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: 25

Answer

Not conservative.

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 $D$. Since, $\int_C \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \overrightarrow{dr}$ is independent of path if and only if $\int_C \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \overrightarrow{dr}=0$ for every closed curve $C$. The work done is a line integral of force. When a closed loop is drawn around the center of the vector field, there will be a non-zero amount of work needed to get to the initial point. However, in a conservative field, there will be an equal amount of positive and negative work (or zero work) needed to get to the initial point. This means that the line integral of $\overrightarrow{F}$ is not path independent. Hence, the vector field $\overrightarrow{F}$ is not conservative.
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