Article

Line integral and its applications

Aschale Moges Belay
Department of Mathematics, Debark University, P.O.Box 90, Ethiopia.; [email protected]

Received: 2 January 2022; Accepted: 25 March 2022; Published: 31 March 2022.

Abstract: This study focused on line integral and its applications. The study was designed to show the areas
where line integral is applicable and point out the role of line integral in solving practical problems. The
study found out that space curves, and the concepts of scalar and vector fields are basic concepts to deal line
integral. Also, the study found out that line integral is used to calculate mass, center of mass and moments of
inertia of a wire, work done by a force on an object moving in a vector field, magnetic field around a conduct,
voltage generated in a loop, length of a curve, area of a region bounded by a closed curve, and volume of a
solid formed by rotating a closed curve about the x −axis.

Keywords: Curve; Line integral; Parametrization; Scalar field; Vector field.

1. Introduction

n mathematics, a line integral is an integral where the function to be integrated is evaluated along a curve.
I The terms path integral, curve integral, and curvilinear integral are also used; contour integral as well,
although that is typically reserved for line integral in the complex plane [1].
The function to be integrated may be a scalar field or a vector field. The value of the line integral is the
sum of values of the field at all points on the curve, weighted by some scalar function on the curve (commonly
arc length) or, for a vector field, the scalar product of the vector field with a differential vector in the curve. This
weighting distinguishes the line integral from simpler integrals defined on intervals. Many simple formula in
R
physics (for example, W = F · s) have natural continuous analogs in terms of line integrals ( W = c F · ds).
The line integral finds the work done on an object moving through an electric or gravitational field, for example
[1].
The main purposes of this study are to

• show the areas where line integral is applicable;

• point out the role of line integral in solving practical problems.

2. Preliminaries

2.1. Space curves

Since the concept of vector valued function is useful to define space curve, let us define vector valued
function before we define space curve.

Definition 1. (Vector valued function [2]) A function r : t −→ V is said to be a vector valued function if t ∈ R
and V is n−dimensional vector.

Example 1. r (t) = 2ti − t2 j and r (t) = i − tj + (sin t)k for any real number t are vector valued functions.

Definition 2. (Space curve [2]) A space curve (or simply curve) is the range of a continuous vector valued
function on an interval of real numbers.

We will generally use C to denote a curve and r to denote a vector valued function whose range is a curve
C. In that case we say that C is parameterized by r or that r is a parametrization of C.
There are so many types of curves. Some of them are listed as follows;

Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63; doi:10.30538/psrp-easl2022.0084 https://pisrt.org/psr-press/journals/easl

Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 48

Definition 3. (Simple curve [3]) A curve C is said to be simple if it has no self-intersection except possibly at
the end points of the interval of a parameter t.

Figure 1. (a) is simple curve whereas (b) is non-simple curve

Definition 4. (Closed curve [3]) A curve C is said to be closed if it has a parametrization r (t) on the closed
interval [ a, b] such that r ( a) = r (b). In other words, a curve C is said to be closed if its initial and terminal
points coincides.

Example 2. 1. A curve C parameterized by r (t) = (cos t)i + (sin t) j for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π is a closed curve since
r (0) = r (2π ) = i.
2. A curve C parameterized by r (t) = ti + t2 j − k for 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 is not a closed curve since r (0) ̸= r (1).

Definition 5. (Simple closed curve [3]) A curve C is said to be simple closed if it is both simple and closed
curve.

Definition 6. (Smooth curve [3]) A vector valued function r (t) is said to be smooth on an interval I if r ′ (t) is
continuous on I and r ′ (t) ̸= 0 for each interior point of I. A curve C is said to be smooth if its parametrization
r (t) is smooth.

Example 3. 1. Consider a curve C parameterized by

r (t) = t2 i + 2tj + t3 k.

The derivative of r (t) with respect to t is

r ′ (t) = 2ti + 2j + 3t2 k.

Since r ′ (t) is continuous and r ′ (t) ̸= 0 for any t, then r (t) is smooth on (−∞, ∞). Because of this, a curve
C is smooth on (−∞, ∞).
2. Consider a curve C′ parameterized by

r (t) = (t − sint)i + (1 − cost) j, −2π ≤ t ≤ 2π

The derivative of r (t) with respect to t is

r ′ (t) = (1 − cos t)i + (sin t) j.

Even though r ′ (t) is continuous on [−2π, 2π ], r (t) is not smooth on [−2π, 2π ] because r ′ (t) = 0 at t = 0.
Because of this, a curve C ′ is not smooth on [−2π, 2π ].

Definition 7. (Piecewise smooth curve [3]) A vector valued function r (t) is said to be piecewise smooth on an
interval I if I is expressible as the union of finite number of subintervals such that r (t) is smooth on each of
the subintervals and the one-sided derivatives of r (t) exist at each interior point of I. A curve C is said to be
piecewise smooth if its parametrization r (t) is a piecewise smooth.

For 2 in Example 3, r (t) is piecewise smooth because r (t) is smooth on subintervals [−2π, 0] and [0, 2π ],
and one-sided derivatives of r (t) exist on (−2π, 2π ). Because of this, that curve is a piecewise smooth on
[−2π, 2π ].
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 49

Remark 1. Any smooth curve can be piecewise smooth but the converse is not always true.

Definition 8. (Counter clockwise oriented curve [4]) A curve C is said to be counter clockwise oriented if it is
always lying to the left of the path while moving along C.

Definition 9. (Clockwise oriented curve [4]) A curve C is said to be clockwise oriented if it is always lying to
the right of the path while moving along C.

Figure 2. (a) is counter clockwise oriented curve whereas (b) is clockwise oriented curve

Definition 10. (Positively and Negatively oriented curves [4])

• A curve C is said to be positively oriented if the values of parameter t is increasing while moving along
C.
• A curve C is said to be negatively oriented if the values of parameter t is decreasing while moving along
C.

Figure 3. Curve C and −C are positively and negatively oriented curves respectively

Remark 2. If the curve is simple closed, then it is

• positively orientation corresponds to counter clockwise orientation,

• negatively orientation corresponds to clockwise orientation.

It is possible to express different curves using a parameter. Now, let us see smooth parametrization of
important curves which we will use frequently.

Line segment: Suppose L is a line segment from point A( x0 , y0 , z0 ) to another point B( x1 , y1 , z1 ). Then the
parametric equation of this line segment is

 x = x0 + ( x1 − x0 ) t


y = y0 + ( y1 − y0 ) t


z = z + (z − z )t
0 1 0

for 0 ≤ t ≤ 1. Therefore, the smooth parametrization of this line segment is

[ x0 + ( x1 − x0 ) t ] i + [ y0 + ( y1 − y0 ) t ] j + [ z0 + ( z1 − z0 ) t ] k for 0 ≤ t ≤ 1.
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 50

Circle: Suppose C is a circle with equation ( x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 . Then the parametric equation of this
circle is (
x = h + r cos t
y = k + r sin t
for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. Therefore, the smooth parametrization of this circle is

[h + rcost]i + [k + r sin t] j for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.

( x − h )2 ( y − k )2
Ellipse: Suppose E is an ellipse with equation a2
+ b2
= 1. Then the parametric equation of this
ellipse is
(
x = h + a cos t
y = k + b sin t
for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. Therefore, the smooth parametrization of this ellipse is

[h + acost]i + [k + b sin t] j for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.

Graph of a function: Suppose C is a graph of a function y = g( x ) for a ≤ x ≤ b. Then the parametric equation
of this graph is
(
x=t
y = g(t)
for a ≤ t ≤ b. Therefore, the smooth parametrization of this graph is

ti + g(t) j for a ≤ t ≤ b.

Region formed by a plane z = m and a circle ( x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 : The smooth parametrization of this
region is
[h + r cos t]i + [k + r sin t] j + mk for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
Sphere: Suppose S is a sphere with equation ( x − h)2 + (y − k)2 + (z − w)2 = ρ2 . Then the parametric
equation of this sphere is 
 x = h + ρ cos β sin θ


y = k + ρ sin β sin θ


z = w + ρ cos θ

for β ∈ [0, 2π ] and θ ∈ [0, π ]. Therefore, the smooth parametrization of this sphere is

[h + ρ cos β sin θ ]i + [k + ρ sin β sin θ ] j + [w + ρ cos θ ]k for β ∈ [0, 2π ] and θ ∈ [0, π ].

Definition 11. (Length of a curve [2]) Let C be a curve with a piecewise smooth parametrization r (t) defined
on [ a, b], then the length L of C is
Z b Z b
′ dr
L= |r (t)|dt = | |dt.
a a dt

Remark 3. If r (t) = x (t)i + y(t) j + z(t)k, then

Z bq
L= [ x ′ (t)]2 + [y′ (t)]2 + [z′ (t)]2 dt.
a

Example 4. Consider a curve parameterized by r (t) = (cos t)i + (sin t) j + tk for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. The derivative of
r (t) with respect to t is
r ′ (t) = (− sin t)i + (cos t) j + k.
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 51

The length of this curve on [0, 2π ] is

Z 2π q Z 2π √ √
L= (− sin t)2 + (cos t)2 + 12 dt = 2dt = 2 2π.
0 0

2.2. The concepts of scalar and vector fields

Definition 12. (Scalar field [3]) A function f : P → Q is said to be a scalar field if P ∈ Rn and Q ∈ R.

Example 5. f ( x, y, z) = xyz is a scalar field.

Definition 13. (Vector field [3]) A functionF : P → V is said to be a vector field if P ∈ Rn and V is
n−dimensional vector.

Example 6. F ( x, y, z) = x2 i + y2 j + z2 k is a vector field.

Remark 4. A vector field F formed by the gradient of a scalar function f is said to be gradient vector field and
denoted by
∂ ∂ ∂
F = ▽f = ( i + j + k) f = f x i + f y j + f z k.
∂x ∂y ∂z

Definition 14. (Conservative vector field [3]) A vector field F is said to be conservative if there exists a
differentiable function f such that F = ▽ f . The function f is called potential function for F.

Example 7. A function F ( x, y, z) = 3x2 i + 3y2 j + 3z2 k is conservative because there exists a potential function
f ( x, y, z) = x3 + y3 + z3 for F such that F = ▽ f .

Before we see test of conservativeness, let us define the curl of a vector field F.

Definition 15. (Curl of a vector field [3]) Let F = Mi + Nj + Pk be a vector field such that all the partial
derivatives of M, N and P exist, then the curl of F, denoted by curl F, is given by

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curl F = ▽ × F = ∂x ∂y ∂z .
M N P

Remark 5. If F = Mi + Nj, then curlF = ( Nx − My )k.

Example 8. Consider a vector field F ( x, y, z) = 3x2 i + xyj − y2 zk. Then the curl of F is given by

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z = −2yzi + yk.
3x2 xy − y2 z

Now let us see test of conservativeness and procedures of finding potential function of conservative vector
field.

Test of conservativeness [3]

The concept of curl of a vector field F is useful to test F is conservative or not i.e., F is conservative if curl
F = 0. A vector field in Example 8 is not conservative since curlF is not always 0.

Procedures of finding potential function of conservative vector field

We are able to find a potential function for a given conservative vector field F. The procedures of finding
a potential function f for a given conservative vector field F ( x, y, z) = Mi + Nj + Pk are listed as follows;
 Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 52

Step-1 (Variable separation) In this step, we express the function f as a sum of three functions in the form of

f ( x, y, z) = k( x, y, z) + g(y, z) + h(z).

So, f x = k x , f y = k y + gy and f z = k z + gz + hz . Since F = ▽ f , then f x = k x = M, f y = k y + gy = N and

f z = k z + gz + hz = P. R
Step-2 Integrate f x = k x = M with respect to x. That is k( x, y, z) = Mdx. R
Step-3 Integrate f y = k y + gy = N with respect to y. That isg(y, z) = (RN − k y )dy.
Step-4 Integrate f z = k z + gz + hz = P with respect to z. That is h(z) = ( P − k z − gz )dz.
Step-5 Finally, we write f ( x, y, z) = k ( x, y, z) + g(y, z) + h(z) using the above results.

Example 9. Consider a vector field F ( x, y, z) = xy2 z2 i + x2 yz2 j + x2 y2 zk. Then M = xy2 z2 , N = x2 yz2 and
P = x2 y2 z.

Firstly, let us test F is conservative or not.

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = ∂x ∂y ∂z = 0.
xy2 z2 x2 yz2 x 2 y2 z

Hence, this vector field is conservative.

Step-1 Suppose f ( x,R y, z) = kR( x, y,2 z2) + g(y, z ) + h ( z ).

1 2 2 2
Step-2 k( x, y, z) =
R Mdx = xyR z dx = 2 y z + c1 .
x
Step-3 g(y, z) = R ( N − k y ) dy = 0dy
R = 0 + c2 = c2 .
Step-4 h(z) = ( P − k z − gz )dz = 0dz = 0 + c3 = c3 .
Step-5 The potential function for the given conservative vector field is

1 2 2 2
f ( x, y, z) = x y z +c
2
where c = c1 + c2 + c3 .

3. Line integrals
Under this section, we will see detail description of line integral in Cartesian and Complex planes.

3.1. Line integral in Cartesian plane

There are two types of line integral in Cartesian plane. These are line integral of scalar and vector fields.

Definition 16. (Line integral of scalar field [3]) Let f be a continuous scalar field on a smooth curve C
parameterized by r (t) = x (t)i + y(t) j + z(t)k on [ a, b], then the line integral of f on C is given by
Z Z b
f ( x, y, z)ds = f ( x (t), y(t), z(t))|r ′ (t)|dt.
C a
R
Example 10. 1. Consider C ( x + y + z)ds where C is the line segment from (0, 1, 1) to (2, 2, 3). The smooth
parametrization of the line segment from (0, 1, 1) to (2, 2, 3) is

r (t) = 2ti + (1 + t) j + (1 + 2t)k; 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 ,

implies that |r ′ (t)| = 3 and x (t) + y(t) + z(t) = 2 + 5t. Hence,

Z 1
27
Z
( x + y + z)ds = 3(2 + 5t)dt = .
C 0 2
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 53

2. Consider C ( x + y)ds where C is the upper half of the circle x2 + y2 = 25 in counter clockwise orientation.
R

The smooth parametrization of this half circle is

r (t) = (5 cos t)i + (5 sin t) j; 0 ≤ t ≤ π,

implies |r ′ (t)| = 5 and x (t) + y(t) = 5 cos t + 5 sin t. Hence,

Z Z π
( x + y)ds = 5(5 cos t + 5 sin t)dt = 50.
C 0

Definition 17. (Line integral of vector field [3]) Let F = Mi + Nj + Pk be a continuous vector field defined
on a smooth curve C parameterized by r (t) = x (t)i + y(t) j + z(t)k on [ a, b], then the line integral of F on C is
given by
Z Z b
F · dr = F ( x (t), y(t), z(t)) · r ′ (t)dt.
C a

x2 y2
Example 11. Consider F ( x, y) = 3yi + 3xj and C is the ellipse 9 + 4 = 1 in the xy−plane. The smooth
parametrization of this ellipse is

r (t) = (3 cos t)i + (2 sin t) j; 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π ,

implies
F ( x (t), y(t)) · r ′ (t) = [(6 sin t)i + (9 cos t) j] · [(−3 sin t)i + (2 cos t) j] = 18 cos 2t.
R R 2π
Hence, the line integral of F on C is C F ( x, y) · dr = o (18 cos 2t)dt = 0.

Remark 6. If a and b are constants, and F and G are continuous vector field on a smooth curve C parameterized
by r (t), then the following properties hold;
R R R
1. RC [ aF ± bG ] · drR = a C F · dr ± b C G · dr,
2. R−C F · dr =R − C F · dr,R
3. C F · dr = C F · dr + C F · dr + ... + Cn F · dr i f C = in=1 Ci ,
R S
1 2 R
4. if F is conservative and C is from P to Q, then C F · dr = f ( Q) − f ( P) where f is a potential function for
R
F. In other words, the line integral
R C F · dr is independent
R of the path if F is conservative,
5. if F = Mi + Nj + Pk, then C [ Mdx + Ndy + Pdz] = C F · dr.

Example 12. Consider F ( x, y) = xi + yj and C is the triangle in a plane with vertices A(0, 0), B(1, 0) and C (0, 1)
in counter clockwise orientation, see Figure 4.

Figure 4

0 ≤ t ≤ 1, C2 : x = 1 − t and
S S
From Figure 4, C = C1 C2 C3 , where C1 : x = t and y = 0;
y = t; 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, and C3 : x = o and y = 1 t; 0 ≤ t ≤ 1.
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 54

On C1 ,
Z 1
1
Z
F · dr = tdt = .
C1 0 2
On C2 ,
Z Z 1
F · dr = (2t − 1)dt = 0.
C2 0

On C3 ,
Z 1
1
Z
F · dr = (t − 1)dt = − .
C3 0 2
Hence,
1 1
Z Z Z Z
F · dr = F · dr + F · dr + F · dr = + 0 − = 0.
C C1 C2 C3 2 2
x2 y2
In other way, since F is conservative, f ( x, y) = 2 + 2 is a potential function for F and C is closed path, then
R
C F · dr = f (0, 0) − f (0, 0) = 0.

3.2. Line integral in complex plane

The line integral in complex plane is known as contour integral.

Definition 18. (Contour integral [5]) If a function of complex variable f (z) is continuous on a smooth curve C
parameterized by z(t) = x (t) + y(t)i on an interval [ a, b], then the contour integral of f on C is given by
Z Z b
f (z)dz = f (z(t))z′ (t)dt.
C a

Remark 7. Contour integral grants all properties of line integral in Cartesian plane.

Example 13. Consider f (z) = z2 and C is given by Figure 5.

Figure 5

0 ≤ t ≤ 1, C2 : z(t) = 1 + ti; 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 and

S S
From Figure 5, C = C1 C2 C3 , wehere C1 : z(t) = t;
C3 : z(t) = (1 − t) + (1 − t)i; 0 ≤ t ≤ 1.
On C1 ,
Z 1
1
Z
f (z)dz = t2 dt = .
C1 0 3
On C2 ,
Z 1
2
Z
f (z)dz = (1 + ti )2 idt = −1 + i.
C2 0 3
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 55

On C3 ,
Z 1
2 2
Z
f (z)dz = [(1 − t) + (1 − t)i ]2 (−1 − i )dt = − i.
C3 0 3 3
Hence, Z Z Z Z
f (z)dz = f (z)dz + f (z)dz + f (z)dz = 0.
C C1 C2 C3

4. Applications of line integral

Line integral has physical and geometrical applications. Now, let us see selective applications of line
integral in detail.

4.1. Geometrical applications of line integral

In mathematics, line integral is used, in particular, for computations of

• length of a curve,
• area of a region bounded by a closed curve
• volume of a solid formed by rotating a closed curve about the x − axis.

4.1.1. Length of a curve [6]

Let C be a piecewise smooth curve described by the position vector r (t); α ≤ t ≤ β, then the length of the
curve is given by the line integral
Z βr
dr dx dy dz
Z Z β
L= ds = | |dt = ( )2 + ( )2 + ( )2 dt
C α dt α dt dt dt

where dr dt is the derivative of r ( t ) with respect to t, and x ( t ), y ( t ), z ( t ) are the components of the position vector
r ( t ).
If the curve C is two-dimensional, the latter formula can be written in the form of
Z βr
dr dx dy
Z Z β
L= ds = | |dt = ( )2 + ( )2 dt.
C α dt α dt dt

If the curve C is the graph of a continuous and differentiable function y = f ( x ) on [ a, b] in the xy−plane,
then the length of the curve is given by
Z br
dy 2
L= 1+( ) dx.
a dx

Finally, if the curve C is given by the equation r = r (θ ), α ≤ θ ≤ β in polar coordinates, and the function
r (θ ) is continuous and differentiable in the interval [α, β], then the length of the curve is defined by the formula
Z βr
dr
L= ( )2 + r2 dθ.
α dθ

Example 14. 1. Consider a space curve C parameterized by r (t) = (3t, 3t2 , 2t3 ) where 0 ≤ t ≤ 1. The
derivative of r (t) with respect to t is r ′ (t) = (3, 6t, 6t2 ). The length of this curve is
Z Z 1q Z 1
L= ds = (3)2 + (6t)2 + (6t2 )2 dt = (3 + 6t2 )dt = 5.
C 0 0

2. Consider a parabola y = x2 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. The length of this curve is

Z 1q Z 1p
L= 1 + (2x )2 dx = 1 + 4x2 dx,
0 0
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 56

implies √
1 arctan2 3 5 1 √
Z
L= sec tdt = + ln( 5 + 2) ≈ 1.48.
2 0 2 4
3. Consider a cardioid given in polar coordinates by the equation r = 5(1 + cos θ ), see Figure 6. The
derivative of r (θ ) with respect to θ is r ′ (θ ) = −5 sin θ. The length of this cardioid is
Z 2π q
L= (−5 sin θ )2 + [5(1 + cos θ )]2 dθ
0
√ Z 2π √
=5 2 1 + cos θdθ
0
Z 2π
θ
= 10 cos( ) dθ
0 2
  
Z 2π cos θ
if 0 ≤ θ ≤ π
Z π        
θ θ θ 2 
= 10 cos dθ − cos dθ since cos =
0 2 π 2 2 − cos θ if π ≤ θ ≤ 2π
2

= 40.

Figure 6

4.1.2. Area of a region bounded by a closed Curve [6]

If C is a closed smooth piecewise curve in the xy−plane (Figure 7), then the area of the region R bounded
by the curve is S = C xdy = − C ydx = 21 C [ xdy − ydx ].
H H H

Figure 7

Remark 8. It is supposed here that the contour C is traversed in the counterclockwise direction.
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 57

If the closed curve C is given in parametric form r (t) = ( x (t), y(t)) on [α, β], then the area of the
corresponding region can be calculated by the formula

dy dx 1 dy dx
Z β Z β Z β
S= x (t) dt = − y(t) dt = [ x (t) − y(t) ]dt .
α dt α dt 2 α dt dt

Example 15. Consider a region bounded by the ellipse x = a cos t, y = b sin t; 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π, see Figure 8.

Figure 8

The area of this region is

Z 2π Z 2π
S= ( a cos t)(b cos t)dt = ab cos2 tdt = πab.
0 0

We can also get the following result using the other two formulas;
R 2π R 2π
• S = − 0 (b sin t)(− a sin t)dt = ab 0 sin2 tdt = πab,
R 2π R 2π
• S = 12 0 [( a cos t)(b cos t) − (b sin t)(− a sin t)]dt = 21 ab 0 dt = πab.

4.1.3. Volume of a solid formed by rotating a closed curve about the x −axis [6]
Let R be a region in the half-plane y ≥ 0 bounded by a closed smooth piecewise curve C traversed in
the counterclockwise direction. Suppose that the solid Ω is formed by rotating the region R about the x −axis
(Figure 9), then the volume of the solid is given by
I I I
2 π
V = −π y dx = −2π xydy = − [2xydy + y2 dx ].
C C 2 C

Figure 9
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 58

Example 16. Consider a solid formed by rotating the region R bounded by the curve y = 2 − sin x and the
lines x = 0, x = 2π, y = 0 about the x −axis (Figure 10).

Figure 10

The volume of the solid is

I Z Z Z Z
2 2 2 2
V = −π y dx = −π [ y dx + y dx + y dx + y2 dx ]
C OA AB BD DO
= −π (0 + 0 − 9π + 0) = 9π 2
R 2π
y2 dx = o2 dx = 0. Since, the smooth parametrization of AB is 2πi + 2tj,
R
where, since y = 0 on OA, so OA 0
so Z Z 2π Z 1
y2 dx = y2 dx = (2t)2 × 0 dt = 0.
AB 2π 0
Since y = 2 − sin x on BD, so
Z Z 0
y2 dx = (2 − sinx )2 dx = −9π.
BD 2π

Since, the smooth parametrization of DO is 0i + (2-2t) j, so

Z Z 0 Z 1
2 2
y dx = y dx = (2 − 2t)2 × 0 dt = 0.
DO 0 0

4.2. Physical applications of line integral

In physics, the line integral is used, in particular, for computations of

• mass of a wire,
• center of mass and moments of inertia of a wire,
• work done by a force on an object moving in a vector field,
• magnetic field around a conduct (Ampere′ s law),
• voltage generated in a loop (Faraday′ s law of magnetic induction).

4.2.1. Mass of a wire

Suppose that a piece of a wire is described by a curve C in three dimensions. The mass per unit length
of the wire is a continuous function ρ( x, y, z). Then the total mass of the wire is expressed through the line
integral of scalar function as [7] Z
m= ρ( x, y, z)ds.
C

If C is a curve parameterized by the vector function r (t) = ( x (t), y(t), z(t)) on [α, β], then the mass can be
computed by the formula
r
dx 2 dy dz
Z β
m= ρ( x (t), y(t), z(t)) × ( ) + ( )2 + ( )2 )dt .
α dt dt dt
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 59

If C is a curve in the xy−plane, then the mass of the wire is given by

Z
m= ρ( x, y)ds.
C

Or in parametric form r
dx 2 dy
Z β
m= ρ( x (t), y(t)) × ( ) + ( )2 dt .
α dt dt

Example 17. Consider a wire lying along the arc of the circle x2 + y2 = 1 from A(1, 0) to B(0, 1) with the
density ρ( x, y) = xy (Figure 11).

Figure 11

The parametric equation of this part of a circle is

(
x = cos t
y = sin t

for 0 ≤ t ≤ π
2. Then the mass of this wire is
π π
1 1
Z q Z
2 2
m= cos t sin t (− sin t)2 + (cos t)2 dt = sin 2t dt = .
0 2 0 2

4.2.2. Center of mass and moments of inertia of a wire [7]

Let a wire is described by a curve C with a continuous density function ρ( x, y, z). The coordinates of the
center of mass of the wire are defined as
Myz Mxz Mxy
x= , y= and z = ,
m m m
where Z Z Z
Myz = xρ( x, y, z)ds, Mxz = yρ( x, y, z)ds and Mxy = zρ( x, y, z)ds
C C C
are so-called first moments. The moments of inertia about the x −axis, y−axis and z−axis are given by the
formulas [7]

• Ix = R C (y2 + z2 )ρ( x, y, z)ds,

R

• Iy = R C ( x2 + z2 )ρ( x, y, z)ds,
• Iz = C ( x2 + y2 )ρ( x, y, z)ds.
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 60

Example 18. Consider a circle x2 + y2 = a2 with the density ρ = 1. The parametric equation of this circle is
(
x = a cos t
y = a sin t

for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. Then the moment of inertia Ix about the x −axis is

Z 2π q Z 2π
Ix = ( a sin t)2 × 1 × (− a sin t)2 + ( a cos t)2 dt = a3 sin2 tdt = πa3 .
0 0

4.2.3. Work done by a force on an object moving in a velocity field [7]

Work done by a force F on an object moving along a curve C is given by the line integral
Z
W= F . dr
C

where F is the vector force field acting on the object, dr is the unit tangent vector (Figure 12). The notation F.dr
means dot product of F and dr.

Figure 12

Remark 9. The force field F is not necessarily the cause of moving the object. It might be some other force
acting to overcome the force field that is actually moving the object. In this case the work of the force F could
result in a negative value.

If a vector field is defined in the coordinate form F = ( P( x, y, z), Q( x, y, z), R( x, y, z)), then the work done
by the force is calculated by the formula
Z Z
W= F . dr = [ Pdx + Qdy + Rdz].
C C

If the object is moved along a curve C in the xy− plane, then the following formula is valid
Z Z
W= F . dr = [ Pdx + Qdy]
C C

where F = ( P( x, y), Q( x, y)).

If a path C is specified by a parameter t (t often means time), the formula for calculating work becomes

dx dy dz
Z β
W= [ P( x (t), y(t), z(t)) + Q( x (t), y(t), z(t)) + R( x (t), y(t), z(t)) ]dt ,
α dt dt dt
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 61

where t goes from α to β. If a vector force field F is conservative, then the work on an object moving from A to
B can be found by the formula
W = u( B) − u( A) ,

where u( x, y, z) is a scalar potential function of a vector force field F.

Example 19. Consider a force field F ( x, y) = ( xy, x + y) on an object moving from the origin O(0, 0) to the
point A(1, 1) along the path C.

1. Assume C is the line segment y = x. The parametric equation of this line segment is
(
x=t
y=t

for 0 ≤ t ≤ 1. The work along the line segment y = x is

Z 1
4
Z
W1 = [ xydx + ( x + y)dy] = [t2 + 2t]dt = .
C 0 3
√
2. Assume C is the curve y = x. The parametric equation of this line segment is
(
x=t
√
y= t
√
for 0 ≤ t ≤ 1. The work along the line segment y = x is

1 √
Z 1
37
Z
3
W2 = [ xydx + ( x + y)dy] = [t 2 + ( t + 1)]dt = .
C 0 2 30

Remark 10. For Example 19, if the force field is F ( x, y) = xi + yj, then F is conservative force and in cases a
x2 y2
and b, the work done is independent of the path i.e., W = f (1, 1) − f (0, 0) = 1 where f ( x, y) = 2 + 2 + c is
a potential function for a force field F ( x, y) = xi + yj.

4.2.4. Ampere′ s law [7]

The line integral of a magnetic field B around a closed path C is equal to the total current flowing through
the area bounded by the contour C (Figure 13). This is expressed by the formula
I
B . dr = µ0 I ,
C

where µ0 is the vacuum permeability constant, equal to 4π × 10−7 H/m ≈ 1.26 × 10−6 H/m.

Figure 13
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 62

Example 20. Let us develop the formula of the magnetic field in vacuum a distance r from the axis of a long
straight wire carrying current I.

To find the field a distance r from the wire, we consider a loop of radius r, centered on the wire with its
plane perpendicular to the wire with the current I (Figure 14). Since the field B has a constant magnitude and
the field is tangent to the loop everywhere, the dot product of the vectors B and dr is just Bdr. Then we can
write I I I Z 2π
B . dr = Bdr = B dr = B dr = 2πrB .
C C C 0
µ0 I
As a result, we have 2πrB = µ0 I =⇒ B = 2πr .

Figure 14

4.2.5. Faraday′ s law [7]

The electromotive force ϵ induced around a closed loop C is equal to the rate of the change of magnetic
flux passing through the loop (Figure 15).

dψ
I
ϵ= E . dr = − .
C dt

Figure 15

Example 21. Let us evaluate the maximum electromotive force ϵ and the electric field E induced in a finger
ring of radius 1cm when the passenger flies on an airplane in the magnetic field of the Earth with the velocity
of 900km/h.

According to Faraday′ s law,

dψ
I
ϵ= E . dr = − .
C dt
Eng. Appl. Sci. Lett. 2022, 5(1), 47-63 63

As the conducting ring moves through the Earth magnetic field, there is a change in the magnetic flux ψ,
passing through the ring. Suppose that the magnetic field B is perpendicular to the plane of the ring. Then
change in the flux for the time △ t is
△ ψ = 2rBx = 2rBv △ t ,
where x = v △ t, v is the velocity of the airplane and B is the magnetic field of the Earth. It follows from the
last expression that
dψ
ϵ=− = 2rBv.
dt
Substituting the given values v = 900km/h = 250m/s, r = 1cm = 0.01m and B = 5 × 10−5 T, we obtain the
electromotive force ϵ = 2rBv = 2 × 0.01 × 5 × 10−5 × 250 = 0.00025V. As it can be seen, it’s safe for human.
H
We can find the electric field in the conducting ring by the formula ϵ = C E . dr.
By symmetry, the induced electric field will have a constant magnitude along the ring. Its direction will
be tangential to the circle at every point. Hence, the line integral around the circle is
I I I
ϵ= E . dr = Edrcos0 = E dr = 2πrE .
C C C

Hence, the electric field strength is

ϵ 0.00025
E= = = 0.00398V/m.
2πr 2π × 0.01

5. Summary
From this study, we acquire an idea regarding to line integral and its applications. Before we deal line
integral, we need to have an idea regarding to space curves, and scalar and vector fields. As stated earlier, we
deal line integral in either Cartesian plane or Complex plane. This integral has geometrical as well as physical
applications.
Acknowledgments: First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues at Debark University for giving me their genuine
advices and constructive comments from the very beginning of this study till its end. Secondly, my thanks also go
to department of Mathematics, Debark University, which helped me in copying available hard materials and printing
available soft copy materials for this study. Finally, I am deeply indebted to my wife Manayesh Melkamu for her
encouragement to do this study and I would like to say God bless her.
Conflicts of Interest: “The author declares no conflict of interest.”

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[4] Wikipedia. (2017). Curve Orientation. Retrieved on March 7/2017 fromhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/curve_
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physical-applications-line-integrals.

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