VECTOR INTEGRATION

LINE INTEGRAL
Let 𝑓Ԧ be a vector field in space and let AB be a curve described
in the sense A to B. Divide the curve AB into n elements 𝑑𝑟1 , 𝑑𝑟2 , . . . ,
𝑑𝑟𝑛 . Let 𝑓1 , 𝑓2 , … , 𝑓𝑛 be the values of this vector at the junction points
of the vectors 𝑑𝑟1 , 𝑑𝑟2 , . . . , 𝑑𝑟𝑛 , then the sum
𝐵
lim σ𝐵𝐴 𝑓𝑛 . 𝑑𝑟𝑛 = Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ
‫𝑓 𝐴׬‬. is called the line integral.
𝑛→∞
Z 𝑑𝑟Ԧ B

Y
O
X
 Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ
If the line integral is along the curve C then it is denoted by ‫𝑓 𝐶׬‬.
(or) ‫𝑓 ׯ‬. Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ if C is a closed curve.
𝐶

APPLICATION OF LINE INTEGRAL

Work done by a Force:
A application of the line integral is to define the work done by
a force 𝑓Ԧ in moving(displacing) a particle along a curve C from point
𝑃1 to point 𝑃2 as
𝑃2
Work done = Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ
‫𝑓 𝑃׬‬.
1

Note:
1. If 𝑓Ԧ is conservative field, then 𝑓Ԧ = 𝛻𝜙.
𝑃2 𝑃2
∴ Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ
‫𝑓 𝑃׬‬. = ‫𝜙𝛻 𝑃׬‬. 𝑑𝑟Ԧ
1 1
 𝑃 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
= ‫ 𝑃׬‬2 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑗Ԧ +𝑘 . 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑑𝑧 𝑘
1 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑃 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
= ‫ 𝑃׬‬2 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑧
1 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑃
= ‫ 𝑃׬‬2 𝑑𝜙
1

= 𝜙 𝑃2 − 𝜙 𝑃1
Thus the line integral depends only on the end points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2
and not on the path joining them. (i.e) if 𝑓Ԧ is irrotational, then the line
Ԧ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ is independent of path.
integral ‫𝑓 ׬‬.
𝐶

2. Ԧ ‫𝑓 ׬‬.
In a conservative field 𝑓, Ԧ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = 0 along any closed curve C.
𝐶

Ԧ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ be independent of the path then 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓Ԧ = 0.

3. If ‫𝑓 𝐶׬‬.
 PROBLEMS ON LINE INTEGRAL
1. Find the work done by the force 𝑓Ԧ = 2𝑦 + 3 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥𝑧 𝑗Ԧ +
𝑦𝑧 − 𝑥 𝑘 when it moves a particle along the line segment from
the origin and the point 2, 1, 1 .
Solution:
Given 𝑓Ԧ = 2𝑦 + 3 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥𝑧 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑦𝑧 − 𝑥 𝑘
𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 2𝑦 + 3 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥𝑧 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑦𝑧 − 𝑥 𝑘 . 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑑𝑧 𝑘
= 2𝑦 + 3 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 − 𝑥 𝑑𝑧 … 1
The equation of the straight line from 𝑂 0, 0, 0 to 𝐴 2, 1, 1 .
𝑥−𝑥1 𝑦−𝑦1 𝑧−𝑧1
= = =𝑡
𝑥2 −𝑥1 𝑦2 −𝑦1 𝑧2 −𝑧1
𝑥−0 𝑦−0 𝑧−0
= = =𝑡
2−0 1−0 1−0
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
= = =𝑡
2 1 1
 𝑥 = 2𝑡 𝑦=𝑡 𝑧 = 𝑡 … … (2)
𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑧 = 𝑑𝑡 … … (3)
At O 0, 0, 0 , 𝑡 = 0 and At A 2, 1, 1 , 𝑡 = 1.
Substitute (2) & (3) in (1), we get
1 ⟹ 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 2𝑡 + 3 2𝑑𝑡 + 2𝑡 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 𝑑𝑡
= 4𝑡 + 6 + 2𝑡 2 + 𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 3𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 6 𝑑𝑡
t varies from 0 to 1.
1 1
Work done = ‫׬‬0 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = ‫׬‬0 3𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 6 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑡3 𝑡2
= 33 +2 2 + 6𝑡
0
= 1 + 1 + 6 = 8 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
2. Find the work done in moving a particle in the force field given by
𝐹Ԧ = 3𝑥 2 𝑖Ԧ + 2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑧𝑘 along the straight line from 0, 0, 0
to 2, 1, 3 .
Solution:
Given 𝐹Ԧ = 3𝑥 2 𝑖Ԧ + 2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑧𝑘
𝐹Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 3𝑥 2 𝑖Ԧ + 2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑧𝑘 . 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑑𝑧 𝑘
= 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑑𝑧 … 1
The equation of the straight line from 𝑂 0, 0, 0 to 𝐴 2, 1, 3 .
𝑥−𝑥1 𝑦−𝑦1 𝑧−𝑧1
= = =𝑡
𝑥2 −𝑥1 𝑦2 −𝑦1 𝑧2 −𝑧1

𝑥−0 𝑦−0 𝑧−0

= = =𝑡
2−0 1−0 3−0

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
= = =𝑡
2 1 3
 𝑥 = 2𝑡 𝑦=𝑡 𝑧 = 3𝑡 … … (2)
𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑧 = 3𝑑𝑡 … … (3)
At O 0, 0, 0 , 𝑡 = 0 and At A 2, 1, 3 , 𝑡 = 1.
Substitute (2) & (3) in (1), we get
1 ⟹ 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 3 2𝑡 2 2𝑑𝑡 + [2 2𝑡 3𝑡 − 𝑡]𝑑𝑡 + 3𝑡 3𝑑𝑡
= 36𝑡 2 + 8𝑡 𝑑𝑡
t varies from 0 to 1.
1
Work done = ‫׬‬0 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑𝑟Ԧ
1
= ‫׬‬0 36𝑡 2 + 8𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑡3 𝑡2
= 36 3 +8 2
0
= 12 + 4 − 0
= 16 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
3. Find the work done by the force 𝑓Ԧ = 3𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑦 2 𝑗Ԧ when it moves a
particle along the curve 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 in the xy – plane from 0, 0 to
1, 2 .
Solution:

Given 𝑓Ԧ = 3𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑦 2 𝑗Ԧ , 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 , 𝑑𝑦 = 4𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 3𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑦 2 𝑗Ԧ . 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ԧ

= 3𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 … 1

1 ⟹ 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 3𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦

= 3𝑥 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 2 4𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= 6𝑥 3 − 16𝑥 5 𝑑𝑥
x varies from 0 to 1.

1
Work done = ‫׬‬0 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑𝑟Ԧ

1
= ‫׬‬0 6𝑥 3 − 16𝑥 5 𝑑𝑥

1
𝑥4 𝑥6
= 64 − 16 6
0

3 8
= −
2 3

−7
= 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
6
4. Evaluate ‫𝑓 𝐶׬‬.Ԧ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ along the curve 𝑥 = 𝑡 2 , 𝑦 = 2𝑡, 𝑧 = 𝑡 3 from 𝑡 =
0 to 𝑡 = 1 given that 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑧 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑘.
Solution:
Given 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑧 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑘
𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ − 𝑧 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑘 . 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑑𝑧 𝑘
= 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑧 … 1

𝑥 = 𝑡 2 ⟹ 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑦 = 2𝑡 ⟹ 𝑑𝑦 = 2 𝑑𝑡

𝑧 = 𝑡 3 ⟹ 𝑑𝑧 = 3𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡
 1 ⟹ 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ = 𝑡 2 2𝑡 2𝑡𝑑𝑡 − 𝑡 3 2 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑡 4 3𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡
= 4𝑡 4 − 2𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 6 𝑑𝑡
t varies from 0 to 1.
1
Work done = ‫׬‬0 𝑓Ԧ . 𝑑𝑟Ԧ
1
= ‫׬‬0 4𝑡 4 − 2𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 6 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑡5 𝑡4 𝑡7
= 45 − 24 + 37
0
4 1 3
= − +
5 2 7
56−35+30
=
70
51
= 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
70
5. Prove that ‫ 𝑥𝑑 𝑧𝑦 𝐶׬‬+ 𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑧 is independent of the path of
integration.

Solution: ‫ 𝑥𝑑 𝑧𝑦 𝐶׬‬+ 𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑧 = ‫𝑧𝑦 𝐶׬‬Ԧ𝑖 + 𝑥𝑧Ԧ𝑗 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑘 . ൫𝑑𝑥Ԧ𝑖 +

𝑑𝑦Ԧ𝑗 + 𝑑𝑧𝑘 ൯

= ‫𝑓 𝐶׬‬Ԧ . 𝑑𝑟Ԧ

∴ 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑦𝑧Ԧ𝑖 + 𝑥𝑧Ԧ𝑗 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑘
𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓Ԧ = 𝛻 × 𝑓Ԧ

𝑖Ԧ 𝑗Ԧ 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
=
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑦𝑧 𝑥𝑧 𝑥𝑦
 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= 𝑖Ԧ 𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥𝑧 − 𝑗Ԧ 𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝜕
+𝑘 𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

= 𝑖Ԧ 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 𝑗Ԧ 𝑦 − 𝑦 + 𝑘 𝑧 − 𝑧

= 𝑖Ԧ 0 − 𝑗Ԧ 0 + 𝑘 0

=0

∴ ‫ 𝑥𝑑 𝑧𝑦 𝐶׬‬+ 𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑧 is independent of the path of

integration.
 PROBLEMS ON WORK DONE ON CONSERVATIVE FIELD

1. Find the work done by the force 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ + (1 −

𝑥 2 )𝑗Ԧ + 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑧 𝑘 moves a particle from 0, 1, −1 to 2, 3, 0
along any path.
Solution:
we have to find the work done along any path from 0, 1, −1
to 2, 3, 0
𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓Ԧ = 𝛻 × 𝑓Ԧ

𝑖Ԧ 𝑗Ԧ 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
=
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦 1 − 𝑥2 𝑒𝑥 + 𝑧
 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= 𝑖Ԧ 𝑒𝑥 +𝑧 − 1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑗Ԧ 𝑒𝑥 +𝑧 − 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝜕
+𝑘 1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

= 𝑖Ԧ 0 − 0 − 𝑗Ԧ 0 − 0 + 𝑘 0 − 0

= 𝑖Ԧ 0 − 𝑗Ԧ 0 + 𝑘 0

=0

∴ 𝑓Ԧ is conservative field.

To find scalar potential

𝛻𝜙 = 𝑓Ԧ
 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
𝑖Ԧ + 𝑗Ԧ +𝑘 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ + 1 − 𝑥 2 𝑗Ԧ + 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑧 𝑘 … (1)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Equating coefficient of 𝑖Ԧ in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥
Integrating with respect to 𝑥,
𝜙1 = ‫ 𝑧 𝑥 𝑒 ׬‬− 2𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥
𝑥2
𝜙1 = 𝑒𝑥𝑧 − 2 𝑦 + 𝑐1
2
⟹ 𝜙1 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑧 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑐1

Equating coefficient of 𝑗Ԧ in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 1 − 𝑥2
𝜕𝑦
Integrating with respect to 𝑦,
𝜙2 = ‫ ׬‬1 − 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦
⟹ 𝜙2 = 𝑦 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑐2

Equating coefficient of 𝑘 in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 𝑒𝑥 + 𝑧
𝜕𝑧
Integrating with respect to 𝑧,
𝜙3 = ‫ 𝑥 𝑒 ׬‬+ 𝑧 𝑑𝑧
𝑥 𝑧2
⟹ 𝜙3 = 𝑒 𝑧 + + 𝑐3
2

𝑥 2 𝑧2
∴ Scalar point function is 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑧 − 𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 + +𝑐
2
Work done = 𝜙 2, 3, 0 − 𝜙 0, 1, −1

1
= 𝑒2 0 − 4 3 + 3 + 0 + 𝑐 − −1 − 0 + 1 + +𝑐
2

1
= −12 + 3 + 𝑐 + 1 − 1 − − 𝑐
2

−19
=
2

2. Find the work done by the force 𝐹Ԧ = 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑗Ԧ +

3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑘 moves a particle from 1, −2, 1 to 3, 1, 4 along any
path.
Solution:
we have to find the work done along any path from 1, −2, 1 to
3, 1, 4 .
To find 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒍 𝑭
𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓Ԧ = 𝛻 × 𝑓Ԧ

𝑖Ԧ 𝑗Ԧ 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
=
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑥2 3𝑥𝑧 2

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= 𝑖Ԧ 3𝑥𝑧 2 − 𝑥2 − 𝑗Ԧ 3𝑥𝑧 2 − 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝜕
+𝑘 𝑥2 − 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

= 𝑖Ԧ 0 − 0 − 𝑗Ԧ 3𝑧 2 − 3𝑧 2 + 𝑘 2𝑥 − 2𝑥

= 𝑖Ԧ 0 − 𝑗Ԧ 0 + 𝑘 0

=0
 ∴ 𝐹Ԧ is irrotational and hence conservative field.

∴ Work done by 𝐹Ԧ depends on the end points.

To find scalar potential

𝛻𝜙 = 𝑓Ԧ
𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
𝑖Ԧ + 𝑗Ԧ +𝑘 = 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑗Ԧ + 3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑘 … (1)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Equating coefficient of 𝑖Ԧ in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥
Integrating with respect to 𝑥,
𝜙1 = ‫ 𝑧 ׬‬3 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥
 3 𝑥2
𝜙1 = 𝑥𝑧 + 2 𝑦 + 𝑐1
2
⟹ 𝜙1 = 𝑥𝑧 3 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑐1

Equating coefficient of 𝑗Ԧ in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 𝑥2
𝜕𝑦

Integrating with respect to 𝑦,

𝜙2 = ‫ 𝑥 ׬‬2 𝑑𝑦
⟹ 𝜙2 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑐2

Equating coefficient of 𝑘 in (1), we get

𝜕𝜙
= 3𝑥𝑧 2
𝜕𝑧
Integrating with respect to 𝑧,
𝜙3 = ‫ ׬‬3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑑𝑧
𝑧3
𝜙3 = 3𝑥 + 𝑐3
3
⟹ 𝜙3 = 𝑥𝑧 3 + 𝑐3
∴ Scalar point function is 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑧 3 + 𝑐

Work done = 𝜙 3, 1, 4 − 𝜙 1, −2, 1

= 32 1 + 3 43 + 𝑐 − 1 −2 + 1 1 3 +𝑐

= 9 + 192 + 𝑐 + 2 − 1 − 𝑐

= 202
Exercise:
1. Evaluate ‫𝑓 𝐶׬‬Ԧ . 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ where 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑥 2 𝑗Ԧ + 3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑘
along the straight line joining 1, −2, 1 and 3, 2, 4 .
2. Find the work done by the force 𝑓Ԧ = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 2 + 𝑥 𝑖Ԧ − (6𝑥𝑦 2 +
𝑦) 𝑗Ԧ moves a particle in the xy – plane from 0, 0 to 1, 1 along
the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥.
3. Find the work done by the force 𝐹Ԧ = 𝑦 2 cos 𝑥 + 𝑧 3 𝑖Ԧ +
2𝑦 sin 𝑥 − 4 𝑗Ԧ + 3𝑥𝑧 + 2 𝑘 when it moves a particle from
0, 1, −1 to 2, 3, 0 along any path.