Mathematics 317 Midterm #2: Monday, November 2, 2009

1. Do only two questions. Each question is of equal value. If you attempt more than
two questions, only the first two will be marked.
2. No notes, books or calculators are permitted.
3. Time Limit: 50 minutes

1. Consider the vector field given by F( x, y ) = yi + xj.

(a) Sketch the flow lines of this vector field.
(b) Find the equation of the flow line passing through the point (1,1).

1 1
2. Consider the two force fields given by F ( x, y ) = 2
i + 3 j, G ( x, y ) = − yi + xj. For
x y
each of these force fields, find the work done in moving a particle from the point
(2,1) to the point (1,2) along the smaller arc lying on the circle ( x − 1) 2 + ( y − 1) 2 = 1.

3. Let a = a1i + a 2 j + a3 k be a constant vector.

Let r = xi + yj + zk , r = | r |= x 2 + y 2 + z 2 .
Find all functions f(r) with the property that ∇ ⋅ (a × f (r )r ) ≡ 0.
[Hint: One can show that ∇ ⋅ (F × G ) ≡ G ⋅ (∇ × F ) − F ⋅ (∇ × G ) for any two
differentiable vector fields F ( x, y, z ), G ( x, y, z ). ]