The vector function expressed by Represents a conservative field, where ax, ay, az are unit vectors along x, y and z directions, respectively. The values of constant k1, k2, k3 are given by:
Correct Answer :
k1 = 4, k2 = 5, k3 = 3
Solution :
The correct option is: k1 = 4, k2 = 5, k3 = 3.
To find the values of the constants k1, k2, and k3, we use the definition of a conservative vector field.
A vector field is conservative if and only if its curl is equal to the zero vector:
Let the vector field be written in terms of its components as:
From the given expression of the vector field:
The curl of in Cartesian coordinates is given by the determinant:
Expanding the determinant, we get:
For the field to be conservative, each component of the curl must be equal to zero. This yields three independent equations:
1) For the component:
2) For the component:
3) For the component:
Now, we compute the partial derivatives required for each equation:
- From Equation (1):
Equating them gives:
- From Equation (2):
Equating them gives:
- From Equation (3):
Equating them gives:
Combining these results, we get:
k1 = 4, k2 = 5, k3 = 3
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