Multivariable Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53849-787-4
ISBN 13: 978-0-53849-787-9

Chapter 16 - Vector Calculus - 16.3 Exercises - Page 1107: 21

Answer

It does not matter which curve is chosen.

Work Step by Step

When $F(x,y)=Ai+Bj$ is a conservative field, then throughout the domain $D$, we get $\dfrac{\partial A}{\partial y}=\dfrac{\partial B}{\partial x}$ $a$ and $b$ are the first-order partial derivatives on the domain $D$. $\int_C \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \overrightarrow{dr}$ is independent of path if and only if $\int_C \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \overrightarrow{dr}=0$ for every closed curve $C$. Then, we can find that our work integral $W= \int_C \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \overrightarrow{dr}$ is minimized when the vector field $F$ is conservative, and when the curve $C$ is closed.This implies that the curve has the same initial and final point with respect to its vector function. Hence, it has been noticed that any curve $C$ that is closed will admit a minimal work equal to $0$ in the field $\overrightarrow{F}$. Thus, it does not matter which curve is chosen.
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