MA 105

Calculus of one and

several variables
Prof. Inder K. Rana
Room 112 B
Department of Mathematics
IIT-Bombay, Mumbai-400076 (India)
Email: [email protected]
Lecture 21

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Example :
Compute the area of the surface

S with base the circle x 2 +y 2 = 1 in the xy -plane

extending upward to the parabolic

cylinder z = 1 − x 2 at the top.
The required area is given by
Z
A= (1 − x 2 ) ds,
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Example :
Compute the area of the surface

S with base the circle x 2 +y 2 = 1 in the xy -plane

extending upward to the parabolic

cylinder z = 1 − x 2 at the top.
The required area is given by
Z
A= (1 − x 2 ) ds,
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Example :
Compute the area of the surface

S with base the circle x 2 +y 2 = 1 in the xy -plane

extending upward to the parabolic

cylinder z = 1 − x 2 at the top.
The required area is given by
Z
A= (1 − x 2 ) ds,
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

where C is the circle with arc-length parametrization :

r(s) = cos s i + sin s j, 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π.

Thus,
Z 2 Z 2
A= π(1 − cos2 s)ds = π sin s ds = π.
0 0

Mass and Center of gravity of a thin wire :

Consider a thin wire in the shape of a curve C in space.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

where C is the circle with arc-length parametrization :

r(s) = cos s i + sin s j, 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π.

Thus,
Z 2 Z 2
A= π(1 − cos2 s)ds = π sin s ds = π.
0 0

Mass and Center of gravity of a thin wire :

Consider a thin wire in the shape of a curve C in space.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

where C is the circle with arc-length parametrization :

r(s) = cos s i + sin s j, 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π.

Thus,
Z 2 Z 2
A= π(1 − cos2 s)ds = π sin s ds = π.
0 0

Mass and Center of gravity of a thin wire :

Consider a thin wire in the shape of a curve C in space.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

where C is the circle with arc-length parametrization :

r(s) = cos s i + sin s j, 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π.

Thus,
Z 2 Z 2
A= π(1 − cos2 s)ds = π sin s ds = π.
0 0

Mass and Center of gravity of a thin wire :

Consider a thin wire in the shape of a curve C in space.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

If f (x, y , z) represents the mass per unit length of the wire,

then the mass of a small portion 4s of the wire, is given by

4M := f (x, y , z)4s.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

If f (x, y , z) represents the mass per unit length of the wire,

then the mass of a small portion 4s of the wire, is given by

4M := f (x, y , z)4s.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Thus, we can define the total mass of the wire to be

Z
M := f ds.
C

Similarly, we can define the moments of the wire C about

the coordinate planes as follows
Z Z Z
Mxy := zf (x, y , z) ds, Myz := xf (x, y , z) ds, Mzx := yf (x, y
C c C

Finally, the point (x, y , z), called the center of mass of the
wire, in defined by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Thus, we can define the total mass of the wire to be

Z
M := f ds.
C

Similarly, we can define the moments of the wire C about

the coordinate planes as follows
Z Z Z
Mxy := zf (x, y , z) ds, Myz := xf (x, y , z) ds, Mzx := yf (x, y
C c C

Finally, the point (x, y , z), called the center of mass of the
wire, in defined by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Thus, we can define the total mass of the wire to be

Z
M := f ds.
C

Similarly, we can define the moments of the wire C about

the coordinate planes as follows
Z Z Z
Mxy := zf (x, y , z) ds, Myz := xf (x, y , z) ds, Mzx := yf (x, y
C c C

Finally, the point (x, y , z), called the center of mass of the
wire, in defined by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Myz Mzx Mxy

x := , y := , z := .
M M M
Work done along a curve :
The total work done in moving the body by a force F along
C, is given by

r0 (t)
Z t1 !
W = F· 0 ds
t=t0 kr (t)k

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Myz Mzx Mxy

x := , y := , z := .
M M M
Work done along a curve :
The total work done in moving the body by a force F along
C, is given by

r0 (t)
Z t1 !
W = F· 0 ds
t=t0 kr (t)k

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Myz Mzx Mxy

x := , y := , z := .
M M M
Work done along a curve :
The total work done in moving the body by a force F along
C, is given by

r0 (t)
Z t1 !
W = F· 0 ds
t=t0 kr (t)k

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Myz Mzx Mxy

x := , y := , z := .
M M M
Work done along a curve :
The total work done in moving the body by a force F along
C, is given by

r0 (t)
Z t1 !
W = F· 0 ds
t=t0 kr (t)k

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dr Z
= F· ds = F · dr
t=t0 ds
!
Z t1
dr
= F· dt. . . . (∗)
t=t0 dt

If F has components F1 , F2 , and F3 , i.e.,

F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

and
r(t) = x(t) i + y (t) j + z(t) k,

then equation (∗) can also be written as

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dr Z
= F· ds = F · dr
t=t0 ds
!
Z t1
dr
= F· dt. . . . (∗)
t=t0 dt

If F has components F1 , F2 , and F3 , i.e.,

F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

and
r(t) = x(t) i + y (t) j + z(t) k,

then equation (∗) can also be written as

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dr Z
= F· ds = F · dr
t=t0 ds
!
Z t1
dr
= F· dt. . . . (∗)
t=t0 dt

If F has components F1 , F2 , and F3 , i.e.,

F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

and
r(t) = x(t) i + y (t) j + z(t) k,

then equation (∗) can also be written as

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dr Z
= F· ds = F · dr
t=t0 ds
!
Z t1
dr
= F· dt. . . . (∗)
t=t0 dt

If F has components F1 , F2 , and F3 , i.e.,

F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

and
r(t) = x(t) i + y (t) j + z(t) k,

then equation (∗) can also be written as

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dr Z
= F· ds = F · dr
t=t0 ds
!
Z t1
dr
= F· dt. . . . (∗)
t=t0 dt

If F has components F1 , F2 , and F3 , i.e.,

F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

and
r(t) = x(t) i + y (t) j + z(t) k,

then equation (∗) can also be written as

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dx dy dz
W = F1 + F2 + F3 dt
t=t0 dt dt dt
Z t1
:= F1 dx + F2 dy + F3 dz.
t=t0

Circulation of a fluid along a curve :

Let v = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k be the velocity field of a fluid flowing
through a region D in space, and
C be a curve inside the region D

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dx dy dz
W = F1 + F2 + F3 dt
t=t0 dt dt dt
Z t1
:= F1 dx + F2 dy + F3 dz.
t=t0

Circulation of a fluid along a curve :

Let v = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k be the velocity field of a fluid flowing
through a region D in space, and
C be a curve inside the region D

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dx dy dz
W = F1 + F2 + F3 dt
t=t0 dt dt dt
Z t1
:= F1 dx + F2 dy + F3 dz.
t=t0

Circulation of a fluid along a curve :

Let v = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k be the velocity field of a fluid flowing
through a region D in space, and
C be a curve inside the region D

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

!
Z t1
dx dy dz
W = F1 + F2 + F3 dt
t=t0 dt dt dt
Z t1
:= F1 dx + F2 dy + F3 dz.
t=t0

Circulation of a fluid along a curve :

Let v = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k be the velocity field of a fluid flowing
through a region D in space, and
C be a curve inside the region D

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Then the tangential component of v at a point on the curve

is given by v · T,
where T is the unit-tangent vector to C at that point.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Then the tangential component of v at a point on the curve

is given by v · T,
where T is the unit-tangent vector to C at that point.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Then the tangential component of v at a point on the curve

is given by v · T,
where T is the unit-tangent vector to C at that point.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

For a small portion 4s of the curve, the quantity (v · T)4s

represents the flow of the fluid flow across along the small
portion 4s.
Thus, the total flow of the fluid along the curve C is given by
Z
Total flow along C := (v · T) ds.
C

If the curve C is a closed curve, then the above integral is

called the circulation of the flow along the curve.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

For a small portion 4s of the curve, the quantity (v · T)4s

represents the flow of the fluid flow across along the small
portion 4s.
Thus, the total flow of the fluid along the curve C is given by
Z
Total flow along C := (v · T) ds.
C

If the curve C is a closed curve, then the above integral is

called the circulation of the flow along the curve.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

For a small portion 4s of the curve, the quantity (v · T)4s

represents the flow of the fluid flow across along the small
portion 4s.
Thus, the total flow of the fluid along the curve C is given by
Z
Total flow along C := (v · T) ds.
C

If the curve C is a closed curve, then the above integral is

called the circulation of the flow along the curve.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Flux across a plane curve :

Consider a fluid flowing in a region D in the plane. Let v be
the velocity vector of the fluid and ρ(x, y ) be its density at a
point (x, y ) ∈ D.
Then, the vector field

F(x, y ) := ρ(x, y ) v(x, y ), (x, y ) ∈ D

represents the rate of change of mass, per unit time across

a unit length.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Flux across a plane curve :

Consider a fluid flowing in a region D in the plane. Let v be
the velocity vector of the fluid and ρ(x, y ) be its density at a
point (x, y ) ∈ D.
Then, the vector field

F(x, y ) := ρ(x, y ) v(x, y ), (x, y ) ∈ D

represents the rate of change of mass, per unit time across

a unit length.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Flux across a plane curve :

Consider a fluid flowing in a region D in the plane. Let v be
the velocity vector of the fluid and ρ(x, y ) be its density at a
point (x, y ) ∈ D.
Then, the vector field

F(x, y ) := ρ(x, y ) v(x, y ), (x, y ) ∈ D

represents the rate of change of mass, per unit time across

a unit length.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Let C be a curve in the domain D.

Then the rate of change of mass of
the fluid across a small portion 4s
of the curve is given by

(F · n)4s,

where n is the unit normal vector to the curve.

Thus, the total mass flow across whole of C is given by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Let C be a curve in the domain D.

Then the rate of change of mass of
the fluid across a small portion 4s
of the curve is given by

(F · n)4s,

where n is the unit normal vector to the curve.

Thus, the total mass flow across whole of C is given by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Let C be a curve in the domain D.

Then the rate of change of mass of
the fluid across a small portion 4s
of the curve is given by

(F · n)4s,

where n is the unit normal vector to the curve.

Thus, the total mass flow across whole of C is given by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Let C be a curve in the domain D.

Then the rate of change of mass of
the fluid across a small portion 4s
of the curve is given by

(F · n)4s,

where n is the unit normal vector to the curve.

Thus, the total mass flow across whole of C is given by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Let C be a curve in the domain D.

Then the rate of change of mass of
the fluid across a small portion 4s
of the curve is given by

(F · n)4s,

where n is the unit normal vector to the curve.

Thus, the total mass flow across whole of C is given by

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Z
Total flow across C := (F · n) ds,
C

and is called the flux of the fluid flow across C.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Applications of line integral

Z
Total flow across C := (F · n) ds,
C

and is called the flux of the fluid flow across C.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

The fundamental theorem of calculus for definite integration

helped us to compute
Z b
f (x)dx :
a

If f has an anti-derivative F , then

Z b
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (b). (1)
a

In fact, if f is continuous on (a, b),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

The fundamental theorem of calculus for definite integration

helped us to compute
Z b
f (x)dx :
a

If f has an anti-derivative F , then

Z b
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (b). (1)
a

In fact, if f is continuous on (a, b),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

The fundamental theorem of calculus for definite integration

helped us to compute
Z b
f (x)dx :
a

If f has an anti-derivative F , then

Z b
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (b). (1)
a

In fact, if f is continuous on (a, b),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

The fundamental theorem of calculus for definite integration

helped us to compute
Z b
f (x)dx :
a

If f has an anti-derivative F , then

Z b
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (b). (1)
a

In fact, if f is continuous on (a, b),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

then f and F are related by f (x) = F 0 (x) for every x ∈ (a, b),
i.e.,
an antiderivative F of f is given by
Z x
F (x) := f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]. . . . (2)
a

Extension of (1) is given by the following:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

then f and F are related by f (x) = F 0 (x) for every x ∈ (a, b),
i.e.,
an antiderivative F of f is given by
Z x
F (x) := f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]. . . . (2)
a

Extension of (1) is given by the following:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

then f and F are related by f (x) = F 0 (x) for every x ∈ (a, b),
i.e.,
an antiderivative F of f is given by
Z x
F (x) := f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]. . . . (2)
a

Extension of (1) is given by the following:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Theorem :
(i) Let D be an open set in IR3 and φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a
continuously differentiable scalar field.
Let A, B ∈ D and let C, r : [a, b] → D, be any smooth curve
in D such that initial point of C is A and final point of C is B.
Then Z
(∇φ) · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

(ii) Let F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a continuously differentiable

vector-field such that F is conservative,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Theorem :
(i) Let D be an open set in IR3 and φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a
continuously differentiable scalar field.
Let A, B ∈ D and let C, r : [a, b] → D, be any smooth curve
in D such that initial point of C is A and final point of C is B.
Then Z
(∇φ) · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

(ii) Let F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a continuously differentiable

vector-field such that F is conservative,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Theorem :
(i) Let D be an open set in IR3 and φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a
continuously differentiable scalar field.
Let A, B ∈ D and let C, r : [a, b] → D, be any smooth curve
in D such that initial point of C is A and final point of C is B.
Then Z
(∇φ) · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

(ii) Let F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a continuously differentiable

vector-field such that F is conservative,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Theorem :
(i) Let D be an open set in IR3 and φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a
continuously differentiable scalar field.
Let A, B ∈ D and let C, r : [a, b] → D, be any smooth curve
in D such that initial point of C is A and final point of C is B.
Then Z
(∇φ) · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

(ii) Let F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a continuously differentiable

vector-field such that F is conservative,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Theorem :
(i) Let D be an open set in IR3 and φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a
continuously differentiable scalar field.
Let A, B ∈ D and let C, r : [a, b] → D, be any smooth curve
in D such that initial point of C is A and final point of C is B.
Then Z
(∇φ) · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

(ii) Let F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be a continuously differentiable

vector-field such that F is conservative,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

i.e., F = 5φ for some continuously differentiable scalar field

φ on D.
Then, for A, B ∈ D and for any smooth curve
r : [a, b] → D, with r(a) = A and r(b) = B,
we have Z
F · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

Proof :
(i) Consider the function g : [a, b] → IR,
g(t) := (φor)(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

i.e., F = 5φ for some continuously differentiable scalar field

φ on D.
Then, for A, B ∈ D and for any smooth curve
r : [a, b] → D, with r(a) = A and r(b) = B,
we have Z
F · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

Proof :
(i) Consider the function g : [a, b] → IR,
g(t) := (φor)(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

i.e., F = 5φ for some continuously differentiable scalar field

φ on D.
Then, for A, B ∈ D and for any smooth curve
r : [a, b] → D, with r(a) = A and r(b) = B,
we have Z
F · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

Proof :
(i) Consider the function g : [a, b] → IR,
g(t) := (φor)(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

i.e., F = 5φ for some continuously differentiable scalar field

φ on D.
Then, for A, B ∈ D and for any smooth curve
r : [a, b] → D, with r(a) = A and r(b) = B,
we have Z
F · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

Proof :
(i) Consider the function g : [a, b] → IR,
g(t) := (φor)(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

i.e., F = 5φ for some continuously differentiable scalar field

φ on D.
Then, for A, B ∈ D and for any smooth curve
r : [a, b] → D, with r(a) = A and r(b) = B,
we have Z
F · dr = φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).
C

Proof :
(i) Consider the function g : [a, b] → IR,
g(t) := (φor)(t), t ∈ [a, b].

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Then g is a continuously differentiable function with

g 0 (t) = (5φ)(r(t)) · r0 (t), t ∈ (a, b).

Hence, by fundamental theorem of calculus for a single

variable,
Z Z b
(5φ) · r = (5φ)(r(t)) · r0 (t) dt
C a
Z b
= g 0 (t) dt = g(b) − g(a)
a
= φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Then g is a continuously differentiable function with

g 0 (t) = (5φ)(r(t)) · r0 (t), t ∈ (a, b).

Hence, by fundamental theorem of calculus for a single

variable,
Z Z b
(5φ) · r = (5φ)(r(t)) · r0 (t) dt
C a
Z b
= g 0 (t) dt = g(b) − g(a)
a
= φ(r(b)) − φ(r(a)).

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

(ii) This follows from (i).

Applications :
(i) Independence of work done:
The above theorem says that if a vector-field is
conservative, then the work done in moving from one point
to another does not depend upon the path taken.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

(ii) This follows from (i).

Applications :
(i) Independence of work done:
The above theorem says that if a vector-field is
conservative, then the work done in moving from one point
to another does not depend upon the path taken.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

(ii) This follows from (i).

Applications :
(i) Independence of work done:
The above theorem says that if a vector-field is
conservative, then the work done in moving from one point
to another does not depend upon the path taken.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

(ii) This follows from (i).

Applications :
(i) Independence of work done:
The above theorem says that if a vector-field is
conservative, then the work done in moving from one point
to another does not depend upon the path taken.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Independence of line integral over a path can also be

described as:
Theorem :
Let f : D ⊂ IR3 → IR be any scalar-field.
Then the following are equivalent :
(i) For any two points A, B ∈ D,the line integral C(A,B) f ds does
R

not depend upon the path C joining A and B.

I
(ii) f ds = 0 for every closed path C in D.
C

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : Let C be any closed path in D with
parameterizations

r : [a, b] → IR3 , r(a) = r(b).

Choose c ∈ (a, b) and consider the curves

C1 , r1 (t) := r(t), a ≤ t ≤ c,

and
C2 r2 (t) := r.(t), c ≤ t ≤ b.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : Let C be any closed path in D with
parameterizations

r : [a, b] → IR3 , r(a) = r(b).

Choose c ∈ (a, b) and consider the curves

C1 , r1 (t) := r(t), a ≤ t ≤ c,

and
C2 r2 (t) := r.(t), c ≤ t ≤ b.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : Let C be any closed path in D with
parameterizations

r : [a, b] → IR3 , r(a) = r(b).

Choose c ∈ (a, b) and consider the curves

C1 , r1 (t) := r(t), a ≤ t ≤ c,

and
C2 r2 (t) := r.(t), c ≤ t ≤ b.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C is the union of the two curves C1 and C2 .

Since, −C2 is the curve with initial point r(b) = r(a) and final
point r(c),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C is the union of the two curves C1 and C2 .

Since, −C2 is the curve with initial point r(b) = r(a) and final
point r(c),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

By (i), we have
Z Z Z
f ds = f ds = − f ds
C1 −C2 C2

Hence, I Z Z
f ds = f ds + f ds = 0.
C C1 C2

(ii) ⇒ (i) : Let C1 and C2 be any two curves in D such that

both have same initial and final points.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

By (i), we have
Z Z Z
f ds = f ds = − f ds
C1 −C2 C2

Hence, I Z Z
f ds = f ds + f ds = 0.
C C1 C2

(ii) ⇒ (i) : Let C1 and C2 be any two curves in D such that

both have same initial and final points.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

By (i), we have
Z Z Z
f ds = f ds = − f ds
C1 −C2 C2

Hence, I Z Z
f ds = f ds + f ds = 0.
C C1 C2

(ii) ⇒ (i) : Let C1 and C2 be any two curves in D such that

both have same initial and final points.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C = C1 ∪ (−C2 ) is a closed curve, and by the given

property
I
0= f ds
C
Z Z
= f ds + f ds
C1 −C2
Z Z
= f ds − f ds.
C1 C2
Z Z
Hence, f ds = f ds
C1 C2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C = C1 ∪ (−C2 ) is a closed curve, and by the given

property
I
0= f ds
C
Z Z
= f ds + f ds
C1 −C2
Z Z
= f ds − f ds.
C1 C2
Z Z
Hence, f ds = f ds
C1 C2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C = C1 ∪ (−C2 ) is a closed curve, and by the given

property
I
0= f ds
C
Z Z
= f ds + f ds
C1 −C2
Z Z
= f ds − f ds.
C1 C2
Z Z
Hence, f ds = f ds
C1 C2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C = C1 ∪ (−C2 ) is a closed curve, and by the given

property
I
0= f ds
C
Z Z
= f ds + f ds
C1 −C2
Z Z
= f ds − f ds.
C1 C2
Z Z
Hence, f ds = f ds
C1 C2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then, C = C1 ∪ (−C2 ) is a closed curve, and by the given

property
I
0= f ds
C
Z Z
= f ds + f ds
C1 −C2
Z Z
= f ds − f ds.
C1 C2
Z Z
Hence, f ds = f ds
C1 C2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Note :
Mathematically, if a vector field F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is
conservative and A, B ∈ D, then the integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C joining the points A and B.

It is natural to ask the question:
Is the converse true? i.e.,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Note :
Mathematically, if a vector field F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is
conservative and A, B ∈ D, then the integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C joining the points A and B.

It is natural to ask the question:
Is the converse true? i.e.,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

Note :
Mathematically, if a vector field F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is
conservative and A, B ∈ D, then the integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C joining the points A and B.

It is natural to ask the question:
Is the converse true? i.e.,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

if F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is such that for given points A, B ∈ D the

integral C(A,B) F · dr is independent of the path C joining A to
R

B, is F conservative?"
Thus, given a vector-field with the above property, one
would like to construct a potential function for it.
Recall that, for a function f of one variable, to construct an
antiderivative in [a, b],
Z we simply defined it to be
x
f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]
a

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

if F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is such that for given points A, B ∈ D the

integral C(A,B) F · dr is independent of the path C joining A to
R

B, is F conservative?"
Thus, given a vector-field with the above property, one
would like to construct a potential function for it.
Recall that, for a function f of one variable, to construct an
antiderivative in [a, b],
Z we simply defined it to be
x
f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]
a

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

if F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is such that for given points A, B ∈ D the

integral C(A,B) F · dr is independent of the path C joining A to
R

B, is F conservative?"
Thus, given a vector-field with the above property, one
would like to construct a potential function for it.
Recall that, for a function f of one variable, to construct an
antiderivative in [a, b],
Z we simply defined it to be
x
f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]
a

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

if F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 is such that for given points A, B ∈ D the

integral C(A,B) F · dr is independent of the path C joining A to
R

B, is F conservative?"
Thus, given a vector-field with the above property, one
would like to construct a potential function for it.
Recall that, for a function f of one variable, to construct an
antiderivative in [a, b],
Z we simply defined it to be
x
f (t)dt, x ∈ [a, b]
a

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

In the present situation, given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D ⊂ IR3 ,

we would like Z to define
φ(x, y , z) := F · dr, . . . (3)
C(A,B)
where C is a curve in D joining
A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) to any arbitrary
point B(x, y , z) ∈ D.
The given properly of the
vector field F tells us that
φ(x, y , z), as given by equation
(3),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

In the present situation, given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D ⊂ IR3 ,

we would like Z to define
φ(x, y , z) := F · dr, . . . (3)
C(A,B)
where C is a curve in D joining
A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) to any arbitrary
point B(x, y , z) ∈ D.
The given properly of the
vector field F tells us that
φ(x, y , z), as given by equation
(3),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

In the present situation, given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D ⊂ IR3 ,

we would like Z to define
φ(x, y , z) := F · dr, . . . (3)
C(A,B)
where C is a curve in D joining
A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) to any arbitrary
point B(x, y , z) ∈ D.
The given properly of the
vector field F tells us that
φ(x, y , z), as given by equation
(3),

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

is well-defined since, the line-integral does not depend upon

the choice of the curve C joining A to B.
However, there is one problem:
How to ensure that given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D,
there will be at least one path C(A, B), completely in domain
D, joining A to any arbitrary point B(x, y , z) ∈ D?
That this may not be always possible for some domains, is
illustrated in the next example.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

is well-defined since, the line-integral does not depend upon

the choice of the curve C joining A to B.
However, there is one problem:
How to ensure that given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D,
there will be at least one path C(A, B), completely in domain
D, joining A to any arbitrary point B(x, y , z) ∈ D?
That this may not be always possible for some domains, is
illustrated in the next example.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

is well-defined since, the line-integral does not depend upon

the choice of the curve C joining A to B.
However, there is one problem:
How to ensure that given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D,
there will be at least one path C(A, B), completely in domain
D, joining A to any arbitrary point B(x, y , z) ∈ D?
That this may not be always possible for some domains, is
illustrated in the next example.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

is well-defined since, the line-integral does not depend upon

the choice of the curve C joining A to B.
However, there is one problem:
How to ensure that given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D,
there will be at least one path C(A, B), completely in domain
D, joining A to any arbitrary point B(x, y , z) ∈ D?
That this may not be always possible for some domains, is
illustrated in the next example.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals

is well-defined since, the line-integral does not depend upon

the choice of the curve C joining A to B.
However, there is one problem:
How to ensure that given a point A(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D,
there will be at least one path C(A, B), completely in domain
D, joining A to any arbitrary point B(x, y , z) ∈ D?
That this may not be always possible for some domains, is
illustrated in the next example.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Fundamental Theorem of line integrals
Example:

Consider the domain D ⊆ IR2 ,

the the plane IR2 minus the
shaded
n annulus region, i.e., Do:=
(x, y ) ∈ IR2 | 2 < x 2 + y 2 < 3 .

Let
A ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 < 2}
and
B ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 > 3}.
Then, the points A, B ∈ D cannot be joined by any
continuous path C completely lying inside D.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
Fundamental Theorem of line integrals
Example:

Consider the domain D ⊆ IR2 ,

the the plane IR2 minus the
shaded
n annulus region, i.e., Do:=
(x, y ) ∈ IR2 | 2 < x 2 + y 2 < 3 .

Let
A ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 < 2}
and
B ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 > 3}.
Then, the points A, B ∈ D cannot be joined by any
continuous path C completely lying inside D.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
Fundamental Theorem of line integrals
Example:

Consider the domain D ⊆ IR2 ,

the the plane IR2 minus the
shaded
n annulus region, i.e., Do:=
(x, y ) ∈ IR2 | 2 < x 2 + y 2 < 3 .

Let
A ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 < 2}
and
B ∈ {(x, y ) | x 2 + y 2 > 3}.
Then, the points A, B ∈ D cannot be joined by any
continuous path C completely lying inside D.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

• Definition :
Let D be a region in IR3 .
We say D is connected if any two points in D can be joined
by a piecewise smooth curve completely in D.
Examples :
(i) In IR, the only connected sets are intervals.
(ii) In IR2 /IR3 , examples of connected sets are:
(i) open balls
n o
Br (x, y ) = (α, β) ∈ IR2 | k(x, y ) − (α, β)k < r ;

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) annulus regions

n o
(x, y ) ∈ IR2 | r < x 2 + y 2 < s

for r , s ∈ IR with 0 < r < s,

(iii) open rectangles (a, b) × (c, d).

Connected subsets in R2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) annulus regions

n o
(x, y ) ∈ IR2 | r < x 2 + y 2 < s

for r , s ∈ IR with 0 < r < s,

(iii) open rectangles (a, b) × (c, d).

Connected subsets in R2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Examples :
(iii) It is easy to see that in IR3 , every convex set is connected.
In fact, by definition, any two points in a convex set can be
joined by a line segment.
Theorem (Existence of potential):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected set and F : D → IR3 be a
continuous vector-field, such that
Z
for any curve C in D, the line-integral F · dr, depends
C
only upon the initial and final point of C,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Examples :
(iii) It is easy to see that in IR3 , every convex set is connected.
In fact, by definition, any two points in a convex set can be
joined by a line segment.
Theorem (Existence of potential):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected set and F : D → IR3 be a
continuous vector-field, such that
Z
for any curve C in D, the line-integral F · dr, depends
C
only upon the initial and final point of C,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Examples :
(iii) It is easy to see that in IR3 , every convex set is connected.
In fact, by definition, any two points in a convex set can be
joined by a line segment.
Theorem (Existence of potential):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected set and F : D → IR3 be a
continuous vector-field, such that
Z
for any curve C in D, the line-integral F · dr, depends
C
only upon the initial and final point of C,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Examples :
(iii) It is easy to see that in IR3 , every convex set is connected.
In fact, by definition, any two points in a convex set can be
joined by a line segment.
Theorem (Existence of potential):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected set and F : D → IR3 be a
continuous vector-field, such that
Z
for any curve C in D, the line-integral F · dr, depends
C
only upon the initial and final point of C,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Examples :
(iii) It is easy to see that in IR3 , every convex set is connected.
In fact, by definition, any two points in a convex set can be
joined by a line segment.
Theorem (Existence of potential):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected set and F : D → IR3 be a
continuous vector-field, such that
Z
for any curve C in D, the line-integral F · dr, depends
C
only upon the initial and final point of C,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then there exists a scalar field φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that

F = ∇φ.

Proof :
Let us fix any point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) ∈ D.
For any point Q(x, y , z) ∈ D,
let C(P, Q) be any smooth curve with initial point P and final
point Q,
at least one such curve exists as D is connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Define
Z
φ(x, y , z) = F · dr, Q(x, y , z) ∈ D.
C(P,Q)

Note that the value φ(x, y , z) does

not depend upon the curve joining P
to Q.
Thus, the function
(x, y , z) 7→ φ(x, y , z) is well-defined.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Define
Z
φ(x, y , z) = F · dr, Q(x, y , z) ∈ D.
C(P,Q)

Note that the value φ(x, y , z) does

not depend upon the curve joining P
to Q.
Thus, the function
(x, y , z) 7→ φ(x, y , z) is well-defined.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Define
Z
φ(x, y , z) = F · dr, Q(x, y , z) ∈ D.
C(P,Q)

Note that the value φ(x, y , z) does

not depend upon the curve joining P
to Q.
Thus, the function
(x, y , z) 7→ φ(x, y , z) is well-defined.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We show that φ is the required scalar-field.

For (x, y , z) ∈ D, since D is open,

we can select r > 0 such that

Br (x, y , z) ⊆ D,

where Br (x, y , z) is the open ball in

IR3 with center (x, y , z) and radius r .

Let 0 ≤ h < r and u = (u1 , u2 , u3 ) be any given unit vector in

IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We show that φ is the required scalar-field.

For (x, y , z) ∈ D, since D is open,

we can select r > 0 such that

Br (x, y , z) ⊆ D,

where Br (x, y , z) is the open ball in

IR3 with center (x, y , z) and radius r .

Let 0 ≤ h < r and u = (u1 , u2 , u3 ) be any given unit vector in

IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We show that φ is the required scalar-field.

For (x, y , z) ∈ D, since D is open,

we can select r > 0 such that

Br (x, y , z) ⊆ D,

where Br (x, y , z) is the open ball in

IR3 with center (x, y , z) and radius r .

Let 0 ≤ h < r and u = (u1 , u2 , u3 ) be any given unit vector in

IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We show that φ is the required scalar-field.

For (x, y , z) ∈ D, since D is open,

we can select r > 0 such that

Br (x, y , z) ⊆ D,

where Br (x, y , z) is the open ball in

IR3 with center (x, y , z) and radius r .

Let 0 ≤ h < r and u = (u1 , u2 , u3 ) be any given unit vector in

IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then,
x + hu ∈ Br (x, y , z), 0 ≤ h < 1.
Let R be the point (x + hu1 , y + hu2 , z + hu3 ) and L(Q, R)
denote the line segment joining Q to R.
Then,
φ(x + hu) − φ(x)
=
h
1
Z Z 
F · dr − F · dr .
h C(P,R) C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then,
x + hu ∈ Br (x, y , z), 0 ≤ h < 1.
Let R be the point (x + hu1 , y + hu2 , z + hu3 ) and L(Q, R)
denote the line segment joining Q to R.
Then,
φ(x + hu) − φ(x)
=
h
1
Z Z 
F · dr − F · dr .
h C(P,R) C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Then,
x + hu ∈ Br (x, y , z), 0 ≤ h < 1.
Let R be the point (x + hu1 , y + hu2 , z + hu3 ) and L(Q, R)
denote the line segment joining Q to R.
Then,
φ(x + hu) − φ(x)
=
h
1
Z Z 
F · dr − F · dr .
h C(P,R) C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Using the properties of the line integral,

we have
φ(x + h u) − φ(x) 1 Z
= F · dr.
h h L(Q,R)

Let for the line segment L(Q, R) us choose the arc-length

parametrization s 7−→ x + s h u, 0 ≤ s ≤ 1. Then
Z Z 1
F·d r = [F (x + s h u) · (hu)] ds.
L(Q,R) 0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Using the properties of the line integral,

we have
φ(x + h u) − φ(x) 1 Z
= F · dr.
h h L(Q,R)

Let for the line segment L(Q, R) us choose the arc-length

parametrization s 7−→ x + s h u, 0 ≤ s ≤ 1. Then
Z Z 1
F·d r = [F (x + s h u) · (hu)] ds.
L(Q,R) 0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Using the properties of the line integral,

we have
φ(x + h u) − φ(x) 1 Z
= F · dr.
h h L(Q,R)

Let for the line segment L(Q, R) us choose the arc-length

parametrization s 7−→ x + s h u, 0 ≤ s ≤ 1. Then
Z Z 1
F·d r = [F (x + s h u) · (hu)] ds.
L(Q,R) 0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Using the properties of the line integral,

we have
φ(x + h u) − φ(x) 1 Z
= F · dr.
h h L(Q,R)

Let for the line segment L(Q, R) us choose the arc-length

parametrization s 7−→ x + s h u, 0 ≤ s ≤ 1. Then
Z Z 1
F·d r = [F (x + s h u) · (hu)] ds.
L(Q,R) 0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus, selecting u = i, we have

" #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) 1 Z1
= F(x + s h i) · (hi) ds
h h 0
Z 1
= F1 (x + s h i) ds
0
1 Z h
= F1 (x + w i) dw.
h 0

If we write Z t
g(t) := F1 (x + s i) ds, t ∈ IR,
0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus, selecting u = i, we have

" #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) 1 Z1
= F(x + s h i) · (hi) ds
h h 0
Z 1
= F1 (x + s h i) ds
0
1 Z h
= F1 (x + w i) dw.
h 0

If we write Z t
g(t) := F1 (x + s i) ds, t ∈ IR,
0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then g(t) is differentiable at t = 0, with g 0 (0) = F1 (x).

Hence,
" # " #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) g(h) − g(0)
lim = lim
h→0 h h→0 h

0
= g (0) = F1 (x).

Thus, φ is differentiable with respect to x and

∂φ
(x) = F1 (x).
∂x

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then g(t) is differentiable at t = 0, with g 0 (0) = F1 (x).

Hence,
" # " #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) g(h) − g(0)
lim = lim
h→0 h h→0 h

0
= g (0) = F1 (x).

Thus, φ is differentiable with respect to x and

∂φ
(x) = F1 (x).
∂x

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then g(t) is differentiable at t = 0, with g 0 (0) = F1 (x).

Hence,
" # " #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) g(h) − g(0)
lim = lim
h→0 h h→0 h

0
= g (0) = F1 (x).

Thus, φ is differentiable with respect to x and

∂φ
(x) = F1 (x).
∂x

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

then g(t) is differentiable at t = 0, with g 0 (0) = F1 (x).

Hence,
" # " #
φ(x + h i) − φ(x) g(h) − g(0)
lim = lim
h→0 h h→0 h

0
= g (0) = F1 (x).

Thus, φ is differentiable with respect to x and

∂φ
(x) = F1 (x).
∂x

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

Similarly, by choosing u = j and u = k, we will get 5φ = F.

As a consequence, we have
Theorem :
Let D ⊂ IR3 be an open connected subset of IR3
and F : D ⊂ IR3 → IR3 be a continuous vector-field.
Then the following statements are equivalent :
(i) F is conservative, i.e., there exists a scalar-field
φ : D ⊂ IR3 → IR such that
F = 5φ.
Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay
 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) For any two points P, Q ∈ D, the line integral

Z
F · dr
C(P,Q)

is independent of the path C joining P and Q.

F · dr = 0, for every smooth closed curve C in D.
H
(iii) C

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : If F = 5φ, then by earlier theorem for any curve C
joining P, Q ∈ D,
Z
F · dr = φ(Q) − φ(P).
C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) For any two points P, Q ∈ D, the line integral

Z
F · dr
C(P,Q)

is independent of the path C joining P and Q.

F · dr = 0, for every smooth closed curve C in D.
H
(iii) C

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : If F = 5φ, then by earlier theorem for any curve C
joining P, Q ∈ D,
Z
F · dr = φ(Q) − φ(P).
C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) For any two points P, Q ∈ D, the line integral

Z
F · dr
C(P,Q)

is independent of the path C joining P and Q.

F · dr = 0, for every smooth closed curve C in D.
H
(iii) C

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : If F = 5φ, then by earlier theorem for any curve C
joining P, Q ∈ D,
Z
F · dr = φ(Q) − φ(P).
C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) For any two points P, Q ∈ D, the line integral

Z
F · dr
C(P,Q)

is independent of the path C joining P and Q.

F · dr = 0, for every smooth closed curve C in D.
H
(iii) C

Proof :
(i) ⇒ (ii) : If F = 5φ, then by earlier theorem for any curve C
joining P, Q ∈ D,
Z
F · dr = φ(Q) − φ(P).
C(P,Q)

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Hence (ii) holds.

(ii) ⇒ (i) Given that (ii) holds, by above theorem, there
exists a scalar field φ : D → IR such that F = 5φ.
Hence (i) holds.
(ii) ⇐⇒ (iii) has already been proved

We give next a simple necessary condition for a vector field

to be conservative:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Hence (ii) holds.

(ii) ⇒ (i) Given that (ii) holds, by above theorem, there
exists a scalar field φ : D → IR such that F = 5φ.
Hence (i) holds.
(ii) ⇐⇒ (iii) has already been proved

We give next a simple necessary condition for a vector field

to be conservative:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Hence (ii) holds.

(ii) ⇒ (i) Given that (ii) holds, by above theorem, there
exists a scalar field φ : D → IR such that F = 5φ.
Hence (i) holds.
(ii) ⇐⇒ (iii) has already been proved

We give next a simple necessary condition for a vector field

to be conservative:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Hence (ii) holds.

(ii) ⇒ (i) Given that (ii) holds, by above theorem, there
exists a scalar field φ : D → IR such that F = 5φ.
Hence (i) holds.
(ii) ⇐⇒ (iii) has already been proved

We give next a simple necessary condition for a vector field

to be conservative:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Hence (ii) holds.

(ii) ⇒ (i) Given that (ii) holds, by above theorem, there
exists a scalar field φ : D → IR such that F = 5φ.
Hence (i) holds.
(ii) ⇐⇒ (iii) has already been proved

We give next a simple necessary condition for a vector field

to be conservative:

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We saw that a necessary condition for F to be conservative

was that curl(F) = 0.
Let
−y i + xj
F(x, y , z) = , (x, y ) 6= (0, 0).
x2 + y2
Note that, n o
(x, y , z) ∈ IR3 | (x, y ) = (0, 0)

is the set ({0} × {0} × IR) ⊂ IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We saw that a necessary condition for F to be conservative

was that curl(F) = 0.
Let
−y i + xj
F(x, y , z) = , (x, y ) 6= (0, 0).
x2 + y2
Note that, n o
(x, y , z) ∈ IR3 | (x, y ) = (0, 0)

is the set ({0} × {0} × IR) ⊂ IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

We saw that a necessary condition for F to be conservative

was that curl(F) = 0.
Let
−y i + xj
F(x, y , z) = , (x, y ) 6= (0, 0).
x2 + y2
Note that, n o
(x, y , z) ∈ IR3 | (x, y ) = (0, 0)

is the set ({0} × {0} × IR) ⊂ IR3 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus, F : D → IR is a continuously differentiable vector field

on an open connected set D := IR3 \ {(0, 0, z) | z ∈ IR}
with
y y
F1 (x, y , z) = − , F2 (x, y , z) = 2 .
x2 +y 2 x + y2

Thus,  
∂F1 x 2 + y 2 − 2y 2 x2 − y2
= −  2 = −
∂y x2 + y2 x2 + y2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus, F : D → IR is a continuously differentiable vector field

on an open connected set D := IR3 \ {(0, 0, z) | z ∈ IR}
with
y y
F1 (x, y , z) = − , F2 (x, y , z) = 2 .
x2 +y 2 x + y2

Thus,  
∂F1 x 2 + y 2 − 2y 2 x2 − y2
= −  2 = −
∂y x2 + y2 x2 + y2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus, F : D → IR is a continuously differentiable vector field

on an open connected set D := IR3 \ {(0, 0, z) | z ∈ IR}
with
y y
F1 (x, y , z) = − , F2 (x, y , z) = 2 .
x2 +y 2 x + y2

Thus,  
∂F1 x 2 + y 2 − 2y 2 x2 − y2
= −  2 = −
∂y x2 + y2 x2 + y2

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

and  
∂F2 x 2 + y 2 − 2x 2 x2 − y2
= −  2  = − .
∂x x + y2 x2 + y2

Hence, for all (x, y , z) ∈ D,

∂F1 ∂F2
(x, y , z) = (x, y , z).
∂y ∂x

However, if we consider C, the curve x 2 + y 2 = 1, in D, with

parametrization

x(θ) := cos θ, y (θ) := sin θ, 0 ≤ θ < 2π,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

and  
∂F2 x 2 + y 2 − 2x 2 x2 − y2
= −  2  = − .
∂x x + y2 x2 + y2

Hence, for all (x, y , z) ∈ D,

∂F1 ∂F2
(x, y , z) = (x, y , z).
∂y ∂x

However, if we consider C, the curve x 2 + y 2 = 1, in D, with

parametrization

x(θ) := cos θ, y (θ) := sin θ, 0 ≤ θ < 2π,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

and  
∂F2 x 2 + y 2 − 2x 2 x2 − y2
= −  2  = − .
∂x x + y2 x2 + y2

Hence, for all (x, y , z) ∈ D,

∂F1 ∂F2
(x, y , z) = (x, y , z).
∂y ∂x

However, if we consider C, the curve x 2 + y 2 = 1, in D, with

parametrization

x(θ) := cos θ, y (θ) := sin θ, 0 ≤ θ < 2π,

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

we
I have
F · dr
C
Z 2π
= (− sin θ i, cos θ j) · (− sin θ i, cos θ j)dθ
0

= 2π 6= 0.
In fact, if we take the closed curve C̃ given by

r(θ) = cos θ i + sin θ j, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 4π,

i.e., the curve that circles the z -axis twice, then

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

we
I have
F · dr
C
Z 2π
= (− sin θ i, cos θ j) · (− sin θ i, cos θ j)dθ
0

= 2π 6= 0.
In fact, if we take the closed curve C̃ given by

r(θ) = cos θ i + sin θ j, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 4π,

i.e., the curve that circles the z -axis twice, then

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

we
I have
F · dr
C
Z 2π
= (− sin θ i, cos θ j) · (− sin θ i, cos θ j)dθ
0

= 2π 6= 0.
In fact, if we take the closed curve C̃ given by

r(θ) = cos θ i + sin θ j, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 4π,

i.e., the curve that circles the z -axis twice, then

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

we
I have
F · dr
C
Z 2π
= (− sin θ i, cos θ j) · (− sin θ i, cos θ j)dθ
0

= 2π 6= 0.
In fact, if we take the closed curve C̃ given by

r(θ) = cos θ i + sin θ j, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 4π,

i.e., the curve that circles the z -axis twice, then

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

I
F · dr = 4π.
C̃

Thus, though curl(F) = 0, it is not conservative.

The condition curl(F) = 0 is not sufficient for F to be
conservative.
To make he condition curl(F) = 0 to be sufficient also for F to
be conservative, one has to impose more conditions on the
domain D of F.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

I
F · dr = 4π.
C̃

Thus, though curl(F) = 0, it is not conservative.

The condition curl(F) = 0 is not sufficient for F to be
conservative.
To make he condition curl(F) = 0 to be sufficient also for F to
be conservative, one has to impose more conditions on the
domain D of F.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

I
F · dr = 4π.
C̃

Thus, though curl(F) = 0, it is not conservative.

The condition curl(F) = 0 is not sufficient for F to be
conservative.
To make he condition curl(F) = 0 to be sufficient also for F to
be conservative, one has to impose more conditions on the
domain D of F.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

I
F · dr = 4π.
C̃

Thus, though curl(F) = 0, it is not conservative.

The condition curl(F) = 0 is not sufficient for F to be
conservative.
To make he condition curl(F) = 0 to be sufficient also for F to
be conservative, one has to impose more conditions on the
domain D of F.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(i) A subset D ⊂ IR2 is said to be simply connected if no simple

closed curve in D encloses points that are not in the region
D.
Intuitively, in IR2 a set without ’holes’ is simply connected.
(i) The region enclosed by a circle, ellipse, a rectangular path
are all simply connected sets in IR2 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(i) A subset D ⊂ IR2 is said to be simply connected if no simple

closed curve in D encloses points that are not in the region
D.
Intuitively, in IR2 a set without ’holes’ is simply connected.
(i) The region enclosed by a circle, ellipse, a rectangular path
are all simply connected sets in IR2 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(i) A subset D ⊂ IR2 is said to be simply connected if no simple

closed curve in D encloses points that are not in the region
D.
Intuitively, in IR2 a set without ’holes’ is simply connected.
(i) The region enclosed by a circle, ellipse, a rectangular path
are all simply connected sets in IR2 .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

n o
The region D = IR2 \ (x, y ) | 2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 ≤ 3 is not simply
connected.
In particular D = IR2 \ {(0, 0)} is not simply connected.
There are closed curves C that enclose points not in D, for
example origin.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

n o
The region D = IR2 \ (x, y ) | 2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 ≤ 3 is not simply
connected.
In particular D = IR2 \ {(0, 0)} is not simply connected.
There are closed curves C that enclose points not in D, for
example origin.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

n o
The region D = IR2 \ (x, y ) | 2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 ≤ 3 is not simply
connected.
In particular D = IR2 \ {(0, 0)} is not simply connected.
There are closed curves C that enclose points not in D, for
example origin.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

n o
The region D = IR2 \ (x, y ) | 2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 ≤ 3 is not simply
connected.
In particular D = IR2 \ {(0, 0)} is not simply connected.
There are closed curves C that enclose points not in D, for
example origin.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) A region D ⊂ IR3 is said to be simply connected if for every

simple closed curve C in D
there exists a surface S in D whose boundary is C.
Examples:
In IR3 , the interior of a sphere is simply connected. Interior
of two concentric spheres is also simply connected.

Torus is not simply connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) A region D ⊂ IR3 is said to be simply connected if for every

simple closed curve C in D
there exists a surface S in D whose boundary is C.
Examples:
In IR3 , the interior of a sphere is simply connected. Interior
of two concentric spheres is also simply connected.

Torus is not simply connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) A region D ⊂ IR3 is said to be simply connected if for every

simple closed curve C in D
there exists a surface S in D whose boundary is C.
Examples:
In IR3 , the interior of a sphere is simply connected. Interior
of two concentric spheres is also simply connected.

Torus is not simply connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) A region D ⊂ IR3 is said to be simply connected if for every

simple closed curve C in D
there exists a surface S in D whose boundary is C.
Examples:
In IR3 , the interior of a sphere is simply connected. Interior
of two concentric spheres is also simply connected.

Torus is not simply connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

 Conservative Vector Fields

(ii) A region D ⊂ IR3 is said to be simply connected if for every

simple closed curve C in D
there exists a surface S in D whose boundary is C.
Examples:
In IR3 , the interior of a sphere is simply connected. Interior
of two concentric spheres is also simply connected.

Torus is not simply connected.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Note :
A more mathematically rigorous definition of simple
connectedness can be given.
We state a necessary and sufficient condition for a vector
field to be conservative. We shall prove this later.
Theorem (Sufficient condition for a field to be conservative):
Let D ⊂ IR3 be a simply connected open set and F : D → IR3
be a continuously differentiable vector-field such that curl
(F) = 0.
Then F is conservative, i.e.,there exists a scalar-field
φ : D → IR such that F = ∇φ .

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Advantages of Conservative Vector Fields

Computation of line integral becomes simpler if vector field

is conservative:
For any two points A, B ∈ D, the line integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C(A, B) joining A and B.

So, one can always select a "nice" curve and compute the
line integral.
How to check a vector field is conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Advantages of Conservative Vector Fields

Computation of line integral becomes simpler if vector field

is conservative:
For any two points A, B ∈ D, the line integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C(A, B) joining A and B.

So, one can always select a "nice" curve and compute the
line integral.
How to check a vector field is conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Advantages of Conservative Vector Fields

Computation of line integral becomes simpler if vector field

is conservative:
For any two points A, B ∈ D, the line integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C(A, B) joining A and B.

So, one can always select a "nice" curve and compute the
line integral.
How to check a vector field is conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Advantages of Conservative Vector Fields

Computation of line integral becomes simpler if vector field

is conservative:
For any two points A, B ∈ D, the line integral
Z
F · dr
C(A,B)

is independent of the path C(A, B) joining A and B.

So, one can always select a "nice" curve and compute the
line integral.
How to check a vector field is conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Example
A vector field F is called radial if
F = f (r )r,
where r is the position vector and r = krk.
For example the vector field
xi + y j + zk
F(x, y , z) =
r 3/2
is radial.
Suppose F is radial, i.e.,
F(x, y , z) = f (r )r = f (r )xi + f (r )y j + f (r )zk.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Example
A vector field F is called radial if
F = f (r )r,
where r is the position vector and r = krk.
For example the vector field
xi + y j + zk
F(x, y , z) =
r 3/2
is radial.
Suppose F is radial, i.e.,
F(x, y , z) = f (r )r = f (r )xi + f (r )y j + f (r )zk.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Example
A vector field F is called radial if
F = f (r )r,
where r is the position vector and r = krk.
For example the vector field
xi + y j + zk
F(x, y , z) =
r 3/2
is radial.
Suppose F is radial, i.e.,
F(x, y , z) = f (r )r = f (r )xi + f (r )y j + f (r )zk.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Example
A vector field F is called radial if
F = f (r )r,
where r is the position vector and r = krk.
For example the vector field
xi + y j + zk
F(x, y , z) =
r 3/2
is radial.
Suppose F is radial, i.e.,
F(x, y , z) = f (r )r = f (r )xi + f (r )y j + f (r )zk.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

How to guess φ(x, y , z) such that F = ∇(φ)?

Assume that F = ∇φ for some φ.
Then
φx = f (r )x, φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z,
x ∂r
implies φx = xf (r ) = r f (r ) = rf (r ) , i.e.,
Z r r ∂x
φ(x, y , z) = tf (t)dt, for some t0 fixed.
t0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

How to guess φ(x, y , z) such that F = ∇(φ)?

Assume that F = ∇φ for some φ.
Then
φx = f (r )x, φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z,
x ∂r
implies φx = xf (r ) = r f (r ) = rf (r ) , i.e.,
Z r r ∂x
φ(x, y , z) = tf (t)dt, for some t0 fixed.
t0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

How to guess φ(x, y , z) such that F = ∇(φ)?

Assume that F = ∇φ for some φ.
Then
φx = f (r )x, φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z,
x ∂r
implies φx = xf (r ) = r f (r ) = rf (r ) , i.e.,
Z r r ∂x
φ(x, y , z) = tf (t)dt, for some t0 fixed.
t0

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Define Z r
φ(x, y , z) := tf (t)dt, for some t0 .
t0

Then
∂r
φx = rf (r ) = f (r )x
∂x
since
∂r x
r = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )1/2 , implies = .
∂x r
Similarly
φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Define Z r
φ(x, y , z) := tf (t)dt, for some t0 .
t0

Then
∂r
φx = rf (r ) = f (r )x
∂x
since
∂r x
r = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )1/2 , implies = .
∂x r
Similarly
φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Define Z r
φ(x, y , z) := tf (t)dt, for some t0 .
t0

Then
∂r
φx = rf (r ) = f (r )x
∂x
since
∂r x
r = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )1/2 , implies = .
∂x r
Similarly
φy = f (r )y and φz = f (r )z

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence
F(x, y , z) = ∇φ(x, y , z)
i.e., every radial vector field is conservative.
For (x, y , z) ∈ IR3 , let
F(x, y , z) =
(y 2 z 2 cos x − 4x 3 z) i + (2z 3 y sin x)j
+(3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 ) k.
Is F conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence
F(x, y , z) = ∇φ(x, y , z)
i.e., every radial vector field is conservative.
For (x, y , z) ∈ IR3 , let
F(x, y , z) =
(y 2 z 2 cos x − 4x 3 z) i + (2z 3 y sin x)j
+(3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 ) k.
Is F conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence
F(x, y , z) = ∇φ(x, y , z)
i.e., every radial vector field is conservative.
For (x, y , z) ∈ IR3 , let
F(x, y , z) =
(y 2 z 2 cos x − 4x 3 z) i + (2z 3 y sin x)j
+(3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 ) k.
Is F conservative?

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

In case F is to be conservative with potential φ(x, y , z), we

should have

∂φ
= y 2 z 3 cos x − 4x 3 z, . . . (1)
∂x
∂φ
= 2z 3 y sin x, . . . (2)
∂y
and
∂φ
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 . . . . (3)
∂z

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

In case F is to be conservative with potential φ(x, y , z), we

should have

∂φ
= y 2 z 3 cos x − 4x 3 z, . . . (1)
∂x
∂φ
= 2z 3 y sin x, . . . (2)
∂y
and
∂φ
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 . . . . (3)
∂z

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

A general function φ(x, y , z) which satisfies (1) can be

obtained as follows.
First we integrate (1) with respect to x to get
φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + α(y , z), . . . (4)
where α(y , z) is a continuously-differentiable function of
y , z-variables.
But then,
∂φ ∂α
= 2yz 3 sin x + = 2yz 3 sin x.
∂y ∂y

∂α
Hence, (y , z) = 0
∂y

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

A general function φ(x, y , z) which satisfies (1) can be

obtained as follows.
First we integrate (1) with respect to x to get
φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + α(y , z), . . . (4)
where α(y , z) is a continuously-differentiable function of
y , z-variables.
But then,
∂φ ∂α
= 2yz 3 sin x + = 2yz 3 sin x.
∂y ∂y

∂α
Hence, (y , z) = 0
∂y

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

A general function φ(x, y , z) which satisfies (1) can be

obtained as follows.
First we integrate (1) with respect to x to get
φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + α(y , z), . . . (4)
where α(y , z) is a continuously-differentiable function of
y , z-variables.
But then,
∂φ ∂α
= 2yz 3 sin x + = 2yz 3 sin x.
∂y ∂y

∂α
Hence, (y , z) = 0
∂y

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

A general function φ(x, y , z) which satisfies (1) can be

obtained as follows.
First we integrate (1) with respect to x to get
φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + α(y , z), . . . (4)
where α(y , z) is a continuously-differentiable function of
y , z-variables.
But then,
∂φ ∂α
= 2yz 3 sin x + = 2yz 3 sin x.
∂y ∂y

∂α
Hence, (y , z) = 0
∂y

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

A general function φ(x, y , z) which satisfies (1) can be

obtained as follows.
First we integrate (1) with respect to x to get
φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + α(y , z), . . . (4)
where α(y , z) is a continuously-differentiable function of
y , z-variables.
But then,
∂φ ∂α
= 2yz 3 sin x + = 2yz 3 sin x.
∂y ∂y

∂α
Hence, (y , z) = 0
∂y

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus α(y , z) depends upon z alone. Let us take

α(y , z) = β(z).
Then,

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + β(z). . . . (5)

Once again differentiating (5) and using (3), we have

∂φ 0
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 − β (z) = 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 .
∂z
0
Hence β (z) = 0 ∀ z, implying that β(z) ≡ C, a constant.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus α(y , z) depends upon z alone. Let us take

α(y , z) = β(z).
Then,

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + β(z). . . . (5)

Once again differentiating (5) and using (3), we have

∂φ 0
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 − β (z) = 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 .
∂z
0
Hence β (z) = 0 ∀ z, implying that β(z) ≡ C, a constant.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus α(y , z) depends upon z alone. Let us take

α(y , z) = β(z).
Then,

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + β(z). . . . (5)

Once again differentiating (5) and using (3), we have

∂φ 0
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 − β (z) = 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 .
∂z
0
Hence β (z) = 0 ∀ z, implying that β(z) ≡ C, a constant.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Conservative Vector Fields

Thus α(y , z) depends upon z alone. Let us take

α(y , z) = β(z).
Then,

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + β(z). . . . (5)

Once again differentiating (5) and using (3), we have

∂φ 0
= 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 − β (z) = 3y 2 z 2 sin x − x 4 .
∂z
0
Hence β (z) = 0 ∀ z, implying that β(z) ≡ C, a constant.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence (5) gives

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + C

Now we can check that 5φ = F.

Hence, F is conservative with potential φ.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence (5) gives

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + C

Now we can check that 5φ = F.

Hence, F is conservative with potential φ.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay

Computation of potential

Hence (5) gives

φ(x, y , z) = y 2 z 3 sin x − x 4 z + C

Now we can check that 5φ = F.

Hence, F is conservative with potential φ.

Prof. Inder K. Rana Department of Mathematics, IIT - Bombay