Vector field Definition and 403 Threads

  1. W

    Surface integral of a vector field w/o div. theorem

    Homework Statement First a thanks for the existence of this site, i find it quite useful but had no need to actually post till now. I am stuck on the following problem in "introduction to physics" We should calculate the \oint \vec{v}.d\vec{A} of a object with the following parameters...
  2. D

    Conservative Vector Field: Understanding Circulation and Potential Function

    Let f(x,y) = ( \frac{-y}{x^2 + y^2}, \frac{x}{x^2 + y^2}) with f : D \subset \mathbb{R}^2 \to \mathbb{R}^2 I know if I take D = D_1 = \mathbb{R}^2 - \{ (0,0) \} the vector field is not conservative, for the circulation over a circunference centered at the origin does not equal zero. But...
  3. T

    Flux through a sphere given a vector field

    Homework Statement Vector field F = (2siny-cosz, 2cosx+3sinz, cosy-2sinx) Compute the flux of F through a sphere of radius one centered at the origin with respect to the outer unit normal. Homework Equations Divergence theorem/Gauss's Law The Attempt at a Solution The only...
  4. J

    Work done and limit of a vector field.

    Homework Statement Consider the vector field F = r/|r|^p = <x,y,z>/|r|^p where p>1. Let C be the line from point (1,1,1) to the point (a,a,a) for a>1. (a) Compute work done in moving an object along C. (b) Find the limit a->infinity (that is, the work done in moving an object to...
  5. B

    From Conservative Vector Field to Potential Energy function

    What if when I'm finding the repeated terms from integrating the vector field with respect to x and then y, i come across two terms that are same except one is negative and the other positive. What does that mean, and how do i represent that in the overall potential function I'm finding?
  6. D

    Quantization of vector field in the Coulomb gauge

    I have a technical question and at the time being I can't ask it to a professor. So, I'm here: If I try to quantize the vector field in the Coulomb gauge (radiation gauge) A_0(x)=0,\quad \vec\nabla\cdot\vec A=0. by imposing the equal-time commutation relation...
  7. G

    Show that this field is orthogonal to each vector field.

    Homework Statement If a, b, and c are any three vector fields in locally Minkowskain 4-manifold, show that the field ε_{ijkl}a^{i}b^{k}c^{l} is orthogonal to \vec{a}, \vec{b}, and \vec{c}. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know I have to show that multiplying the...
  8. Matterwave

    Shutz's derivation of the Lie Derivative of a vector field

    I have a question about Bernard Shutz's derivation of the Lie derivative of a vector field in his book Geometrical Methods for Mathematical Physics. I will try to reproduce part of his argument here. Essentially, we have 2 vector fields V and U which are represented by \frac{d}{d\lambda} and...
  9. S

    Confusion over the definition of Lie Derivative of a Vector Field

    Hello all, I was hoping someone would be able to clarify this issue I am having with the Lie Derivative of a vector field. We define the lie derivative of a vector field Y with respect to a vector field X to be L_X Y :=\operatorname{\frac{d}{dt}} |_{t=0} (\phi_t^*Y), where \phi_t is the...
  10. B

    When the gradient of a vector field is symmetric?

    Homework Statement "A gradient of a vector field is symmetric if and only if this vector field is a gradient of a function" Pure Strain Deformations of Surfaces Marek L. Szwabowicz J Elasticity (2008) 92:255–275 DOI 10.1007/s10659-008-9161-5 f=5x^3+3xy-15y^3 So the gradient of this function...
  11. P

    Divergence of left invariant vector field

    Let's assume that a compact Lie group and left invariant vector filed X are given. I wonder why the divergence (with respect to Haar measure) of this field has to be equall 0. I found such result in one paper but I don't know how to prove it. Any suggestions?
  12. A

    Vector Field Homework: Learn What's Involved

    Homework Statement Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution What's surprise? And is my work correct?
  13. P

    Two problems while reading Feynman lectures (vector field))

    Question 1: solved! Question 2: Why it's zero? I think we cannot get zero unless it's an exact differential form? Many thanks.
  14. B

    Vector field calculations- dumb question

    Given 2 vectors, say x and y with a relationship of barXx-barYy (barX =1,0,0 and barY=0,1,0) calculations for the vector field in x and y plane are: Magnitude = sqrt(x2+y2) tails of vectors begin at input points (IE: if I choose 1,0 or 0,-1 etc) and the magnitudes are calcluated from these...
  15. B

    Mathematica Mathematica: Graph for a single vector instead of vector field?

    Hi guys, I would like to construct 2 vectors on a coordinate grid.(or a vector field for only one t) of the forces between 2 point particles on a certain moment t. Can I do that? When I try the VectorPlot function and insert all values instead of also inserting a variable it gives the error that...
  16. A

    Given divergence and curl determine vector field

    the divergence and the curl of a vector field "A" are specified everywhere in a volume V. The normal component of curl A is also specified on the surface S bounding V. Show that these data enable one to determine the vector field in the region
  17. L

    Vector Field Derivatives: Why & How?

    Hi I thought about putting this topic in physics subforum, but I think it's overall more fitting here. So, I'm having problems understanding some basic stuff, and I'm kinda embarassed. I'm an engineer and I'm trying to sort things I already know but on a more rigorous mathematic foundation...
  18. T

    Creating a Vector Field from a 3D Parametric Equation

    I am trying to turn a 3D parametric equation into a vector field for an experiment, but I am not having much luck. [x,y,z]=[r*cos(u),r*sin(u),a*u] is the equation, I'm using grapher on the Mac. I want it all going in a helix, which is what the equation is for. Thanks!
  19. F

    Just what does it mean when a vector field has 0 divergence?

    Homework Statement Yeah I've been pondering over that, my book doesn't really do the justice of nailing it down for me. Does having 0 divergence means having "absolute convergence", like maybe at every point (or at a certain point) all the vectors are pointing towards a point? Like...
  20. D

    How Is Work Calculated in a Vector Field?

    Homework Statement Find the work done by the force field F in moving an object from P to Q. F(x,y,z)=10y^(3/2)i+15x\sqrt{y}j P(1,1), Q(2,9)Homework Equations W = \intF dot drThe Attempt at a Solution I have no clue how to do it
  21. WannabeNewton

    Integral Curves of Vector Field B in $\mathbb{R}^3$

    Homework Statement For \mathbb{R}^{3} find the integral curves of the vector field B = xy\frac{\partial }{\partial x} - y^{2}\frac{\partial }{\partial y}. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I am having a hard time understand just how to set up the differential equations in order to...
  22. C

    Computing Line Integrals Related to Vector Field F in R2

    We are given a vector field: F=\frac{-y}{x^2+y^2} , \frac{x}{x^2+y^2} Then asked if F is conservative on R2 \ (0,0). I just solved the partial derivatives of each part of the vector field and they did indeed equal each other, but I don't under stand what the "\(0,0)" part means. We are then...
  23. T

    Compute Flux of Vector Field Through Surface S

    Homework Statement Compute the flux of the vector field, , through the surface, S. \vec{F}= 3xi + yj + zk and S is the part of the surface z + 4x + 2y = 12 in the first octant oriented upward. Homework Equations by definition from my book the integral is \intF(x,y,f(x,y)\circ<-fx,fy,1>dxdy...
  24. Z

    Line Integral and Vector Field Problem

    Homework Statement Find the work done by the force field F(x,y) = x sin(y)i + yj on a particle that moves along on the parabola y = x^2 from (-1,1) to (2,4). Homework Equations Work = line integral of the dot product of Field vector and change in the path The path is parabola equation...
  25. J

    Confused- Integrating a vector field along a curve in 3D.

    Homework Statement Let f be a vector function, f = (xz, 0, 0), and C a contour formed by the boundary of the surface S S : x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = R^2 , x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0, z ≥ 0 , and oriented counterclockwise (as seen from the origin). Evaluate the integral (Closed integral sign) f · dr , directly as...
  26. S

    Representing Gravity as a Vector Field

    In my book, it says that gravity can be thought of as a force in the form of this vector: F= (-GMm)/(x2+y2+z2)*u where u is a unit vector in the direction from the point to the origin. How would this be represented as a vector field (this is not a homework problem, just me wondering...)? Is...
  27. I

    Calculating Vector Field for f(z)=-iz

    Homework Statement f(z) = -iz is an analytic function [i being the complex number] Calculate the vector field v=u(x,y)i -v(x,y)j Homework Equations z = x+iy [Im assuming z here is the complex z not a varaible z] The Attempt at a Solution I've not learned polar vector calculus yet...
  28. Y

    What Defines a Uniform Vector Field?

    I cannot find the meaning of the uniform vector field. I know \hat z k_x+\hat y k_y +\hat z k_z is a uniform vector field if k_x,k_y,k_z are constants. Does this means a uniform vector field: 1) Points to the same direction in all locations? 2) Have the same magnitude in all...
  29. U

    What is a Hamiltonian vector field in General Relativity?

    I'm researching General Relativity and have stumbled upon a bit of Hamiltonian mechanics. I roughly understand the idea behind the Hamiltonian of a system, but I'm utterly confused as to what the hell a Hamiltonian vector field is. I've taken ODE's, PDE's, Linear Algebra, and I'm just being...
  30. fluidistic

    Vector field, vortex free and sources free

    Homework Statement I must determine whether the following vector fields have sources or vortices. 1)\vec A = (\vec x )\frac{\vec a \times \vec x}{r^3} where \vec a is constant and r=||\vec x||. 2)\vec B (\vec x )= \frac{\vec a}{r+ \beta} where \vec a and r are the same as part 1) and \beta >0...
  31. J

    Vector field identity derivation using Einstein summation and kronecker delta.

    Homework Statement Let \vec{A}(\vec{r})and \vec{B}(\vec{r}) be vector fields. Show that Homework Equations \vec{\nabla}\bullet(\vec{A}\vec{B})=(\vec{A}\bullet\vec{\nabla})\vec{B}+\vec{B}(\vec{\nabla}\bullet\vec{A}) This is EXACTLY how it is written in Ch 3 Problem 2 of Schwinger...
  32. B

    Embedding vector graphics in Word docs - vector field plots

    I have a question: hope this fits under "Calculus" topic. I am trying to embed vector graphics in my Word documents. MathCAD does this quite nicely for xy-plots, but MathCAD is awkward for constructing vector fields like those you'd find in electrodynamics. I could use Maple, but those embeds...
  33. A

    Curl of Vector Field u = yi+(x+z)j+xy^(2)k: Step-by-Step Calculation Method

    Find the curl of the following vector field u = yi+(x+z)j+xy^(2)k Now using the method I've bin taught similar to finding determinant of 3x3 matrix here is my answer i(2yx-1) -j(y^2) +k(0)Just looking for confirmation if this is correct or any basic errors I have made thank you.
  34. A

    How do you find the divergence of a vector field?

    I am just curious how you find the divergence of the following vector field Heres my example u = xz^(2)i +y(x^(2)-1)j+zx^(2) y^(3)k Am I right in thinking U take the derivative with respect to x for first term derivative with respect to y for second term... giving me...
  35. E

    Bessel functions in vector field

    I need to solve this general problem. Let's consider the following vector field in cylindrical coordinates: \vec{A}=-J'_m(kr)\cos(\phi)\hat{\rho}+\frac{m^2}{k}\frac{J_m(kr)}{r}\sin(\phi)\hat{\phi}+0\hat{z} where m is an integer, and k could satisfy to: J_m(ka)=0 or J_m'(ka)=0 with a real. (the...
  36. W

    Finding a vector field perpendicular to the surface of a sphere

    I'm trying to figure out if a given vector field is perpendicular at the surface of a sphere of radius R. The vector field is given in spherical coordinates. I initially attempted to take the cross product of the vector field with the normal vector at the surface of the sphere to see if it was...
  37. C

    Vector Field Problem: Pressure Tendency at Service Station

    Homework Statement A car is driving straight southward, past a service station, at 100 km/h. The surface pressure decreaes toward the southeast at 1 Pa/km. What is the pressure tendency at the service station if the pressure measured by the car is decreasing at a rate of 50 Pa/3h? (Hint: draw...
  38. T

    Mastering Vector Field Plotting: Homework Statement and Solution Attempt

    Homework Statement [PLAIN]http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5273/questionm.png The Attempt at a Solution How do I go about plotting this?
  39. T

    Solving Vector Field with Poincare's Lemma

    Homework Statement [PLAIN]http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8540/vecx.jpg The Attempt at a Solution I've done (i). First of all Poincare's Lemma says that if the domain U of {\bf F} is simply connected then: {\bf F} is irrotational \iff {\bf F} is conservative. So for...
  40. D

    Two covariant derivatives of a vector field

    V_{a;b} = V_{a,b} - \Gamma^d_{ad}V_d Now take the second derivative... V_{a;b;c} = (V_{a;b})_{,c} - \Gamma^f_{ac}V_{f;b} - \Gamma^f_{bc}V_{a;f} But I have no idea how to get the parts with the Christoffel symbols. V_{a;b;c} = (V_{a;b})_{,c} - \Gamma^f_{(a;b)c}V_{af} = (V_{a;b})_{,c} -...
  41. K

    Differentiation a Hamiltonian Vector Field

    Homework Statement Consider a smooth manifold M, and smooth functions H_i: T^*M \to \mathbb R, i=0,1 on the cotangent bundle. Further, let z:[t_1,t_2] \subset \mathbb R \to M define a trajectory on T^*M by \frac{dz}{dt} = \vec H_0(z(t)) + u(t) \vec H_1(z(t)) where \vec H_i is the...
  42. A

    Proof of Zero Value for Vector Field Integral on Closed Surface

    What is the value of a surface integral over a closed, continuous surface of a vector field of vectors normal to the surface? The integral of ndS over S. I believe the answer is zero. Can someone direct me to a proof for an aribitrary closed surface?
  43. H

    Vector field as smooth embedding

    We can show that any vector field V:M->TM(tangent bundle of M) is smooth embedding of M, but how do we show that these smooth embeddings are all smoothly homotopic? How to construct such a homotopy?
  44. H

    Number of Nondegenerate Zeros of Vector Field Bounded

    "if a vector field has only nondegenerate zeros then the number of zeros is bounded" With no idea how to show that without using Poincare-Hopf Theorem. Any proof possible without using any concept from algebraic topology?
  45. R

    Line integral of a vector field

    Hello, I am attempting to calculate the line integral of the vector field Line integral of a vector field \overline{A}= x^{2} \hat{i} + x y^{2} \hat{j} around a circle of radius R ( x^{2} + y^{2} = R^{2} ) using cartesian coordinates. The appropriate differential line element in cartesian...
  46. R

    Line integral of a vector field

    I am attempting to calculate the line integral of the vector field \overline{A}= x^{2} \hat{i} + x y^{2} \hat{j} around a circle of radius R (x^{2} + y^{2} = R^{2}) using cylindrical coordinates. It is simple enough to convert the x and y components to their cylindrical counterparts, but I am...
  47. F

    How Does Stokes' Theorem Apply to a Triangular Contour in Vector Calculus?

    Homework Statement Assume the vector function A = ax(3x^{2}2y^{2})-ax(x^{3}y^{2}) a) Find \ointA\cdotdl around the triangular contour shown in Fig. 2-36 [it is a triangle with base and height of one on the x and y axis. the curl travels so that the normal vector is in the -z direction] b)...
  48. X

    Finding Line Integral of Vector Field

    Homework Statement You are given a vector field A= kx2 x. a. First, calculate the line integral of A from x=-2 to x=2 along the x axis. b. Next, calculate the line integral of A between the same 2 points, but use a semicircular path with a center at the origin. Recall that in cylindrical...
  49. S

    How to inverse surface integral of a vector field

    Assume that I know the value of \iint_{S} \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} dS over any surface in \mathbb{R}^3, where \overrightarrow{F}(x,y,z) is a vector field in \mathbb{R}^3 and \hat{n} is the normal to the surface at any point considered. Using that I would like to compute...
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