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The Following Theorem Says That The Only Vector Fields That Are Independent of Path Are Conservative

The document discusses a theorem about vector fields that are independent of path. The theorem states that the only vector fields that are independent of path are conservative vector fields, for which there exists a potential function such that the gradient of the potential function equals the vector field. The theorem is proved for plane curves, and similarly applies to space curves. It assumes the region is open and connected.

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29 views

The Following Theorem Says That The Only Vector Fields That Are Independent of Path Are Conservative

The document discusses a theorem about vector fields that are independent of path. The theorem states that the only vector fields that are independent of path are conservative vector fields, for which there exists a potential function such that the gradient of the potential function equals the vector field. The theorem is proved for plane curves, and similarly applies to space curves. It assumes the region is open and connected.

Uploaded by

gthulasi787126
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INDEPENDENCE OF PATH

The following theorem says that the only


vector fields that are independent of path
are conservative.
It is stated and proved for plane curves.

However, there is a similar version for


space curves.

INDEPENDENCE OF PATH

We assume that D is openwhich means


that, for every point P in D, there is a disk
with center P that lies entirely in D.

So, D doesnt contain any of its


boundary points.

INDEPENDENCE OF PATH

In addition, we assume that D is


connected.
This means that any two points in D
can be joined by a path that lies in D.

CONSERVATIVE VECTOR FIELD

Theorem 4

Suppose F is a vector field that is continuous


on an open, connected region D.

If

F dr is independent of path in D, then

F is a conservative vector field on D.


That is, there exists a function f
such that f F

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