Section 17.

1: Vector Fields
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.1: Vector Fields

Definitions
A vector field on R2 is

A vector field on R3 is
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.1: Vector Fields

1. Match the vector field with its graph:

I. F(x, y) = xj

II. F(x, y) = yi

III. F(x, y) = xi + 3yj

IV. F(x, y) = ⟨y, −x⟩

V. F(x, y) = ⟨x, sin y⟩

⟨ ⟩
xy x2
VI. F(x, y) = ,
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MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.1: Vector Fields

Gradient Vector Fields

2. Is F(x, y) = ⟨y, −x⟩ a gradient field?

3. Is F(x, y) = ⟨ex , ey ⟩ a gradient field?

MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.1: Vector Fields

For a gradient field F = ∇ϕ, the equipotential curves or equipotential surfaces of F are

4. What is the relationship between the equipotential curves and the “flow curves” for a gradient field?
F = ∇ϕ, where ϕ(x, y) = xy

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