Flux integral of a curl = zero

In summary, Stokes's theorem states that the flux integral of a curl of a vector field over a closed surface is always zero. This is due to the connection with physics and the divergence theorem, where the divergence of a curl is always zero under certain conditions.
  • #1
nonequilibrium
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Does Stokes's theorem imply that the flux integral of a curl of a vector field over a closed surface is always zero? (because then there is no boundary curve and thus the line integral over the boundary curve is zero)

Is there an insightful way to see why this is always true? Maybe a connection with physics or so.

Thank you,
mr vodka
 
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  • #2
By the divergence theorem

[tex]\int\int_S \nabla \times \vec F\cdot \hat n\, dS = \int\int\int_V \nabla \cdot \nabla \times \vec F\, dV= 0[/tex]

because under appropriate continuity conditions the divergence of a curl is zero.
 

FAQ: Flux integral of a curl = zero

1. What does the flux integral of a curl equal to zero mean?

The flux integral of a curl equal to zero means that the net flow of a vector field through a closed surface is zero. This indicates that the vector field is solenoidal, which means that it has no sources or sinks within the closed surface.

2. How is the flux integral of a curl related to the divergence of a vector field?

The flux integral of a curl being equal to zero is equivalent to the divergence of the vector field being equal to zero. This is known as the Helmholtz decomposition theorem, which states that any vector field can be decomposed into a sum of a solenoidal field (curl equal to zero) and an irrotational field (divergence equal to zero).

3. What is the physical significance of the flux integral of a curl equal to zero?

The physical significance of the flux integral of a curl being equal to zero is that it represents the conservation of mass or fluid flow. This is because a solenoidal vector field has no sources or sinks, meaning that the amount of fluid entering a closed surface must be equal to the amount exiting the surface.

4. Can the flux integral of a curl be non-zero?

Yes, the flux integral of a curl can be non-zero if the vector field is not solenoidal. This means that there are sources or sinks within the closed surface, resulting in a net flow of the vector field through the surface. In this case, the divergence of the vector field will also be non-zero.

5. How is the flux integral of a curl used in electromagnetism?

In electromagnetism, the flux integral of a curl is used to calculate the circulation of the electric and magnetic fields around a closed path. This can be used to determine the presence of electric currents and magnetic poles within a given region.

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