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Exercise 2223Calculus › Multivariable calculus › Vector calculusM1Added 3 Nov 2026

Stokes on a cone

#Stokes#cone#surface

Statement

Compute the circulation of F⃗=(y,z,x)\vec F=(y,z,x) on the boundary of the cone z=x2+y2z=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}, z≤1z\le1.

Hint

∇×F⃗=(−1,−1,−1)\nabla\times\vec F=(-1,-1,-1); use the flat disk at z=1z=1 to simplify.

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Solution

Curl. ∇×F⃗=(−1,−1,−1)\nabla\times\vec F=(-1,-1,-1).

Use disk. SS: disk x2+y2≤1x^2+y^2\le1 at z=1z=1, n⃗=(0,0,1)\vec n=(0,0,1), with boundary circle at z=1z=1.

Stokes. ∮=∬D(−1) dS=−π\oint=\iint_D(-1)\,dS=-\pi.

Conclusion. Circulation =−π=-\pi.