Maximum Number of Closed Curves with zero Line Integral

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between conservative and non-conservative vector fields and the number of closed curves with a zero line integral. It is noted that for a conservative vector field, every closed path has a line integral of zero, while for a non-conservative vector field, there can be infinitely many closed curves with a zero line integral. The conversation also considers the possibility of finding a closed curve with a zero line integral for a non-conservative vector field and whether this would prove the field to be conservative. The individual asking for resources on this topic.
  • #1
abiyo
43
0
Hi All,

I have been battling with this question for a while. Given a conservative vector field, we know
that there are infinitely many closed paths where the line integral evaluated is zero. In fact this is the requirement for a conservative vector field: Every line integral of any closed path is zero. Now let's take any non-conservative vector field. Could we say something about how many closed curves have a zero line integral? Of course the number should be less than infinity(otherwise it would be conservative!). But I was wondering if there is more to say(like an upper bound) or even say there is no such closed curve with line integral zero(although I highly doubt that). If you are confused on the above details
think the question below

Take a vector field F. Say I find, by some means, the line integral around any 1000 closed random paths is zero. Will this say anything whether the field is conservative or not?

Thanks a lot
Abiy
p.s books or papers along this topic will be appreciated
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There can be infinitely many closed curves for which the integral is zero for a non-conservative vector field. As long as there is any region in which the vector field is conservative, every closed loop in that region has an integral of zero over it
 
  • #3
Office_Shredder said:
There can be infinitely many closed curves for which the integral is zero for a non-conservative vector field. As long as there is any region in which the vector field is conservative, every closed loop in that region has an integral of zero over it

Hi Office_Shredder,

Could you point me to a theory or proof for what you mentioned above?

Thanks
 

Related to Maximum Number of Closed Curves with zero Line Integral

1. What is the significance of the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral?

The maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral is an important concept in vector calculus. It helps us understand the behavior of vector fields and their relationship with line integrals. It is also used in various applications, such as in physics and engineering, to analyze and solve problems involving vector fields.

2. How is the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral calculated?

The maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral is calculated using the Cauchy Integral Theorem. This theorem states that if a vector field is continuously differentiable in a simply connected region, then the line integral around any closed curve in that region will be equal to zero. By applying this theorem, we can determine the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral in a given region.

3. What are some real-life examples of maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral?

The concept of maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral is used in many real-life scenarios. For instance, in fluid dynamics, it is used to analyze the flow of a fluid around an object. It is also used in electrical engineering to study the behavior of electric fields around conductors. Additionally, it is used in optics to understand the behavior of light rays passing through different media.

4. How does the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral relate to conservative vector fields?

A vector field is considered conservative if its line integral is independent of the path taken. This means that the line integral will be the same for any closed curve in that region. Therefore, the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral for a conservative vector field is infinite, as all closed curves will have a line integral of zero.

5. What is the significance of the maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral in Green's Theorem?

Green's Theorem is a powerful tool in vector calculus that relates the line integral around a closed curve to the double integral over the region enclosed by that curve. The maximum number of closed curves with zero line integral is crucial in applying Green's Theorem, as it helps determine the boundaries of the region over which the double integral is calculated.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
483
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • Calculus
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top