Question:medium

Let \( \vec{F} = (y - z)\hat{i} + (z - x)\hat{j} + (x - y)\hat{k} \) be a vector field, and let \( S \) be the surface \( x^2 + y^2 + (z - 1)^2 = 9, 1 \leq z \leq 4 \).
If \( \hat{n} \) denotes the unit outward normal vector to \( S \), then the value of

\[ \frac{1}{\pi} \left| \iint_S (\vec{v} \times \vec{F}) \cdot \hat{n} \, dS \right| \]

is equal to _________ (in integer).

Show Hint

For surface integrals, carefully evaluate the normal vector and use Stokes' Theorem if applicable. In this case, the flux computation can directly yield the result.
Updated On: Feb 2, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Interpret the integrand correctly
The integrand is of the form \[ (\nabla \times \vec F)\cdot \hat n, \] so the surface integral can be evaluated using Stokes’ Theorem:

\[ \iint_S (\nabla \times \vec F)\cdot \hat n\,dS = \oint_{\partial S} \vec F\cdot d\vec r. \]


Step 2: Find the curl of the vector field
Given \[ \vec F=(y-z)\hat i+(z-x)\hat j+(x-y)\hat k, \] compute its curl:

\[ \nabla\times\vec F= \begin{vmatrix} \hat i & \hat j & \hat k\\ \partial_x & \partial_y & \partial_z\\ y-z & z-x & x-y \end{vmatrix} = (1,1,1). \]

Thus, the curl is a constant vector.


Step 3: Convert the surface integral into a flux integral
Since \(\nabla\times\vec F=(1,1,1)\),

\[ \iint_S (\nabla\times\vec F)\cdot \hat n\,dS = \iint_S (1,1,1)\cdot \hat n\,dS. \]

This represents the flux of a constant vector through the surface \(S\). By the divergence theorem, this flux equals the volume integral of \(\nabla\cdot(1,1,1)=3\) over the solid \(V\) enclosed by \(S\) and its base.


Step 4: Compute the enclosed volume
The surface \(S\) is a spherical cap of the sphere \[ x^2+y^2+(z-1)^2=9 \] between \(z=1\) and \(z=4\).

The cap has height \(h=3\) and radius \(R=3\). The volume of a spherical cap is:

\[ V=\frac{\pi h^2}{3}(3R-h). \]

Substitute \(R=3,\ h=3\):

\[ V=\frac{\pi\cdot9}{3}(9-3)=3\pi\cdot6=18\pi. \]


Step 5: Evaluate the surface integral

\[ \iint_S (\nabla\times\vec F)\cdot \hat n\,dS = 3\times V = 3\times18\pi = 54\pi. \]


Step 6: Final computation
The required quantity is:

\[ \frac{1}{\pi}\left|\iint_S (\nabla\times\vec F)\cdot \hat n\,dS\right| = \frac{1}{\pi}(54\pi)=18. \]


Final Answer:

\[ \boxed{18} \]

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