Chapter 16: Problem 12
In Exercises \(7-12,\) find a potential function \(f\) for the field \(\mathbf{F}\) $$ \begin{array}{l}{\mathbf{F}=\frac{y}{1+x^{2} y^{2}} \mathbf{i}+\left(\frac{x}{1+x^{2} y^{2}}+\frac{z}{\sqrt{1-y^{2} z^{2}}}\right) \mathbf{j}+} \\ {\quad\left(\frac{y}{\sqrt{1-y^{2} z^{2}}}+\frac{1}{z}\right) \mathbf{k}}\end{array} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Verify if the Field is Conservative
Integrate the First Component Respect to x
Differentiate with Respect to y and Solve
Integrate Remaining Component with Respect to z
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Conservative Fields
To determine if a vector field is conservative, we typically check its curl. If the curl of the vector field is zero, the field is deemed conservative. Thus, we can say a vector field \( \mathbf{F} \) is conservative if:
- \( abla \times \mathbf{F} = \vec{0} \).
Potential Functions
When a vector field is conservative, finding a potential function can simplify many calculations, especially when evaluating integrals. To construct a potential function, one typically:
- Integrates each component of the vector field.
- Combines results and determines arbitrary functions of the other variables.
Curl of a Vector Field
- \( abla \times \mathbf{F} = \left( \frac{\partial R}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial Q}{\partial z} \right)\mathbf{i} + \left( \frac{\partial P}{\partial z} - \frac{\partial R}{\partial x} \right)\mathbf{j} + \left( \frac{\partial Q}{\partial x} - \frac{\partial P}{\partial y} \right)\mathbf{k} \).
Integration Techniques
- Integrating the \( x \)-component involves treating \( y \) and \( z \) as constants.
- Finding functions of the remaining variables and incorporating them alongside constants is crucial when integrating further components.
In our example, after integrating with respect to \( x \), results often depend on \( y \) and \( z \). Thus, further integration or differentiation with respect to these variables is needed to refine the potential function, as shown with functions \( g(y,z) \) and \( h(z) \) in the solution.