(a) We shall show that F(x,y,z) is conservative
by finding a potential for it. φ(x,y,z) is a potential for this F
if and only if
∂x∂φ(x,y,z)∂y∂φ(x,y,z)∂z∂φ(x,y,z)=x=−2y=3z
Integrating the first of these equations gives
φ(x,y,z)=2x2+f(y,z)
Substituting this into the second equation gives
∂y∂f(y,z)=−2y
which integrates to
f(y,z)=−y2+g(z)
Finally, substituting φ(x,y,z)=2x2−y2+g(z)
into the last equation gives
g′(z)=3z
which integrates to
g(z)=23z2+C
with C being an arbitrary constant.
So, F(x,y,z) is conservative and
φ(x,y,z)=21x2−y2+23z2 is one allowed potential.
(b)
The field F=F1^+F2^ can be conservative
only if it passes the screening test
∂y∂F1=∂x∂F2
In this case
∂y∂F1=∂y∂(x2+y2x)=−(x2+y2)22xy
is different from
∂x∂F2=∂x∂(x2+y2−y)=(x2+y2)22xy
for all (x,y) with x and y both nonzero.
So F is not conservative.