Integral Vector

Theorems

29.3

Introduction
Various theorems exist equating integrals involving vectors. Often, use of these theorems can make
certain vector integrals easier. This Section introduces the theorems known as Gauss theorem,
Stokes theorem and Greens theorem.

Prerequisites
Before starting this Section you should . . .
"


Learning Outcomes

be able to nd the gradient of a scalar eld

and the divergence and curl of a vector eld
be familiar with the integration of vector
functions

use vector integral theorems to facilitate

vector integration

On completion you should be able to . . .

54

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HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

1. Stokes theorem
This is a theorem that equates a line integral to a surface integral. For any vector eld F and a
contour C which bounds an area S,




( F ) dS =
F dr
S

Notes
(a) dS is a vector perpendicular to the surface and dr is the line element along the contour C.
(b) Both sides of the equation are scalars.
(c) The theorem is often a useful way of calculating a line integral along a contour composed of
several distinct parts (e.g. a square or other gure).
(d) F is a vector eld representing the curl of the vector eld F and may, alternatively, be
written as curl F .

Justification of Stokes theorem

Imagine that the surface is divided into a set of innitesmally small rectangles ABCD where the
axes are adjusted so that AB and CD lie parallel to the new x-axis i.e. AB = x and BC and AD
lie parallel
 to the new y-axis i.e. BC = y.
F dr is calculated.

Now,
C

The contributions along AB, BC, CD and DA are

F (x, y, 0) x = Fx (x, y, z)x,

F (x + x, y, 0) y = Fy (x + x, y, z)y,

F (x, y + y, 0) (x) = Fx (x, y + y, z)x and F (x, y, 0) (x) = Fy (x, y, z)y.

Thus,

F dr (Fx (x, y, z) Fx (x, y + y, z))x + (Fy (x + x, y, z) Fy (x, y, z))y
C

Fx
Fy
xy +
xy
x
y
( F )z S ( F ) dS

as S is perpendicular to the x- and

 y- axes.
F dr ( F ) dS
Thus, for each small rectangle,
C

When the contributions over all the rectangles are summed, the line integrals for the inner parts of
the rectangles cancel and all that remains is the line integral around the outside of the shape. The
surface integrals sum. Hence, the theorem applies for the area S bounded by the contour C.
While the above does not comprise a formal proof of Stokes theorem, it gives an appreciation of
where the theorem comes from.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

55

Key Point 8


( F ) dS =
S

F dr
C

The closed contour integral of the scalar product of a vector function with the vector along the
contour is equal to the integral of the scalar product of the curl of that vector function and the unit
normal, over the corresponding surface.

Example 31
Verify Stokes theorem for the vector function F = y 2 i (x + z)j + yzk and the
unit square 0 x 1, 0 y 1 for z = 0.
Solution
If F = y 2 i (x + z)j + yzk then F = (z + 1)i + (1 2y)k = i + (1 2y)k (as z = 0).
Note that dS = dxdyk so that ( F ) dS = (1 2y)dydx

1
1



( F ) dS =
(1 2y)dydx
Thus
S

x=0
1

y=0

1
(y y )
2

=


x=0

1

2x

dx =

y=0

(2)dx
x=0

= 2 + 0 = 2
0


F dr, consider it separately on the four sides.

To evaluate
C

When y = 0, F = xj and dr = dxi so F dr = 0 so the contribution to the integral is zero.

When x = 1, F = y 2 i j and dr = dyj so F dr = dy so the contribution to the integral is

1

1
(dy) = y = 1.
y=0

When y = 1, F = i xj and dr = dxi so F dr = dx so the contribution to the integral is


1

1
(dx) = x = 1.
x=0

When x = 0, F = y i and dr = dyj so F dr = 0 so the contribution to the integral is zero.


F dr is the sum of the contributions i.e. 0 1 1 + 0 = 2.
The integral



C
( F ) dS =
F dr = 2
Thus
2

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HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Example 32
Using cylindrical polar coordinates verify Stokes theorem for the function F = 2
and the circle = a. (It is eectively plane-polar coordinates here as this example
just considers the plane z = 0.)

Solution


F dr. This can be done by integrating along the contour = a from = 0 to

Firstly, nd
C

= 2. Here F = a2 (as = a) and dr = ad (remembering the scale factor) so F dr = a3 d

and hence


2
F dr =
a3 d = 2a3
0

F = 3
As F = 2 ,
z and ( F ) dS = 3 as dS = z.
Thus

2
1

2
a



( F ) dS =
3 dd =
32 dd
=0 =0
=0 =0
S

2

2  a
d =
a3 d = 2a3
3
=
=0

Hence


F dr =

=0

( F ) dS = 2a3
S

Example 33


F dr for the vector eld F = y 2 i+(x2 z)j +2xyk

Find the closed line integral

C

and for the contour ABCDEF GHA in Figure 15.

y

E(5, 7)

F (1, 7)

H(0, 4)
G(1, 4)

D(2, 4)

A(0, 0)

C(6, 4)

B(6, 0)

Figure 15

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

57

Solution
To nd the line integral directly would require eight line integrals i.e. along


AB, BC, CD, DE,
( F ) dS which
EF , F G, GH and HA. It is easier to carry out a surface integral to nd
S

F dr by Stokes theorem.
is equal to the required line integral
C


 i

j
k









2
2
 = (2x + 1)i 2yj + (2x 2y)k
As F = y i + (x z)j + 2xyk, F = 
y
z 
 x


 2

2
 y x z 2xy 
As the contour lies in the x y plane, the unit normal is k and dS = dxdyk
Hence (

F )
dS = (2x 2y)dxdy.
( F ) dS, it is necessary to divide the area inside the contour into two smaller

To work out
S

areas i.e. the rectangle ABCDGH and the trapezium DEF G. On the ABCDGH, the integral is

4 

4
6
6
(2x 2y)dxdy =
dy
x2 2xy
y=0

x=0

x=0

y=0
4

(36 12y)dy

=

=

y=0

4

36y 6y

= 36 4 6 16 0 = 48

2
0

On DEF G, the integral is

y2

(2x 2y)dxdy =
y=4

x=1

y2


x 2xy
2

y=4

7

dy
x=1

(y 2 + 2y + 3)dy

=
y=4

7

64
343
1 3
2
+ 49 + 21 +
16 12 = 51
= y + y + 3y =
3
3
3
4



( F ) dS = 48 51 = 3. By Stokes theorem,

So the full integral,

( F ) dS =
S

F dr = 3
C

( F ) dS depend

From Stokes theorem, it can be seen that surface integrals of the form
S

only on the contour bounding the surface and not on the internal part of the surface.

58

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Task

Verify Stokes theorem for the vector eld F = x2 i + 2xyj + zk and the triangle
with vertices at (0, 0, 0), (3, 0, 0) and (3, 1, 0).

First nd the normal vector dS:

Your solution

Answer
dxdyk
Then nd the vector F :
Your solution

Answer
2yk

x/3

( F ) dS:

Now evaluate the double integral

x=0

y=0

Your solution

Answer
1

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

59



Finally nd the integral

F dr along the 3 sides of the triangle and so verify that the two sides of

the equation in the theorem are equal:

Your solution

Answer
9, 3, 11,

Both sides are 1.

Exercises
1. Using plane-polar coordinates (or cylindrical polar coordinates with z = 0), verify Stokes
theorem for the vector eld F =
and the semi-circle 1, 2 2 .
+ cos
2
2. Verify Stokes theorem for the vector eld F = 2xi + (y 2 z)j + xzk and the contour around
the rectangle with vertices at (0, 2, 0),(2, 2, 0), (2, 0, 1) and (0, 0, 1).
3. Verify Stokes theorem for the vector eld F = yi + xj + zk and for the contour starting
from the origin and going to (1, 0, 0), (0, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0) and (1, 1, 1) before returning to the
origin.
(a) Find the surface integral over the triangle (0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0).
(b) Find the surface integral over the triangle (1, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1).
(c) Find the line integrals along the four parts of the contour.
(d) Show that the two sides of the equation of the theorem are equal.
4. Use Stokes theorem to evaluate the integral



1
2
F dr where F = sin( + 1) + 5y i + (2x ey )j
x
C
and C is the contour starting at (0, 0) and going to (5, 0), (5, 2), (6, 2), (6, 5), (3, 5), (3, 2),
(0, 2) and returning to (0, 0).
Answers
1. Both sides are 0,
2. Both sides are 2
3. (a) 1

(b) 0 (as F is perpendicular to dS)

(c) 0, 1, 1, 1

(d) Both sides are 1

4. 57, Both sides are i + 2j.

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HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

2. Gauss theorem
This is sometimes also known as the divergence theorem and is similar to Stokes theorem but
equates a surface integral to a volume integral. Gauss theorem states that for a volume V , bounded
by a closed surface S, any vector eld F satises







F dS =
F dV
S

Notes
1. dS is a unit normal pointing outwards.
2. Both sides of the equation are scalars.
3. The theorem is often a useful way of calculating a surface integral over a surface composed of
several distinct parts (e.g. a cube).
4. F is a scalar eld representing the divergence of the vector eld F and may, alternatively,
be written as div F .
5. Gauss theorem can be justied in a manner similar to that used for Stokes theorem.

Key Point 9

Greens Theorem




F dS =
F dV

The closed surface integral of the scalar product of a vector function with the unit normal is equal
to the integral of the divergence of that vector function over the corresponding volume.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

61

Example 34
Verify Gauss theorem for the unit cube 0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1 and
the function F = xi + zj

Solution



To nd
F dS, the integral must be evaluated for all six faces of the cube and the results
S

summed.
On the left face, x = 0, F = zj and dS = i dydz so F dS = 0 and

1
1



F dS =
0 dydz = 0
0

On the right face, x = 1, F = i + zj and dS = i dydz so F dS = 1 dydz and

1
1



F dS =
1 dydz = 1
0

On the front face, y = 0, F = xi + zj and dS = j dxdz so F dS = z dxdz and

1
1
1
F dS =
z dxdz =
2
0
0
S
On the back face, y = 1, F = xi + zj and dS = j dxdz so F dS = z dxdz and




1
1
1
F dS =
z dxdz =
2
0
0
S
On the bottom face, z = 0, F = xi and dS = k dydz so F dS = 0 dxdy and




1
1
F dS =
0 dxdy = 0
0

On the top face, z = 1, F = xi + j and dS = k dydz so F dS = 0 dxdy and

1
1
F dS =
0 dxdy = 0
0

F dS = 0 + 1

Thus, summing over all six faces,

S

F dV note that F =

To nd

F dV =

So

x+
z = 1 + 0 = 1.
x
y

1 dxdydz = 1.

F dS =

So

1 1
+ + 0 + 0 = 1.
2 2

F dV = 1.
V

Note that the volume integral required just one triple integral while the surface integral required six
double integrals. Reducing the number of integrals is often the motivation for using Gauss theorem.
62

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Example 35

F dS where F is the

Use Gauss theorem to evaluate the surface integral

S

vector eld x2 yi + 2xyj + z 3 k and S is the surface of the unit cube 0 x 1,

0 y 1, 0 z 1.
Solution
Note that to carry out the surface integral directly will involve the evaluation of six double integrals
(one for each face


of

the cube). However, by Gauss theorem, the same result comes from the
F dV . As F = 2xy + 2x + 3z 2 , the surface integral becomes the

surface integral
triple integral

1
1

(2xy + 2x + 3z 2 ) dxdydz
0
0
0
1

1
1


2
2
2
=
dydz =
x y + x + 3xz
0

1 2
y + y + 3yz 2
=
2
0

1
3
5
3
=
z+z
=
2
2
0

x=0

1

dz =
0

y=0

The six double integrals also sum to

5
2

0
1

(y + 1 + 3z 2 )dydz
0

1
( + 1 + 3z 2 )dz =
2

0

3
( + 3z 2 )dz
2

but this approach requires a greater amount of work.

Engineering Example 6
Gauss law
Introduction
From Gauss theorem, it is possible to derive a result which can be used to gain insight into situations
involved in Electrical Engineering. Knowing the electric eld on a closed surface, it is possible to
nd the electric charge within this surface. Alternatively, in a suciently symmetrical situation, it is
possible to nd the electric eld produced by a given charge distribution.
Gauss theorem states







F dS =
F dV
S

If F = E, the electric eld,

q
F =E =
0
HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

63

where q is the amount of charge per unit volume and 0 is the permittivity of free space = 109 /36
F m1 8.841012 F m1 . Gauss theorem becomes











1
Q
q
E dS =
dV =
q dV =
0
0
S
V 0
V
i.e.

E dS =
S

Q
0

which is known as Gauss law. Using this law, the charge within a given surface can be found from
0 times the surface integral of E dS over that surface. In certain circumstances, it can also be
used to nd the electric eld produced by a given charge distribution.
Problem in words
A point charge lies at the centre of a cube. Given the electric eld, nd the magnitude of the charge,
using Gauss law .
Mathematical statement of problem
Consider the cube 12 x 12 , 12 y 12 , 12 z 12 where the dimensions are in metres. A
point charge Q lies at the centre of the cube. If the electric eld on the top face (z = 12 ) is given by
xi + yj + zk

E = 10

(x2 + y 2 + z 2 ) 2
nd the charge Q from Gauss law .

1
2

1
2

Hint :
x= 12

y= 12

1
x +y +
4
2

32

4
dy dx =
3

Mathematical analysis
From Gauss law



Q
E dS =
0
S
so






Q = 0
E dS = 60
S

E dS

S(top)

since, using the symmetry of the six faces of the cube, it is possible to integrate over just one of
them (here the top face is chosen) and multiply by 6. On the top face
E = 10 

xi + yj + 12 k
3
x2 + y 2 + 14 2

and
dS = (element of surface area) (unit normal to it)
= dx dy k
64

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

So

E dS = 10 


1
2

x2 + y 2 +

1
4

1
= 5 x +y +
4
2

32 dy dx
32
dy dx

Now

E dS =
S(top)

x= 12

= 5
=

1
2

1
2

y= 12

4
3

1
5 x +y +
4
2

32
dy dx

(using the hint)

20
3

So, from Gauss law above,

Q = 60

20
= 400 109 C
3

Interpretation
Gauss law can be used to nd a charge from its eects elsewhere.

Example 36
Verify Gauss theorem for the vector eld F = y 2 j xzk and the triangular prism
with vertices at (0, 0, 0), (2, 0, 0), (0, 0, 1), (0, 4, 0), (2, 4, 0) and (0, 4, 1) (see
Figure 16).
z

(0, 4, 1)

y
(0, 0, 1)

(2, 4, 0)
(0, 4, 0)

(0, 0, 0)

(2, 0, 0)

Figure 16

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

65

Solution
As F = y 2 j xzk, F = 0 + 2y x = 2y x.
Thus





2
4
1x/2
F dV =
(2y x)dzdydx
x=0

y=0

z=0

1x/2

2yz xz

=
x=0
2

y=0

dydx =
z=0

4

1 2
1 2
2
=
y xy xy + x y
2
2
x=0
y=0

2
2
40
= 16x 6x2 + x3 =
3
3
0

1
(2y xy x + x2 )dydx
2
x=0 y=0

2
dx =
(16 12x + 2x2 )dx
x=0

F dS, it is necessary to consider the contributions from the ve faces separately.

To work out
S

On the front face, y = 0, F = xzk and dS = j thus F dS = 0 and the contribution to the
integral is zero.
On the back face, y = 4, F = 16j xzk and dS = j thus F dS = 16 and the contribution to the
integral is

1x/2
2

2 

2

2
1x/2
2
16dzdx =
dx =
16(1 x/2)dx = 16x 4x
= 16.
16z
x=0

z=0

x=0

z=0

x=0

On the left face, x = 0, F = y j and dS = i thus F dS = 0 and the contribution to the integral
is zero.
On the bottom face, z = 0, F = y 2 j and dS = k thus F dS = 0 and the contribution to the
integral is zero.
On the top right face, z = 1 x/2, F = y 2 j + ( 12 x2 x)k and the unit normal n
= 15 i + 25 k


Thus dS = 15 i + 25 k dydw where dw measures the distance along the slope for a constant y.



As dw = 25 dx, dS = 12 i + k dydx thus F dS = 16 and the contribution to the integral is

2

2

2
4
1 2
2 3
8
2
2
( x x)dydx =
(2x 4x)dx = x 2x
= .
3
3
x=0 y=0 2
x=0
0



40
8
F dS = 0 + 16 + 0 + 0 = .
Adding together the contributions,
3
3
S







40
Thus
F dS =
F dV = .
3
S
V
2

Gauss theorem also applies using orthogonal curvilinear coordinates.

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Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Engineering Example 7
Field strength around a charged line
Problem in words
Find the electric eld strength at a given distance from a uniformly charged line.
Mathematical statement of problem
Determine the electric eld at a distance r from a uniformly charged line (charge per unit length L ).
You may assume that the eld points directly away from the line.
l
r

Figure 17
Mathematical analysis
Imagine a cylinder a distance r from the line and of length l. From Gauss law



Q
E dS =
0
S
As the charge per unit length is L , then the right-hand side equals L l/0 . On the left-hand side,
the integral can be expressed as the sum









E dS =
E dS +
E dS
S

S(ends)

S(curved)

Looking rst at the circular ends of the cylinder, the fact that the eld lines point (radially) away
from the charged line implies that the electric eld is in the plane of these circles and has no normal
component. Therefore E dS will be zero.
Next, over the curved surface of the cylinder, the electric eld is normal to it, and the symmetry
of the problem implies that the strength of the electric eld will be constant (here denoted E).
Therefore the integral will equal: (the total curved surface area) (the eld strength) i.e. 2rlE.
So, going back to Gauss law






E dS +
S(ends)

E dS =

S(curved)

Q
0

or
0 + 2rlE =

L l
0

Interpretation
Hence, the eld strength E is given by

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

E=

L
20 r

67

Engineering Example 8
Field strength on a cylinder
Problem in words
Given the electric eld on the surface of a cylinder, use Gauss law to nd the charge per unit length.
Mathematical statement of problem
On the surface of a long cylinder of radius a, the electric eld is given by
E=

L (a + b cos ) r b sin
20 (a2 + 2ab cos + b2 )

(using cylindrical polar co-ordinates) due to a line of charge a distance b (< a) from the centre of
the cylinder. Using Gauss law , nd the charge per unit length.



Q
Find the integral
E dS and by equating this to , nd b in the expression for E.
0



2
a + b cos
2
d =
Hint :
2
2
(a + 2ab cos + b )
a
0
Mathematical analysis
Consider a cylindrical section - as in the previous example, there are no contributions from the ends
of the cylinder since the electric eld has no normal component here. However, on the curved surface
dS = a d dz r
So
E dS =

a + b cos
L
a d dz
2
20 (a + 2ab cos + b2 )

Integrating over the curved surface of the cylinder

l
=2



aL
a + b cos
E dS =
d dz
2
20 (a + 2ab cos + b2 )
S
z=0 =0


a + b cos
aL l 2
d
=
2
20 0 (a + 2ab cos + b2 )
L l
using the hint.
=
0
From Gauss law
Q
L l
=
so
0
0

Q = L l

Interpretation
Therefore the charge per unit length on the line of charge is given by L .

68

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Task

Verify Gauss theorem for the vector eld F = xi yj + zk and the unit cube
0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1.
(a) Find the vector F .


(b) Evaluate the integral

z=0

F dxdydz.
y=0

x=0

(c) For


each side, evaluate the normal vector dS and the surface integral
F dS.
S

(d) Show that the two sides of the statement of the theorem are equal.

Your solution

Answer
(a) 1
(b) 1
(c) dxdyk, 0; dxdyk, 1; dxdyj, 0; dxdzj, 1; dydzi, 0; dydzi, 1
(d) Both sides are 1.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

69

Exercises
1. Verify Gauss theorem for the vector eld F = 4xzi y 2 j + yzk and the cuboid 0 x 2,
0 y 3, 0 z 4.
2. Verify Gauss theorem, using cylindrical polar coordinates, for the vector eld F = 2 over
the cylinder 0 r0 , 1 z 1 for
(a) r0 = 1
(b) r0 = 2
3. For S being the surface of the tetrahedron with vertices at (0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0) and
(0,


0, 1), nd the surface integral
(xi + yzj) dS
S

(a) directly
(b) by using Gauss theorem
Hint :- When evaluating directly, show that the unit normal on the sloping face is
and that dS = (i + j + k)dxdy

1 (i + j + k)
3

Answers
1. Both sides are 156,
2. Both sides equal (a) 4, (b) 2,
3. Both sides equal

70

5
.
24

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

3. Greens theorem
Like Gauss theorem, Greens theorem equates a surface integral to a volume integral. However,
Greens theorem is concerned with two scalar elds u(x, y, z) and w(x, y, z). Two statements of
Greens theorem are as follows









(uw) dS =
u w + u2 w dV
S

and

{uw vu} dS =
S


u2 w w2 u dV

Proof of Greens theorem

Greens theorem can be derived from Gauss theorem and a vector derivative identity.
Vector identity (1) from subsection 6 of 28.2 states that (A) = () A + ( A).
Letting = u and A = w,
(uw) = (u) (w) + u( (w)) = (u) (w) + u2 w
Gauss theorem states







F dS =
F dV
S

Now, letting F = uw,

(uw) dS =
(uw)dV
S
V






(u) (w) + u2 w dV
=
V

This is the rst statement of Greens theorem. Reversing the roles of u and w,









(wu) dS =
(w) (u) + w2 u dV
S

Subtracting the last two equations yields the second statement of Greens theorem.

Key Point 10

(uw) dS =

1.
S


u w + u2 w dV

{uw vu} dS =

2.
S

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems


u2 w w2 u dV

71

Example 37
Verify Greens theorem (rst statement) for u = (x x2 )y, w = xy + z 2 and the
unit cube, 0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1.
Solution
As w = xy + z 2 , w = yi + xj + 2zk. Thus uw = (xy x2 y)(yi + xj + 2zk) and the surface
integral is of this quantity (scalar product with dS integrated over the surface of the unit cube.
On the three faces x = 0, x = 1, y = 0, the vector uw = 0 and so the contribution to the surface
integral is zero.
On the face y = 1, uw = (x x2 )(i + xj + 2zk) and dS = j so (uw) dS = x2 x3 and the
contribution to the integral is
 3
1

1

1
1
x
1
x4
2
3
2
3
(x x )dzdx =
(x x )dx =
= .

3
4 0 12
x=0 z=0
0
On the face z = 0, uw = (xx2 )y(yi+xj) and dS = k so (uw)dS = 0 and the contribution
to the integral is zero.
On the face z = 1, uw = (x x2 )y(yi + xj + 2k) and dS = k so (uw) dS = 2y(x x2 ) and
the contribution to the integral is
1

1

1 

1

1
1
1
2
2
3
2
2
2y(x x )dydx =
(x x )dx =
dx =
(x x2 )dx = .
y (x x )
6
x=0 y=0
0
x=0
0
y=0



1
1
1
(uw) dS = 0 + 0 + 0 +
+0+ = .
Thus,
12
6
4
S






Now evaluate
u w + u2 w dV .
V

Note that u = (1 2x)yi + (x x2 )j and 2 w = 2 so

u w + u2 w = (1 2x)y 2 + (x x2 )x + 2(x x2 )y = x2 x3 + 2xy 2x2 y + y 2 2xy 2
and the integral






u w + u2 w dV
V

Hence

72

(x2 x3 + 2xy 2x2 y + y 2 2xy 2 )dxdydz

=
z=0

y=0

x=0

1
x3 x4
2 3
2
2
2 2

+ x y x y + xy x y
dydz
=
3
4
3
z=0 y=0
x=0
1

1 

1
1
1
y
y2
y
( + )dydz =
dz
+
=
3
6 y=0
z=0 y=0 12
z=0 12

1
 z 1
1
1
( )dz =
=
=
4 z=0 4
z=0 4









1
(uw) dS =
u w + u2 w dV =
4
S
V

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Greens theorem in the plane

This states that





Q P
(P dx + Qdy) =

dxdy
x
y
C
S

Justification of Greens theorem in the plane

Greens theorem in the plane can be derived from Stokes theorem.




( F ) dS =
F dr
S

Now let F be the vector eld P (x, y)i + Q(x, y)j i.e. there is no dependence on z and there are no
components
 in the z direction. Now


i
j
k 




 



P
Q

=
F = 

k
x
y
y
z 
 x




 P (x, y) Q(x, y) 0 


Q P
and dS = dxdyk giving ( F ) dS =

dxdy.
x
y
Thus Stokes theorem becomes





Q P
F dr

dxdy =
x
y
S
C
and Greens theorem in the plane follows.

Key Point 11
Greens Theorem in the Plane




Q P
(P dx + Qdy) =

dxdy
x
y
C
S

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

73

Example 38

Evaluate the line integral


 2
(4x + y 3)dx + (3x2 + 4y 2 2)dy around the

rectangle 0 x 3, 0 y 1.
Solution
The integral could be accomplished by four line integrals but it is easier to note that
[(4x2 + y 3)dx + (3x2 + 4y 2 2)dy] is of the form P dx + Qdy with P = 4x2 + y 3 and
Q = 3x2 + 4y 2 2. It is thus of a suitable form for Greens theorem in the plane.
P
Q
= 6x and
= 1.
Note that
x
y
Greens theorem in the plane becomes

1
3

2
2
2
{(4x + y 3)dx + (3x + 4y 2)dy} =
(6x 1) dxdy
C

y=0
1

x=0

3

3x x
2

=
y=0

dy =
x=0

24 dy = 24
y=0

The same result could be gained by evaluating four line integrals.

Example 39

Verify Greens theorem in the plane for the integral



4zdy + (y 2 2)dz and

the contour starting at the origin O = (0, 0, 0) and going to A = (0, 2, 0) and
B = (0, 0, 1) before returning to the origin.

Solution
The whole of the contour is in the plane x = 0 and Greens theorem in the plane becomes





Q P
(P dy + Qdz) =

dydz
y
z
C
S



4zdy + (y 2 2)dz .
(a) Firstly evaluate
C

On OA, z = 0 and dz = 0. As the integrand is zero, the integral will also be zero.
On AB, z = (1 y2 ) and dz = 12 dy. The integral is
0

0


0 
1 2
1 2
1 3
14
2
(4 2y)dy (y 2)dy =
(5 2y y )dy = 5y y y
=
2
2
6
3
y=2
2
2

0

0
(2)dz = 2z = 2.
On BO, y = 0 and dy = 0. The integral is
1
1



8
2
4zdy + (y 2)dz =
Summing,
3
C
74

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Solution (contd.)



(b) Secondly evaluate

S

Q P

y
z

dydz

In this example, P = 4z and Q = y 2 2. Thus


S

Q P

y
z

P
Q
= 4 and
= 2y. Hence,
z
y

1y/2

(2y 4) dzdy

dydz =
y=0

z=0

1y/2

2yz 4z

=
y=0

dy =
z=0

2

8
1 3
2
= y + 2y 4y =
3
3
0

y 2 + 4y 4 dy

y=0

Conclusion:





8
Q P

dydz =
(P dy + Qdz) =
y
z
3
C
S

One very useful, special case of Greens theorem in the plane is when Q = x and P = y. The
theorem becomes




{ydx + xdy} =
(1 (1)) dxdy
C

2 dxdy i.e. 2A where A is the area inside the contour C. Hence

The right-hand side becomes

1
A=
2


{xdy ydx}
C

This result is known as the area theorem.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

75

Example 40
Verify the area theorem A =


1
2

{xdy ydx} for the segment of the circle

C

x2 + y 2 = 4 lying above the line y = 1.

Solution
Firstly, the area of the segment ADBC can be found by subtracting
the area
of the triangle OADB
from the area of the sector OACB. The triangle has area 12 2 3 1 = 3. The sector has area

4
22 = 43 . Thus segment
ADBC
has
area

3.
3
3

Now, evaluate the integral {xdy ydx} around the segment. Along the line, y = 1, dy = 0 so
C

3

3

the integral {xdy ydx} becomes (x 0 1 dx) = (dx) = 2 3.

3
3
C

2 = (4 x2 )1/2 so dy = x(4 x2 )1/2 dx. The integral

Along
the
arc
of
the
circle,
y
=
4

x


{xdy ydx} becomes
C

4
dx
4 x2
3

/3
1
4
2 cos d
=
/3 2 cos

/3
8
4d =
=
3
/3

{x2 (4 x2 )1/2 (4 x2 )1/2 }dx =




1 8
4
2 3 = 3.
{xdy ydx} =
So,
2 3
3
C

Hence both sides of the theorem equal 43 3.



1
2

Task

Use Greens theorem in the plane to evaluate the integral


{(5x + 2y 7)dx + (3x 4y + 5)dy}
C

where C represents the perimeter of the trapezium with vertices at (0, 0), (3, 0),
(6, 1) and (1, 1).
First let P = 5x + 2y 7 and Q = 3x 4y + 5 and nd

Q P

:
x
y

Your solution

76

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Answer
1



Now nd

Q P

x
y

dxdy over the trapezium:

Your solution

Answer
4

Now nd

(P dx + Qdy) along the four sides of the trapezium:

Your solution

Answer
1.5, 66, 62.5, 1 whose sum is 4.
Finally show that the two sides of the statement of Greens theorem are equal:
Your solution

Answer
Both sides are 4.

Exercises
1. Verify the rst statement of Greens theorem for the functions u = xyz, w = y 2 and the unit
cube 0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1.
2. Verify the area theorem for
(a) The area above y = 0 but below y = 1 x2 .
(b) The segment of the circle x2 + y 2 = 1, to the upper left of the line y = 1 x.
Answer
4
2. (a) ,
3

(b)

1
.
4 2

HELM (2005):
Section 29.3: Integral Vector Theorems

77