Chapter 18: Problem 41
Let \(\vec{F}=-y \vec{i}+x \vec{j}\) and let \(C\) be the unit circle oriented counterclockwise. (a) Show that \(\vec{F}\) has a constant magnitude of 1 on \(C\). (b) Show that \(\vec{F}\) is always tangent to the circle \(C\). (c) Show that \(\int_{C} \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r}=\) Length of \(C\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \vec{F} \) has magnitude 1, is tangent to \( C \), and \( \int_{C} \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r} = 2\pi \).
Step by step solution
01
Express Unit Circle Parameterization
The unit circle is parameterized by \( \vec{r}(t) = \langle \cos(t), \sin(t) \rangle \) for \( t \in [0, 2\pi] \). This is because the cosine and sine functions define the x and y coordinates of a circle with radius 1.
02
Magnitude of \( \vec{F} \) on \( C \)
Given \( \vec{F} = -y \vec{i} + x \vec{j} \), substitute \( x = \cos(t) \) and \( y = \sin(t) \) into the expression. Thus, \( \vec{F} = -\sin(t) \vec{i} + \cos(t) \vec{j} \). The magnitude is \( \| \vec{F} \| = \sqrt{(-\sin(t))^2 + (\cos(t))^2} = \sqrt{\sin^2(t) + \cos^2(t)} = 1 \). Thus, \( \vec{F} \) has constant magnitude 1 on \( C \).
03
Show \( \vec{F} \) is Tangent to Circle
The derivative of the position vector parameterization is \( \vec{r}'(t) = \frac{d}{dt}(\langle \cos(t), \sin(t) \rangle) = \langle -\sin(t), \cos(t) \rangle \), which matches \( \vec{F} = -\sin(t) \vec{i} + \cos(t) \vec{j} \). Since \( \vec{F} = \vec{r}'(t) \), \( \vec{F} \) is always tangent to \( C \).
04
Compute Line Integral
The line integral is given by \( \int_{C} \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r} = \int_{0}^{2\pi} \vec{F}(t) \cdot \vec{r}'(t) \, dt \). Since \( \vec{F}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) \), this becomes \( \int_{0}^{2\pi} \| \vec{r}'(t) \|^2 \, dt = \int_{0}^{2\pi} 1 \, dt = 2\pi \). This shows \( \int_{C} \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r} = \text{Length of } C \), which is 2\pi.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Fields
A vector field is a mathematical construct that associates a vector to every point in a space. In the case of a two-dimensional vector field, we assign vectors to each point on a plane. Our exercise involves the vector field \(\vec{F} = -y \vec{i} + x \vec{j}\) which defines vector components based on the coordinates \(x\) and \(y\).
- This vector field is characterized by its component functions \(-y\) and \(x\), which determine the direction and magnitude of the vector at any given point \((x, y)\).
- The vector field visually resembles a rotational field, meaning its vectors circulate around the origin.
Tangent Vectors
Tangent vectors are essential when we discuss curves like the unit circle. A tangent vector at a given point of a curve provides insights into the direction of that curve at that point.
The exercise requires us to show that the vector field \(\vec{F}\) is always tangent to the unit circle \(C\). This demands checking if \(\vec{F}\), at each point on \(C\), aligns directionally with the tangent vector of \(C\).
The exercise requires us to show that the vector field \(\vec{F}\) is always tangent to the unit circle \(C\). This demands checking if \(\vec{F}\), at each point on \(C\), aligns directionally with the tangent vector of \(C\).
- The tangent vector to the unit circle at any point \((x, y)\) can be the derivative of its parameterization, which gives \(\langle -\sin(t), \cos(t) \rangle\).
- Notably, this is equivalent to \(\vec{F} = - y \vec{i} + x \vec{j} = -\sin(t) \vec{i} + \cos(t) \vec{j}\) when using the trigonometric identity \(x = \cos(t)\) and \(y = \sin(t)\).
- Since these two expressions are equal, it confirms that \(\vec{F}\) is tangent to \(C\) at every point.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a set of points in a plane that maintains a fixed distance, specifically a radius of 1, from a central origin point. It is an essential concept in trigonometry and calculus.
- This circle can be parameterized using trigonometric functions: \(\vec{r}(t) = \langle \cos(t), \sin(t) \rangle\), where \(t\) is the parameter representing the angle in radians.
- The range of \(t\) from 0 to \(2\pi\) spans the entire circle counterclockwise.
Parameterization
Parameterization is a technique to represent a curve using a set of equations that express the coordinates as functions of a variable known as the parameter, typically \(t\). It allows us to explore geometric curves analytically rather than just rely on geometric intuition.
- For the unit circle, the parameterization is given by \(\vec{r}(t) = \langle \cos(t), \sin(t) \rangle\).
- This expression effectively translates the unit circle into a mathematical form where calculus methods, such as integration, can be employed.