Math 291 (Vector Analysis) Sample Questions

Ref Books:
1. Sch or SCV = Schaum's Outlines Vector Analysis – Murray R. Spiegel (Sch)
2. Ant = Calculus – by Howard Anton, Irl Bivens and Stephen Davis, 10th (Ant)

Basic Ideas
Sch P1-23/ Read the Definitions of]
Chap 1-2
Vector, Scalar, unit vector, Component of a vector, Scalar field, Vector field.
Vector Addition, subtraction, multiplication; Dot and Cross product, Triple product, Reciprocal Sets
of Vectors.

Vector Differentiation
Chap 3
[Ref: Sch 2Ed P50/ Ex 3.3, Ed1 P39/Ex3]
A Particle moves along the curve whose parametric equations are x = e-t, y = 2cos3t, z = 2sin3t, where
t is the time. (a) Determine its velocity and acceleration at any time. (b) Find the magnitude of the
velocity and acceleration at t = 0.
Ans. (b) 37 , 325 .

[SCV 1Ed P39/ Ex 4]

4. A Particle moves along the curve whose parametric equations are x = 2t 2, y = t2 – 4t, z = 3t – 5,
where t is the time. Find the components of its velocity and acceleration at time. t = 1 in the direction
i – 3j + 2k.
16 8 14 −2 − 14
Ans. = , = .
14 7 14 7

[Sch 2Ed P50/ Ex 3.4]

4. A Particle moves along the curve whose parametric equations are x = 2t 2, y = t2 – 4t, z = – t – 5,
where t is the time. Find the components of its velocity and acceleration at time. t = 1 in the direction
i – 2j + 2k.
[ Ans. 2, 0 ].

[Sch51/Ex3.6 ; P40/ Ex6]

6. (a) Find the unit tangent vector to any point on the curve x = t2 + 1, y = 4t – 3, z = 2t2 – 6t .
(b) Determine the unit tangent at the point where t = 2.
Ans. (b) 1 (2i + 2 j + k ) .
3
[Sch55/Ex3.11 ; P42/ Ex12]
A particle moves so that its position vector is given by r = cost i + sint j where  is constant.
Show that (a) the velocity v of the particle is perpendicular to r , (B) The acceleration a is directed
toward the origin and has magnitude proportional to the distance from the origin, (c) r × v = a constant
vector.
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

[Sch55/Ex3.13-16 ; P 44/ Ex 15-16]

15. If A = (2x2y – x4) i + (exy – y sin x) j + (x2 cosy) k ,
A A  2 A  2 A  2 A 2 A
find: , , , , , .
x y x 2 y 2 xy yx

3
16. If  (x,y,z) = xy z and A = xz i + xy j + yz k , find:
2 2 2 ( A) at the point (2, –1, 1).
x 2z
Ans. 4i – 2j.
[Sch56/Ex3.18]
dT dB dT
Prove the Frenet–Serret formulas: (a) =  N , (b) = − N , (c) =  B −T
ds ds ds

[Sch62/Ex3.29, P50/ Ex28]

If r is the position vector of a particle of mass m relative to the point O and
F is the external force on the particle, then r × F = M is the torque moment of F about O. Show that
M = dH/dt , where H = r × mv and v is the velocity of the particle.

[Sch65/Ex3.54, P55/ Ex54]

r  r
Prove that the curvature of the space curve r = r(t) is given numerically by  = 3
, where dots
r
denote differentiation with respect to t.

[Sch65/Exr3.55, P55/ Ex55]

r  r  r
(a) Prove that  = 2
for the space curve r = r(t) .
r  r
dr d 2 r d 3r
 2 3
(b) If the parameter t is the arc length s show that  = ds 2ds 2ds2 .
(d r / ds )

[Sch66, Exr3.66]
A particle moves along the curve r = (t3 - 4t) i + (t2 + 4t) j + (8t2 - 3t3) k , where t is the time. Find
the magnitudes of the tangential and normal components of its acceleration when t = 2.

Ans. Tangential, 16; normal 2 73 .

[Sch66/ Exr 3.60-3.65, P55-56/ Exr60-65 (Extra Questions)]

Gradient, Divergence and Curl

The vector differential operator Del, written  , is defined by
     
= i+ j + k i + j +k
x y z x y z
The operator  is also known as nabla.

=2=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

[SCV 57/ Definitions]

Write down the definitions of Gradient, Divergence and Curl and their physical interpretations.

[SCV 58/ Formulae Involving  (9-12)]

9. ∙() = 2 ; 2 is called the Laplacian operator.

Q. Prove formulas 10, 11, 12.

10. × = 0
11.   (  A) = 0
12. ×(×A) = ( A) – 2A

[SCV 69/27]
27. (a) Prove    = 0 or (curl grad  = 0 ).
(b) Prove   (  A) = 0 or (div curl A = 0 ).

[SCV 70/29]
29. Prove ×(×A) = ( A) – 2A or (curl curl A = grad div A – 2A).

[SCV 59/ Ex1]

If  (x,y,z) = 3x2y – y3z2 , find  (or grad  ) at the point (1, –2, –1). [ Ans. (–12, –9,–16).]

[SCV 60/ Ex3]

1
Find  if (a)  = ln| r | , (b) = . [ Ans. (a) r/r2 (b) –r/r3.]
r

[SCV 60/ Ex4]

Show that rn = n rn-2 r.

[SCV 61/ Ex5]

Show that  is a vector perpendicular to the surface  (x,y,z) = c where c is a constant.

[SCV 61/ Ex6]

Find a unit normal to the surface x2y + 2xz = 4 at the point (2, –2, 3).
[Ans. ±1/3(-1, 2, 2)]

[SCV 62/ Ex10]

Find the directional derivative of  = x2yz + 4xz2 at the point (1, –2, –1) in the direction
2i – j – 2k.
[ Ans. 37/3 ]

[Sch 1Ed P62/ Ex11]

(a) In what direction from the point (2, 1,–1) is the directional derivative of  = x2yz3 a maximum?

=3=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

(b) What is the magnitude of this maximum?

Ans. (a) In the direction of  = –4i – 4j + 12k at (2, 1,–1). (b) 4 11 .

[Sch 1Ed P64/ Ex16]

Given that  = 2x3y2z4 . (a) Find   (div grad  ) . (b) Show that  =   , where 2 is
2

the Laplacian operator.

[Sch 1Ed P64/ Ex17]

Prove that  2 ( 1r ) = 0 .

[Sch 1Ed P66/ Ex21]

In continuous flow if there is no loss or gain of fluid anywhere, then  v = 0 . This is called the
continuity equation for an in-compressible fluid. Since fluid is neither created nor destroyed at any
point, it is said to have no sources or sinks. A vector such as v whose divergence is zero is sometimes
called solenoidal.

[Sch 1Ed P73/ Ex32]

A vector field V which can be derived from a scalar field  so that v =  is called a conservative
vector field and  is called the scalar potential. Note that conversely if v =  , then ×v = 0 .

[Sch 1Ed P78-81/ Extra Questions]

Problems: 62-65, 84,85, 93, 102

[Sch 1Ed P80/ Ex 102]

Show that A = (6xy +z3)i + (3x2 – z)j + (3xz2 – y) k is irrotational. Find  such that A =  .
Ans.  = 3x2y + xz3 – yz + constant
[Ant 886/ 12.6.3 Theorem]
If a particle moves along a smooth curve C in 2-space or 3-space, then at each point on the curve the
velocity v and the acceleration a are related to aT , aN, and κ by the formulas

av
aT = a  vˆ = av , aN = a  vˆ = v
v

[Ant 1089/ Ex 5]
Show that the divergence of the inverse-square field
c
F ( x, y, z ) = (xi + yj + zk) is zero
( x + y + z 2 )3/2
2 2

𝜕𝑟 x 𝜕 x 1 3x2
[Hints. F = c(xi + yj + zk)/r3 , r = |r| ,
𝜕𝑥
=
r
, ry = y/r, , rz = z/r, ( )=
𝜕𝑥 r3 3
r
−
r5
etc.]

=4=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

Chap 5/ Page 82

5. Vector Integration

[Sch 1Ed P82-83/ Basic Idea]

Line Integrals, Surface Integrals, and Volume Integrals

Line Integrals.

[SCV 84/ Ex 1-2]

Line Integrals.
2
1. If R(u) = (u – u2)i + 2u3j – 3k , find (a)  R (u )du and (b)  R (u )du .
1

2. The acceleration of a particle at any time t  0 is given by

dv
a= = 12 cos 2t i – 8 sin 2t j + 16t k
dt
If the velocity v and displacement r are zero at t =0, find v and r at any time.

[Sch 2Ed P104/Ex5.6 or 1Ed P87]

If A = (3x2 +6y)i - 14yzj +20 xz2k, evaluate c A  dr from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1) along the following
paths C:
(a) x = t, y = t2 , z = t3 .
(b) the straight lines from (0,0,0) to (1,0,0) then to (1,1,0) then to (1,1,1).
(c) the straight line joining (0,0,0) and (1,1,1).
Ans. (a) 5, (b) 23/3, (c) 13/3.

[Sch 2Ed P122/Exr5.37, or P102/ Exr 37]

If A = (2y + 3)i + xzj + (yz – x)k, evaluate c A  dr along the following paths C:

(a) x = 2t2, y = t , z = t3 from t = 0 to t = 1.

(b) the straight lines from (0,0,0) to (0,0,1) then to (0,1,1) then to (2,1,1).
(c) the straight line joining (0,0,0) and (2,1,1).
Ans. (a) 288/35, (b) 10, (c) 8.

[Sch 2Ed P122/Exr5.40 or 1Ed P102/ Exr 40]

Find the work done in moving a particle in the force field F = 3x2 i + (2xz -y) j + z k along
(a) the straight line from (0,0,0) to (2,1,3).
(b) the space curve x = 2t2, y = t, z = 4t2- t from t = 0 to t=1.
(c) the curve defined by x2= 4y, 3x3 = 8z from x = 0 to x = 2.
Ans. (a) 16 (b) 14.2 (c) 16

=5=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

[Sch 2Ed P122-123/Exr5.43, 5. 44 1ED P103/ Exr 43-44]

43. If A = (2x + y2 )i + (3y – 4x)j , evaluate c A  dr along the triangle C described by the points

(0,0) , (2,0) and (2,1) traversed in the (a) positive direction (b) negative direction.

Ans. (a) -14/3 (b) 14/3

44. Evaluate 
C
A  dr , where A = (x – y )i + (x + y )j and C is the boundary of the region

enclosed by y = x2 and y2 = x traversed in the positive direction.

Ans. 2/3

[SCH 1ED P 103/ Exr 45-47]

45. If A = (y - 2x) i + (3x + 2y) j , compute the circulation of A about a circle C in the xy plane with
center at the origin and radius 2, if C is traversed in the positive direction. [ Ans. 8 ]

[Sch 1Ed P88/ Ex7]

Find the total work done in moving a particle in a force field given by F = 3xyi – 5z j + l0x k
along the curve x = t2 + 1, y = 2t2 , z = t3 from t = l to t = 2.
Ans. 303.
Sch105/Ex5.7
Find the total work done in moving a particle in the force field given by F = zi + zj + xk along the
helix C given by x = cos t, y = sin t, z = t from t = 0 to t = p=/2.

Ant1097/Ex1
c (1 + xy )ds
2
Using the given parametrization, evaluate the line integral .

(a) C : r(t) = ti + 2tj (0 ≤ t ≤ 1) (b) C : r(t) = (1 - t)i + (2 - 2t)j (0 ≤ t ≤ 1)

Ant1098/Ex2
Evaluate the line integral c ( xy + z 3 ) ds from (1, 0, 0) to (−1, 0, π) along the helix C that is

represented by the parametric equations x = cos t , y = sin t , z = t (0 ≤ t ≤ π).

2 4
[ Ans. ]
4
[Sch 2Ed P106/Ex5.9 or 1Ed P89/ Ex9]
Suppose a force field is given by
F = (2x – y + z)i + (x + y – z2)j + (3x – 2y + 4z)k .
Find the work done in moving a particle once around a circle C in the xy-plane with its
center at the origin and radius 3.
Ans. 18.
[Sch 2Ed P110/Ex 5.12 or 1Ed P91]
(a) Show that F = (2xy + z3)i + x2j + (3xz2)k is a conservative force field. (b) Find the scalar potential.
(c) Find the work done in moving an object in this field from (1,–2,1) to (3,1,4) .
[Ans.  = x2y + xz3 + constant, 202]

=6=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

[Sch 108/ Ex1, Ant P1122/Th15.4.1]

Ant P1111/15.3 Independent of path

[Ant 1123/ Ex 1]
Use Green’s Theorem to evaluate 
C
x 2 ydx + xdy along the triangular path C with vertices (0,0) ,

(1,0) and (1,2) described in the positive direction.

[Ans. 1/2 ]

[Ant 1109/ Exr 33-36]

[Ant 1109/ Exr 33a]
Evaluate 
C
ydx − xdy along the triangular path C with vertices (0,0) , (1,0) and (0,1) described

in the positive direction.

[Ant 1109/ Exr 34a]

Evaluate 
C
ydx − xdy along the triangular path C with vertices (0,0) , (1,1) and (2, 0) described

in the clockwise direction.

[Ant 1109/ Exr 36]

Evaluate 
C
x 2 zdx − yx 2 dy + 3dz along the triangular path C with vertices (0,0,0) , (1,1,0) and

(1,1,1) described in the positive direction.

[Ant 1129/ Exr 29]

Use Green’s Theorem to find the work done by the force field F = xy i + ( 1 x 2 + xy ) j on a particle
2
that moves along the stated path. The particle starts at (5, 0), traverses the upper semicircle x2 + y2
= 25, and returns to its starting point along the x-axis.

or
1
Use Green’s Theorem to find the work done by the force field 𝑭 = 𝑥𝑦𝒊 + (2 𝑥 2 + xy)𝐣 on a
particle that starts moving from (5, 0), traverses the upper semicircle x2 + y2 = 25, and returns to its
starting point along the x-axis.

GREEN’S THEOREM
Let R be a simply connected plane region whose boundary is a simple, closed, piecewise smooth
curve C oriented counterclockwise. If P(x, y) and Q(x, y) are continuous and have continuous first
partial derivatives on some open set containing R, then

=7=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

 Q P 
C Pdx + Qdy = R
 −  dydx
 x y 

[Sch2 P129/ Ex6.2, 1ED P108/ Ex 2]

Verify Green's theorem in the plane for 
C
( xy + y 2 )dx + x 2 dy where C is the boundary of the

region enclosed by y = x and y = x2.

[Ans. 19/20 -1 = -1/20 ]

Sch2, P132/ Ex6.7-9, SCV 111/Ex7,8,9

[Sch 2Ed P132/ Ex 6. 7]
1
2 C
Show that the area bounded by a simple closed curve C is given by the formula xdy − ydx .

[Sch2Ed P133/Ex6.8, P111/ Ex 8], Ant10Ed P1128/Exr23

Find the area of the ellipse x = a cos , y = b sin using Green's theorem in the plane.

[SCV 111/ Ex 9]

Evaluate ∮𝐶 (𝑦 − sin 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 + cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 , (a) directly , (b) by using using Green's theorem in
the plane; where C is the triangle joining the points O(0,0) , A(π/2, 0) and B(π/2, 1).

[Ant 1123/Ex1]
Use Green’s Theorem to evaluate 
C
x 2 ydx + xdy along the triangular path C with vertices (0,0) ,

(1,0) and (1,2) described in the positive direction.

[Ans. 1/2]

[Ant 1128/Exr 21-24]

21. Use a line integral to find the area of the region enclosed by the asteroid
x = a cos3 φ, y = a sin3φ (0 ≤ φ ≤ 2π)
22. Use a line integral to find the area of the triangle with vertices (0, 0), (a, 0), and (0, b), where a >
0 and b > 0.

1
2 C
23. Use the formula − ydx + xdy to find the area of the region swept out by the line from the

origin to the ellipse x = a cos t , y = b sin t if t varies from t = 0 to t = t0 (0 ≤ t0 ≤ 2π).

1
2 C
24. Use the formula − ydx + xdy to find the area of the region swept out by the line from the

origin to the hyperbola x = a cosh t , y = b sinh t if t varies from t = 0 to t = t0 ( t0 ≥0).

Surface Integrals
[SCV 95/ Ex 18]
Suppose that the surface S has projection R on the xy plane. Show that

=8=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

dxdy
 A  ndS =  A  n
| nk |
S R

ds = 1 + z x2 + z y2 dxdy ; ds =| rx  ry | dxdy ; dA = ds cos  ; or ds = dxdy / | n  k |

[Sch 115/Ex5.19 or P95/Ex19]

Evaluate  A  ndS , where A = 18z i – 12 j + 3y k and S is that part of the plane
S
2x+3y+6z = 12 which is located in the first octant.
Ans. 24.
[Sch 123/Exr5.58b or P104/ Exr 58(b)]

 A  ndS , where A = (x + y )i – 2x j + 2yz k and S is the surface of the plane

2
Evaluate
S
2x + y + 2z = 6 in the first octant.
Ans. (a) 108, (b) 81.
[SCV 105/ Exr 64]
Find the surface area of the plane x + 2y + 2z = 12 cut off by : (a) x = 0, y = 0, x = 1, y = 1; (b) x =
0, y = 0, and x2+y2 = 16. Ans. (a) 3/2 (b) 677.

[Sch115/Ex5.20, P96/ Ex 20]

 A  ndS , where A = z i + x j - 3y z k and S is the surface of the cylinder

2
Evaluate
S
x2 +y2 = 16 included in the first octant between z = 0 and z = 5 .
Ans. 90.
2
(modified) After Integration. [2z + 8z] (at z 0 to 6) = 72+48 = 120

[SCV 97/ Ex 22]

If F = yi + (x – 2xz)j – xyk , evaluate  (  F )  ndS , where S is the surface of the sphere
S
2 2 2 2
x + y + z = a above xy plane.
Ans. 0 (zero).
[Sch118/Ex5.23, SCV 98/ Ex 23]
If F = 4xzi – y2j + yzk , evaluate 
S
F  ndS , where S is the surface of the cube bounded by

x = 0 , x = 1, y = 0 , y = 1, z = 0 and z = 1 .

Hints. S = S1 + S2 + S3 + S4 + S5 + S6 .
Ans. 2 +0 + (–1) +0 +1/2 + 0 = 3/2.

Volume Integrals

[Sch119/Ex5.25, SCV 99/ Ex 25]

Let  = 45x2y and let V denote the closed region bounded by the planes 4x + 2y + z = 8, x = 0 ,

=9=
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

y = 0, z = 0. (a) Express   dV as the limit of a sum. (b) Evaluate the integral in (a).
V
Ans. 128.
[Sch119/Ex5.26, SCV 99/ Ex 26]

Let F = 2xzi –xj + y2k . Evaluate   dV where V is the region bounded by the surfaces x = 0, y
V
= 0, y = 6, z = x2, z = 4.
Ans. 128i – 24j + 384k.

Divergence Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, Related Integral Theorems

[Sch126/Ex6.6, SCV 106/ Chap 6]

[SCV 117/ Ex 16]

State and prove the Divergence Theorem.

Divergence Theorem ( or Gauss Divergence Theorem): If V is the volume bounded by a closed

surface S and F is a vector function of position with continuous derivatives, then


S
F  ndS =    F dV =  divF dV
V V

[Sch140/Ex6.17 , SCV 118/ Ex 17]

Use divergence theorem to evaluate 
S
F  ndS , where F = 4xzi – y2j + yzk and S is the surface

of the cube bounded by x = 0 , x = 1, y = 0 , y = 1, z = 0 and z = 1 .

[Ans. 3/2].

[Sch140/Ex6.18 , SCV 118/ Ex18]

Verify the divergence theorem for A = 4x i – 2y2 j + z2 k taken over the region bounded by
x2 + y2 = 4, z = 0 and z = 3.
[Hints. S1: z = 0, S2: z = 3, S3: Cylinder x2 + y2 = 4 ; Surface int = 0 + 36 + 48 = 84 ]
Ans. 84 in both the cases.]

Sch151/Ex6.32
Verify Stokes’ theorem for A = (2x–y)i–yz2j– y2zk, where S is the upper half surface of the sphere
x2 +y2 + z2 = 1 and C is its boundary. Let R be the projection of S on the xy-plane.
[Ans.  in both the cases.]

[Sch155/Exr6.53 , Sch1Ed 133/ Exr 53]

Verify the divergence theorem for the vector function F = 2x2y i – y2j + 4xz2 k
taken over the region in the first octant bounded by y2 + z2 = 9 and x = 2. [Ans. 180]

[Ant10 1152/ Ex 3]

= 10 =
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

Use Divergence Theorem to find the outward flux of F = x3 i + y3 j + z2 k across the surface of the
solid bounded by x2 + y2 = 9 , z = 0, and z = 2.
Ans. 279.
[Ant10 1153/ Ex 4]
Use the Divergence Theorem to find the outward flux of the vector field F(x, y, z) = x3i + y3 j + z3k
across the surface of the region that is enclosed by the hemisphere z = a 2 − x 2 − y 2
and the plane z = 0.
Ans. 6a5 /5 .
Ant 1157/Exr3
F(x, y, z) = 2xi − yzj + z2k; the surface σ is the paraboloid z = x2 + y2 capped by the disk
x2 + y2 ≤ 1 in the plane z = 1.
Ans. 4 /3 .
Ant 1157/Exr18
Use Divergence Theorem to find the outward flux of F = (x2 y)i – xy2 j + (z + 2)k
across the surface of the solid bounded above by the plane z = 2x and below by the
paraboloid z = x2 + y2.

[Sch2Ed P149/Ex6.31 , SCV 127/ Ex 31]

State and prove the Stokes’ Theorem.

Stokes’ Theorem : If S is an open, two sided surface bounded by a closed, nonintersecting curve C
(simple closed curve) then if F has continuous derivatives, then


C
F  dr =  (  F )  ndS =  (curlF )  ndS
S S

where C is traversed in the positive direction. The direction of C is called positive if an observer,
walking on the boundary of S in this direction, with his head pointing in the direction of the positive
normal to S, has the surface on his left.

[Sch151/Ex6.32 , SCV 129/ Ex 32]

Verify Stokes' theorem for A = (2x - y) i - yz2 j - y2 z k , where S is the upper half surface of
the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 and C is its boundary.

Solution: The Stokes’ Theorem is 

C
F  dr =  (  F )  ndS
S

2
LHS = 
C
A  dr = 0 (2cos t − sin t)(− sin t )dt = 

Here curlA = k ; ds = dydx/(nk) so, (kn)ds = dydx , then

RHS =  (  A)  ndS =  k  ndS =  dydx =(area of circle of radius 1) = 
S S R

[Ans.  in both the cases].

= 11 =
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

Ant 1160/Ex1
Use Stokes’ theorem to find the work performed by the force field F(x, y, z) = x2i + 4xy3 j + y2xk
on a particle that traverses the rectangle C in the y = z plane with corners (0,0,0), (0,3,3), (1,3,3)
and (1,0,0).
[Ans. -90]

Ant1161/Ex2
Verify Stokes’Theorem for the vector field F(x, y, z) = 2zi + 3x j + 5yk, taking S to be the portion
of the paraboloid z = 4 - x2 - y2 for which z ≥ 0 with upward orientation, and C to be the positively
oriented circle x2 + y2 = 4 that forms the boundary of S in the xy-plane.
[Ans. 12 in both the cases.]
[Sch 2Ed P155/Exr6.65, SCV 134/ Exr 65]

S (  F )  ndS , where F = (x + y – 4) i + 3xy j + (2xz + z ) k , and S is the surface

2 2
Evaluate

of the hemisphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 16 above xy plane, (b) the paraboloid z = 4 – x2 – y2 above xy plane.

Ans: –16 , – 4

Previous Questions

1. Find the unit tangent vector to any point on the curve x = t2 + 1, y = 4t –3, z = 2t2 – 6t and
determine the unit tangent at the point where t = 2.
2. What is directional derivative? Find the directional derivative of (x,y,z) = x2yz + 4xz2 at (1,-2,-1)
in the direction u = 2i - j - 2k . What is the magnitude of maximum rate of change of (x,y,z) at (1,-
2,-1) and in which direction?
3. If A = (3x2 +6y)i - 14yzj +20 xz2k, evaluate  A  dr along the paths C: (i) straight lines from (0,0,0)
c
to (1,0,0) then to (1,1,0) then to (1,1,1) and (ii) straight line joining (0,0,0) and (1,1,1)

4. Show that F = (2xy+z3)i+ x2j + 3xz2k is a conservative force field. Find the scalar potential and
the work done in moving an object in this field from (1,-2,1) to (3,1,4).

1. A Particle moves along the curve whose parametric equations are x = 2t2, y = t2 – 4t, z = 3t – 5,
where t is the time. Find the components of its velocity and acceleration at time t = 1 in the direction
i – 3j + 2k.

2. (a) Write down the definitions of Gradient, Divergence and Curl and their physical
interpretations. (b) Prove that ×(×A) = ( A) – 2A .

3. (a) Find the directional derivative of  = x2yz + 4xz2 at the point (1, –2, –1)
in the direction 2i – j – 2k.
(b) If A = (3x2 + 6y)i – 14yzj – 20xz2k , evaluate the line integral  A  dr from (0, 0, 0) to (1, 1, 1)
C

along the path C: x = t, y = t2 , z = t3 .

= 12 =
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

Math (Vector) CT Questions

CT1
1. Show that the vectors u = 2i – j + k , v = i + 3j – 2k , w = –2i +j – 3k are linearly independent,
then express the vector x = 3i +2j + 5k as a linear combination of u, v, w.
(This question is not in Math291 syllabus)
2. Find the work done in moving a particle once around a circle C in the xy plane, if the circle has
center at the origin and radius 3 and if the force field is given by F = (2x – y + z)i + (x + y – z2)j +
(3x – 2y + 4z)k .

1. Show that the vectors u = 3i +2j – k , v = –i + 4j – 5k , w = –2i +j – 3k are linearly independent.

If x = –i –3j + 6k , then find a, b, c so that x = au + bv + cw. [Question from chap 1 , not in this
syllabus]

2. If A = (3x2 +6y)i - 14yzj +20 xz2k, evaluate c A  dr from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1)

along the paths C where (a) C: x = t, y = t2 , z = t3 (b) C is the straight line joining (0,0,0) and (1,1,1).

CT2
Sch104/Exr58b

 A  ndS , where A = (x + y )i – 2x j + 2yz k and S is the surface of the plane

2
1. Evaluate
S
2x + y + 2z = 6 in the first octant.

Ant1152/Ex3
2. Use Divergence Theorem to find the outward flux of F = x3 i + y3 j + z2 k across the surface of
the solid bounded by x2 + y2 = 9 , z = 0, and z = 2.
[ Ans. 279]

Sch1Ed P105/Exr64-65

1. Find the surface area of the plane x + 2y + 2z = 12 cut off by : (a) x = 0, y = 0, x = 1, y = 1.

Ant1152/Ex4
2. Use the Divergence Theorem to find the outward flux of the vector field F(x, y, z) = x3i + y3 j +
z3k across the surface of the region that is enclosed by the hemisphere z = a 2 − x 2 − y 2
and the plane z = 0.
Ans. 6 a5 /5

64. Find the surface area of the plane x + 2y + 2z = 12 cut off by : (a) x = 0, y = 0, x = 1, y = 1.
(b) x = 0, y = 0 and x2 + y2 = 16.
[Ans. (a) 3/2 , (b) 6]

= 13 =
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

65. Find the surface area of the region common to the intersecting cylinders x2 + y2 = a2
and x2 + z2 = a2 .

[Ans. (a) 16 a2 ]

1. (a) Prove by using vector methods that the medians of a triangle meet in a point which is a point
of trisection of the medians. [Q. from chap1 ]
(b) Consider the vectors
a = i – 3j + 2k, b = 2i – 4j – k, c = 3i + 2j – k.
(i) Find the vector component of a in the direction perpendicular to b.
(ii) Determine whether the vectors a , b , c , are coplanar or not. [Q. from chap1 ]

 f (r ) r  1 d 2
2. (a) If r = xi + yj + zk, show that .  = (r f (r )) .
 r  r 2 dr
(b) Find the equations of the tangent line and normal plane to the curve
xy2z = 3x + z2 and 3x2 – y2 + 2z – 1 = 0 at (1, –2, 1).
(c) Is F = xyz2 [(2x2 + 8xy2z)i + (3x3y – 3xy)j – (4y2z2 + 2x3z) k] solenoidal? If so, find a V such

that F = XV .

3. (a) Evaluate 
C
F  dr for the vector function F = –yi + xj along the boundary (anti clockwise) of

the region bounded by y = x and y2 = 4x. Also find the area of the enclosed region by using
Green’s theorem for plane.

(b) Evaluate  (x2 + y2 + z2)dv, where V is the region bounded by the planes
V
x + y + z = 1 and x = 0, y = 0, z = 0.

4. (a) Show that F = 3x2yi + (x3 + 2yz)j + y2k is a conservative force field. Find the amount of work
done in moving an object in this field from (1, -2, 1) to (3, 1, 4).
(b) State Gauss’s Divergence theorem. Evaluate 
s
F  nˆ ds for the vector function

F = 2x2y i – y2j + 4xz2 k taken over the region in the first octant bounded by
y2 + z2 = 9 and x = 2.

5. (b) Use Green’s theorem to evaluate  ( x 2 + xy)dx + ( x 2 + y 2 )dy

C

where C is the square formed by the lines y = ±1, x = ±1.

= 14 =
 Math291: Vector Analysis sample Questions – Dr. Alim

Previous Q. Math261

Q4(b) Use Green’s theorem to find the area bounded by one arch of the cycloid
x = a( − sin  ), x = a(1 − cos  ), (a  0) and the x-axis.

5. (a) Determine whether the vectors u = (1, –1, 2), v = (5, 3, –2), w = (–7, –9, 10) are linearly
independent. If not, then find a relation between them. Also determine whether the terminal
points are collinear. [Q. from chap1, not in this syllabus ]

(b ) Prove that ×(×A) = ( A) – 2A

6. (a) If A = (3x2 +6y)i - 14yzj +20 xz2k, evaluate c A  dr from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1) along the paths C:

(i) straight lines from (0,0,0) to (1,0,0) then to (1,1,0) then to (1,1,1) and (ii) x = t, y = t2 , z = t3 .

(b) Show that F = (2xy+z3)i+ x2j + 3xz2k is a conservative force field. Find the scalar potential and
the work done in moving an object in this field from (1,–2,1) to (3,1,4).

7. (a) Evaluate  A  ndS , where A = 18z i – 12 j + 3y k and S is that part of the plane
S
2x+3y+6z = 12 which is located in the first octant .

(b) State Gauss’s Divergence theorem. Evaluate 

s
F  nˆ ds for the vector function

F = 2x2y i – y2j + 4xz2 k taken over the region in the first octant bounded by
y2 + z2 = 9 and x = 2.

8. (a) State Stokes' theorem. Hence verify Stokes' theorem for A = (2x - y) i - yz2 j - y2 z k , where S
is the upper half surface of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 and C is its boundary.

(b) Use Green’s theorem to evaluate  ( x 2 + xy)dx + ( x 2 + y 2 )dy

C

where C is the square formed by the lines y = ±1, x = ±1.

8. (a) State and prove Stokes' theorem.

(b) Verify Stokes' theorem for A = (2x - y) i - yz2 j - y2 z k , where S is the upper half surface of
the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 and C is its boundary.

= 15 =