How do you find the normal component of a function F (Stoke's theorem question)

[theneedtoknow]

Homework Statement

This isn't really regarding any specific question, I am just wondering how do I find the normal component of a vector valued function along a surface S?

Stoke's theorem says the integral over a curve of F (dot) dx is equal to the integral of curlF (dot) n dA over the surface bound by the curve. If I have a function F (you can make one up if it helps explain) to integrate over a surface , how do I find the normal component "n" that I need to use?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[tiny-tim]

Stoke's theorem says the integral over a curve of F (dot) dx is equal to the integral of curlF (dot) n dA over the surface bound by the curve. If I have a function F (you can make one up if it helps explain) to integrate over a surface , how do I find the normal component "n" that I need to use?

Hi theneedtoknow!

n isn't the normal component, it's the unit vector normal to the surface.

For most surfaces, that should be fairly easy to find.