Stokes theorem and downward orientation problem

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The discussion centers on verifying Stokes' Theorem for the vector field F(x,y,z) = -yi + xj - 2k over the downward-oriented cone surface defined by z^2 = x^2 + y^2, 0 ≤ z ≤ 4. The main point of contention is whether the result should be -32π or 32π, with the confusion arising from the orientation of the normal vector. It is clarified that a downward orientation requires selecting the normal vector with a negative z-component, which leads to the correct evaluation of the integral. The gradient method for finding normal vectors indicates that the appropriate choice is (2x, 2y, -2z) to match the surface orientation. Ultimately, both methods yield consistent results when the correct orientation is applied.
nlsherrill
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Homework Statement


From Calculus:Concepts and Contexts 4th Edition by James Stewart. Pg.965 #13

Verify that Stokes' Theorem is true for the given vector field F and surface S

F(x,y,z)= -yi+xj-2k

S is the cone z^2= x^2+y^2, o<=z<=4, oriented downwards

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Now I have already solved this problem actually using Stokes Theorem and got -32*pi. My professor claims that it is just 32*pi, but I don't understand why. I thought if the problem stated it was oriented downward you had to multiply the normal vector by -1. Doing this gives me negative 32*pi. Also, if I try to solve the problem by just evaluating it as a line integral, I can't integrate it because the integrand ends up being 16*cos(t)^2 - 16*sin(t)^2, where it would clearly also be 32*pi if the negative was replaced with a positive. Could someone please clear things up for me?
 
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nlsherrill said:
I thought if the problem stated it was oriented downward you had to multiply the normal vector by -1.

There are two normal vectors at every point on a surface. With no further information there's no way to distinguish between them with Stoke's theorem. When you're told that a surface is oriented downwards, that means that you want to pick the normal vector who's z component is negative

S is the surface z2-x2-y2=0, so we can find normal vectors by using the gradient (-2x, -2y, 2z). At a point (x,y,z), this (after scaling) is a normal vector, and (2x, 2y, -2z) is also.How do we know which one to use? We're integrating for z between 0 and 4, and we want the z-component of our normal vector to be negative.
(-2x, -2y, 2z) has a positive z-component when z is positive, so that's not the right choice. So your normal vector should be (2x, 2y, -2z) (again, you have to scale it)
 
What do you mean "scale it"?

Oh and I would like to mention when I compute it as a line integral I can integrate it and get -32*pi as well.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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