## Activity: Number of Paths

Student discuss how many paths can be found on a map of the vector fields $\vec{F}$ for which the integral $\int \vec{F}\cdot d\vec{r}$ is positive, negative, or zero. $\vec{F}$ is conservative. They do a similar activity for the vector field $\vec{G}$ which is not conservative.
What students learn
• Various differences between conservative and non-conservative fields
• Line integrals on conservative fields are path independent.
• Conservative fields are gradients of a scalar potential that can be represented as a surface; non-conservative fields cannot.
• Media

Number of Paths: For each of the fields, mark two different points $A$ and $B$. Can you identify paths where the vector line integral has the indicated value (greater than, equal to, or less than zero)? In the table, enter the number of paths you can find for each condition (max 2 paths).

Student Discussions: Some students don't realize you can do piecewise paths (a curve connected to a straight line. Talk to these students right away.

Whole Class Discussion: Discuss what paths are the most convenient for estimating the sign of the path integral and why

Optional: A third field $\vec{F}_{3}$ could also be given to students. Its curl is zero everywhere except the center. It corresponds to a magnetic field for an infinite current carrying wire.

Match a Surface: One of the vector fields corresponds to (part) of your surface. Where does it match, and how do you know?

Student Reasoning Reasoning: The gradient is perpendicular to the level curves and points in the direction of increasing function. The line integral corresponds to a change in height on the surface.

Student Discussions: Some students need to be told that the vector field is the gradient. The gradient will point in the direction of increase. Note that if the field is the electric field and the surface is the potential, there is a relative minus sign so that the field points in the direction of decreasing potential. This ideas is brought out much more strongly in the “Work and Electric Field” activity.

Other Surface? Could the other vector fields correspond to a surface? Explain why or why not.

They could not, at least not in the typical way. This question can generate some interesting discussions about what information is encoded in scalar field.

Author Information
Liz Gire, Aaron Wangberg, Robyn Wangberg, and the Surfaces team
Keywords
E&M Conservative Fields Surfaces
Learning Outcomes