# Homework Help: Using Stokes' theorem

1. Apr 7, 2009

### sci-doo

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Calculate
$$\int \int _{S}\nabla \times \overline{F} \cdot \hat{N}dS$$

where $$\overline{F} = 3y\hat{i} - 2xz\hat{j} + (x^{2}-y^{2})\hat{k}$$ and S is a
hemispherical surface x2 + y2 + z2 = a2, z ≥ 0 and $$\hat{N}$$ is a normal of the surface outwards. Can you use Stokes' theorem?

2. Relevant equations
I think I can use Stokes' theorem

$$\int \int _{S}\nabla \times \overline{F} \cdot \hat{N}dS = \oint_{C} \overline{F} \cdot d\overline{r}$$

3. The attempt at a solution

$$\oint_{C} \overline{F} \cdot d\overline{r} = \oint_{C} 3y\hat{i} - 2xz\hat{j} + (x^{2}-y^{2})\hat{k} \cdot (dx\hat{i} + dy\hat{j} + dz\hat{k})$$
$$= \oint_{C} (3y dx - 2xz dy + (x^{2}-y^{2})dz)$$

I don't know how to continue!

I should probably integrate closed line C that is the perimeter curve of the surface (circle radius a), but I have no further idea how to do that. I'm new to this subject and I simply don't understand what I could do/write ..

Help is highly appreciated!

Last edited: Apr 7, 2009
2. Apr 7, 2009

### HallsofIvy

Odd, most people learn how to integrate on curves before getting to Stokes' theorem.

The circle of radius a, in the xy-plane can be written in terms of the parameter $\theta$ as
$x= a cos(\theta)$
$y= a sin(\theta)$
z= 0.

$$dx= -a sin(\theta)d\theta$$
$$dy= a cos(\theta)d\theta$$
dz= 0

3. Apr 7, 2009

### sci-doo

Ok, I got a solution -3a2pi

$$\overline{r}(t) = a cos t + a sin t$$ where $$0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi$$