# Some questions on applying Stokes' theorem

Let $\omega$ be a differential form. Stokes' theorem states that for any manifold $\Omega$:

$$\int_{\partial \Omega}\omega = \int_\Omega d\omega$$

where $d$ is the exterior derivative.

I would like to use Stokes' theorem to prove that a given differential $1$-form $\varphi$ is exact whenever its integral over a closed curve is zero.

My idea is to let $\Omega$ be a closed curve. Then $\partial \Omega = \varnothing$ and therefore $\int_{\partial \Omega}\omega =0$. By Stokes' theorem then $\int_\Omega d\omega=0$.

The problem I have now is that this shows that the integral over a closed curve of $d \omega$ is zero but this doesn't seem to help. Hence:

How can I use Stokes' theorem to find a differential $0$-form $\psi$ with $d \psi = \varphi$?

• My vector calculus is a bit rusty, but I suspect that a $1$-form $\phi$ will be exact so long as $\displaystyle \int_{\Omega} \phi = 0$ for any closed curve $\Omega$, not just a specific one. I'd certainly be grateful if someone could lend some insight. – Kaj Hansen Nov 30 '14 at 5:32
• Yes, in my question $\Omega$ is any closed curve. – self-learner Nov 30 '14 at 5:43
• You don't use Stokes theorem here, you use it for the converse. – user98602 Nov 30 '14 at 5:43

I do not know if this fact can be proved by Stokes theorem, anyway I will give a proof here.

The following trick is common in complex analysis/ differential geometry: Given a one form $\omega$ so that the integral over any smooth closed loop is zero. By approximation, we can assume that the same is also true for piecewise smooth closed loops.

Let's assume $\Omega$ is connected (if not just restrict everything to each connected components). Let $x_0$ be arbitrary and define $f: \Omega \to \mathbb R$, where

$$f(x) = \int_\gamma \omega ,$$

where $\gamma$ is any piece-wise smooth curve joining $x_0$ and $x$. The definition is independent of $\gamma$ chosen, because of the condition on $\omega$.

Now we want to show $df = \omega$. Let $x\in \Omega$ and $\gamma_0$ be a curve connecting $x_0$ and $x$. Then for all $y$ close to $x$, we have

$$f(y) = f(x) + \int_{\gamma_y} \omega,$$

where $\gamma_y$ is any curve joining $x$ and $y$.

Now assume we are in a local coordinate $y = (y^1, \cdots y^n)$ so that $x$ is identified to the origin. Write in this coordinate

$$\omega = w_1(y) dy^1 + \cdots + w_n(y) dy^n .$$

Now we show $\frac{\partial f}{\partial y^i }(0) = w_i(0)$ for $i=1, \cdots, n$.

$$\frac{\partial f}{\partial y^i} (0) = \frac{d}{dt}\bigg|_{t=0} \frac{f(te_i) - f(0)}{t}$$

To calculate $f(te_i)$, we $\gamma (s) = s(te_i)$.

$$f(te_i) = \int_0^1 \langle \gamma'(s) , \omega (\gamma(s)) \rangle ds = t\int_0^1 \omega_i (ste_i) ds = t \omega_i (s_t te_i),$$

where $s_t \in [0,1]$ by mean value theorem. Thus

$$\frac{\partial f}{\partial y^i} (0) = \lim_{t\to 0} \omega_i (s_t te_i) = w_i(0).$$

Thus $df = \omega$ at $x$. As $x\in \Omega$ is arbitrary, we have $df = \omega$ on $\Omega$.

• Thank you. I expected the proof to be much easier/shorter. I didn't know this was so ... non-trivial! – self-learner Nov 30 '14 at 5:54
• @self-learner: The main idea is to construct that $f$. After that $df = \omega$ is a direct checking. I really do not know if one can show using Stokes' theorem though @@. – user99914 Nov 30 '14 at 5:58
• Why do you have to use a piecewise smooth curve in the proof? It looks to me like the proof works with $\gamma$ a smooth curve. – self-learner Nov 30 '14 at 6:01
• The curve $x_0 \to x$ and then $x\to y$ is only piecewise smooth. – user99914 Nov 30 '14 at 6:03