) \). Each vector's length increases proportionally with distance from the origin, creating a field that looks like spokes on a wheel. Key characteristics of a radial vector field include:
- Direction matching that of the position vector \((x, y)\).
- Magnitude increasing as the distance from the origin increases.
- Symmetry in all directions from the center.
Rotation in Vector Fields
Vector fields can include rotation, which refers to vectors having a directional tendency to rotate around a point. In the exercise, the vector \( \vec{G} = -y \vec{i} + x \vec{j} \) introduces a rotational aspect to our field due to its counter-clockwise orientation.
Rotation can be affected by various factors, such as:
Rotation can be affected by various factors, such as:
- The magnitude of the rotational vector components \((x, y)\).
- The parameter \( b \), which scales the rotational component in \( \vec{L} = \vec{F} + b \vec{G} \).
Sketching Vector Fields
Sketching vector fields helps visualize how vectors behave across different regions of a plane. For this exercise, different values of \( b \) offer varying vector field dynamics, which we can represent through sketches.
To sketch each scenario, follow these steps:
To sketch each scenario, follow these steps:
- For \( b = 0 \): Draw vectors radiating outwards at various points (like spokes from the origin). Each vector should be proportional to its position \((x, y)\).
- When \( b > 0 \): Introduce a slight curve to the vectors following a counter-clockwise direction, looping around the origin.
- For \( b < 0 \): Curve vectors in a clockwise direction, reflecting the negative rotation's impact.