1

ASSIGNMENT-6
Mathematics Optional
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Maxima/Minima
VECTOR: BASICS & TRIPLE PRODUCT
1. VECTOR DIFFERENTIATION
GRADIENT, DIRECTIONAL DERIVATIVES
DIVERGENCE
CURL
2. VECTOR INTEGRATION-
LINE, SURFACE AND VOLUME INTEGRALS
3. THREE IMPORTANT THEOREMS
GREEN’S THEOREM
GAUSS’ DIVERGENCE THEOREM
STOKE’S THEOREMS
4. SOME OTHER TOPICS
CURVATURE & TORSION
CURVILINEAR COORDINATES.

INTRODUCTION: VECTOR ANALYSIS

Q1. Prove that the vectors a = 3iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ , b = −iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ , c = 4iˆ − 2 ˆj − 6kˆ can form the sides of a triangle.
Find the lengths of the medians of the triangle. [5b UPSC CSE 2016]
( ) ( )
Q2. Prove that a  b  c = a  b  c , if and only if either b = 0 or c is collinear with a or b is
perpendicular to both a and c . [8c 2016 IFoS]
( ) (
Q3. For three vectors show that: a  b  c + b  ( c  a ) + c  a  b = 0 . ) [5e 2014 IFoS]
1. VECTOR DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
( )
Q1. The position vector of a moving point at time t is r = sin tiˆ + cos 2tjˆ + t + 2t kˆ . Find the components of
2

acceleration a in the directions parallel to the velocity vector v and perpendicular to the plane of r and v
at time t = 0 . [5e UPSC CSE 2017]
Q2. If
A = x 2 yziˆ − 2 xz 3 j + xz 2 k
B = 2 zi + yj − x 2 k
2
find the value of
xy
( )
A  B at (1, 0, −2 ) . [5e UPSC CSE 2012]

Q3. For two vectors a and b given respectively by

a = 5t 2iˆ + tjˆ − t 3kˆ and b = sin tiˆ − cos tjˆ determine:

(i)
d
dt
( )
a  b and (ii)
d
dt
ab ( ) [5e UPSC CSE 2011]
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Q4. The position vector r of a particle of mass 2 units at any time t, referred to fixed origin and axes, is
1 
( ) 1
r = t 2 − 2t iˆ +  t 2 + 1 ˆj + t 2 kˆ
2  2
At time t = 1 , find its kinetic energy, angular momentum, time rate of change of angular momentum and the
moment of the resultant force, acting at the particle, about the origin. [8d 2011 IFoS]
GRADIENT, DIRECTIONAL DERIVATIVES
  r  2 ˆ ˆ ˆ
Q5(e) Show that  2      = 4 , where r = xi + yj + zk . UPSC CSE 2021
  r  r

Q5(e) Determine constants a, b, c so that the directional derivative of  ( x, y, z ) = axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x3 at

(1, 2, −1) has a maximum magnitude 88 in a direction parallel to z-axis. IFoS 2022
Q1. Prove that for a vector a ,
 ( a  r ) = a ; where r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ, r = r .
Is there any restriction on a ?
Further, show that

 1  3( a  r ) b  r
a   b   =
( )
a b
− 3
 r 5
r r
Give an example to verify the above. [5e 2020 IFoS]
Q2. Find the directional derivative of the function xy + yz + zx 2 2 2
along the tangent to the curve
x = t , y = t 2 , z = t 3 at the point (1,1,1) . [5e UPSC CSE 2019]

Q3. Find the angle between the tangent at a general point of the curve whose equations are x = 3t , y = 3t 2 , z = 3t 3
and the line y = z − x = 0 . [5b UPSC CSE 2018]
r
Q4. Find f ( r ) such that f = and f (1) = 0 . [8a UPSC CSE 2016]
r5
Q5. Find the angle between the surfaces x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 = 0 and z = x 2 + y 2 − 3 at ( 2, −1, 2 ) .
[5e UPSC CSE 2015]
Q6. Find the value of  and  so that the surfaces  x −  yz = (  + 2) x and 4 x y + z 3 = 4 may intersect
2 2

orthogonally at (1, −1, 2 ) . [6c UPSC CSE 2015]

Q7. A curve in space is defined by the vector equation r = t iˆ + 2tjˆ − t kˆ . Determine the angle between the
2 3

tangents to this curve at the points t = +1 and t = −1 . [8b UPSC CSE 2013]
Q8. If u = x + y + z, v = x + y + z , w = yz + zx + xy prove that grad u , grad v and grad w are coplaner.
2 2 2

[5e 2012 IFoS]

Q9. Examine whether the vectors  u ,  v and  w are coplaner, where u, v and w are the scalar functions
defined by:
 4

u = x+ y+ z,
v = x2 + y 2 + z 2
and w = yz + zx + xy . [8a UPSC CSE 2011]
Q10. Find the directional derivative of f ( x, y ) = x 2 y 3 + xy at the point ( 2,1) in the direction of a unit vector
which makes an angle of  3 with the x-axis. [1e UPSC CSE 2010]

Q11. Find the directional derivation of V 2 , where, V = xy i + zy j + xz k at the point ( 2,0,3) in the direction
2 2 2

of the outward normal to the surface x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 14 at the point ( 3, 2,1) . [5f 2010 IFoS]
Q12. Find the directional derivative of -
(i) 4 xz 3 − 3x 2 y 2 z 2 at ( 2, −1, 2 ) along z-axis;

(ii) x 2 yz + 4 xz 2 at (1, −2,1) in the direction of 2iˆ − ˆj − 2kˆ . [5f UPSC CSE 2009]
DIVERGENCE

Q8(c) For a scalar point function  and vector point function f , prove the identity .( f ) = . f + (. f ) .
 f (r ) 
Also find the value of .  r  and then verify stated identity. [UPSC CSE 2023 (15)]
 r 
Q1. If r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ and f ( r ) is differentiable, show that div  f ( r ) r  = rf ' ( r ) + 3 f ( r ) .

r 
Hence or otherwise show that div  3 
= 0. [5e 2018 IFoS]
r 
Q2. Calculate  r
2 n
( ) and find its expression in terms of r and n, r being the distance of any point ( x, y, z )
from the origin, n being a constant and  2 being the Laplace operator. [8a UPSC CSE 2013]

( ) ( )
Q3. Prove that div fV = f divV + ( grad f ) V where f is a scalar function. [6c UPSC CSE 2010]

2
Q4. Show that,  f ( r ) =   f ' ( r ) + f " ( r ) , where r = x2 + y 2 + z 2 .
2
[4. 8a 2010 IFoS]
r
(
n
)
Q5. Show that div grad r = n ( n + 1) r
n−2
where r = x2 + y 2 + z 2 . [5e UPSC CSE 2009]
CURL

Q5 (e) If a = sin i + cos i + k

b = cos i − sin i − 3k

c = 2i + 3i − 3k

then find the values of the derivative of the vector function a  (b  c ) w.r.t  at  = and  =  .
2
UPSC CSE 2023
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( ) ( ) ( )
Q5(e) Show that A = 6 xy + z iˆ + 3x − z ˆj + 3xz − y kˆ is irrotational. Also find
3 2 2
 such that A =  .
UPSC CSE 2022
Q7.(a) Derive vector identity for divergence of cross product of two vector point functions. Given a relation between
linear and angular velocity as v =   r .
If  is constant, then show that
(i) curl v = 2
(ii) div v = 0 .
(b) Given that y1 = x is a solution of the differential equation.
2
IFoS 2022
Q5(e) If
    ˆ     ˆ     ˆ
F =y −z i +  z −x  j +x −y  k , then prove that
 z y   x z   y x 
F − ( r  ) = F  r = F  = 0 . IFoS 2021
Q1. For what value of a, b, c is the vector field

V = ( 4 x − 3 y + az ) iˆ + ( bx + 3 y + 5z ) ˆj + ( 4 x + cy + 3z ) kˆ irrotational? Hence, express V as the gradient

of a scalar function  . Determine  . [5c UPSC CSE 2020]
Q2. Let v = v1i + v2 j + v3k . Show that curl ( curl v ) = grad ( div v ) − 2v . [8a UPSC CSE 2018]

(3 2
)
Q3. Show that F = 2 xy + z iˆ + x ˆj + 3xz kˆ is a conservative force. Hence, find the scalar potential. Also find
2

the work done in moving a particle of unit mass in the force field from (1, −2,1) to ( 3,1, 4 ) . [6c 2018 IFoS]

Q4. For what values of the constants a, b and c the vector V = ( x + y + az ) iˆ + ( bx + 2 y − z ) ˆj

+ ( − x + cy + 2 z ) kˆ is irrotational. Find the divergence in cylindrical coordinates of this vector with these
values. [5d UPSC CSE 2017]
2 2
( 2 2
) ( )
Q5. A vector field is given by F = x + xy iˆ + y + x y ˆj . Verify that the field F is irrorational or not.
Find the scalar potential. [7c UPSC CSE 2015]
Q6. Examine if the vector field defined by F = 2 xyz iˆ + x z ˆj + 3x yz kˆ is irrorational. If so, find the scalar
3 2 3 2 2

potential  such that F = grad  . [6d 2015 IFoS]

xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ

Q7. For the vector A = examine if A is an irrotational vector. Then determine  such that
x2 + y 2 + z 2
A =  . [6d 2014 IFoS]
2 2 2
Q8. F being a vector, prove that curl curl F = grad div F −  2 F where  2 = + + .
x 2 y 2 z 2
[5c 2013 IFoS]
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Q9. If u and v are two scalar fields and f is a vector field, such that uf = grad v , find the value of f  curl f .
[5f UPSC CSE 2011]
Q10. If r be the position vector of a point, find the value(s) of n for which the vector r n r is (i) irrotational, (ii)
solenoidal. [8c UPSC CSE 2011]
Q11. Prove the vector identity:

( ) ( )
curl f  g = f div g − g div f + ( g  ) f − f  g and verify it for the vectors f = xiˆ + zjˆ + ykˆ and

g = yiˆ + zkˆ . [8b 2011 IFoS]

(
Q12. Show that the vector field defined by the vector function V = xyz yzi + xzj + xyk is conservative. )
[1f UPSC CSE 2010]
3
( 2 2
)
Q13. Show that F = 2 xy + z i + x j + 3z xk is a conservative field. Find its scalar potential and also the work
done in moving a particle from (1, −2,1) to ( 3,1, 4 ) . [8a 2010 IFoS]
2. VECTOR INTRGRAL CALCULUS
yiˆ + xjˆ
Q6(c) Evaluate  F  dr , where C is an arbitrary closed curve in the xy-plane and F =
C
x2 + y 2
.UPSC CSE 2021

2
( )
Q1. For the vector function A , where A= 3x + 6 y iˆ − 14 yzjˆ − 14 yzjˆ + 20 xz kˆ , calculate
2
C
A  dr from
( 0,0,0) to (1,1,1) along the following paths:

(i) x = t , y = t 2 , z = t 3
(ii) Straight lines joining ( 0,0,0 ) to (1, 0, 0 ) then to (1,1,0 ) and then to (1,1,1)

(iii) Straight line joining ( 0,0,0 ) to (1,1,1)

Is the result same in all the cases? Explain the reason. [6b UPSC CSE 2020]
( )
Q2. Find the circulation of F round the curve C, where F = 2 x + y iˆ + ( 3 y − 4 x ) ˆj and C is the curve
2

y = x 2 from ( 0,0) to (1,1) and the curve y 2 = x from (1,1) to ( 0,0) . [6b UPSC CSE 2019]
( 2,1)

 (10 x )
− 2 xy 3 dx − 3x 2 y 2 dy along the path x 4 − 6 xy 3 = 4 y 2 .
4
Q3. Evaluate [5e 2019 IFoS]
( 0,0)

   
 e (sin ydx + cos ydy ) , where C is the rectangle with vertices ( 0,0) , ( ,0) ,   , 2  ,  0, 2  .
−x
Q4. Evaluate
C

[8c UPSC CSE 2015]

Q5. If A = 2 yi − zj − x k and S is the surface of the parabolic cylinder y 2 = 8 x in the first octant bounded by
2

the planes y = 4, z = 6 , evaluate the surface integral,

 A  ndS
S
ˆ . [8c 2010 IFoS]
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x2 y 2
Q6. Find the work done in moving the particle once round the ellipse + = 1, z = 0 under the field of force
25 16
( )
given by F = ( 2 x − y + z ) iˆ + x + y − z ˆj + ( 3x − 2 y + 4 z ) kˆ .
2
[8a UPSE CSE 2009]
3. THREE IMPORTANT THEOREMS
GREEN’S THEOREM

 ( 3x )
− 8 y 2 dx + ( 4 y − 6 xy ) dy , where C is the boundary curve
2
Q6(c) Verify Green's theorem in the plane for
C

of the region defined by x = 0, y = 0 , x + y = 1. UPSC CSE 2022

( )
Q1. Let F = xy 2i + ( y + x ) j . Integrate  F  k over the region in the first quadrant bounded by the curves

y = x 2 and y = x using Green's theorem. [8c UPSE CSE 2018]

Q2. Using Green's theorem, evaluate the  F ( r )  dr

C
counterclockwise where

( 2 2
) (
F ( r ) = x + y iˆ + x − y 2 2
) ˆj and dr = dxiˆ + dyjˆ and the curve C is the boundary of the region

R= ( x, y ) 1  y  2 − x  .
2
[8c UPSE CSE 2017]

 ( xy + y ) dx + x dy  where C is the closed curve of the region

2 2
Q3. Verify Green's theorem in the plane for
C

bounded by y = x and y = x 2 . [8b UPSE CSE 2013]

Q4. Find the value of the line integral over a circular path given by x 2 + y 2 = a 2 , z = 0 , where the vector field,
F = ( sin y ) i + x (1 + cos y ) j . [8b 2012 IFoS]

 (3x )
− 8 y 2 dx + ( 4 y − 6 xy ) dy  , where C is the boundary of
2
Q5. Verify Green's theorem in the plane for
C

the region enclosed by the curves y = x and y = x 2 . [8c 2011 IFoS]

Q6. Verify Green's theorem for e− x sin ydx + e− x cos ydy the path of integration being the boundary of the
square whose vertices are ( 0,0) , ( 2,0) , ( 2,  2 ) and ( 0,  2 ) . [8c UPSE CSE 2010]

 ( 2 x ) ( )
− y 2 dx + x 2 + y 2 dy  , where C is the
2
Q7. Use Green's theorem in a plane to evaluate the integral,
C

boundary of the surface in the xy-plane enclosed by, y = 0 and the semi-circle y = 1 − x 2 .[8b 2012 IFoS]
GAUSS’ DIVERGENCE THEOREM
 
  3 y z i + 4 z 2 x 2 j + z 2 y 2 k .n dS where S is the upper part of the surface
2 2
Q6(b) Evaluate the integral
S 
4 x + 4 y + 4 z = 1 above the plane z = 0 and bounded by the xy-plane. Hence, verify Gauss-Divergence
2 2 2

theorem. UPSC CSE 2023 (20)

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 F  n dS , where F = xiˆ − yjˆ + ( z )

− 1 kˆ and S is the cylinder
2
Q8(c) Using Gauss' divergence theorem, evaluate
S

formed by the surfaces z = 0, z = 1, x 2 + y 2 = 4 . UPSC CSE 2022

7.(a) Verify Gauss divergence theorem for F = 2 x yiˆ − y ˆj + 4 xzkˆ taken over the region in the first octant
2 2

bounded by y 2 + z 2 = 9 and x = 2 . UPSC CSE 2021

Q1. Given a portion of a circular disc of radius 7 units and of height 1.5 units such that x, y, z  0 . Verify Gauss

( )
Divergence Theorem for the vector field f = z , x,3 y z over the surface of the above mentioned circular
2

disc. [7c 2020 IFoS]

Q2. State Gauss divergence theorem. Verify this theorem for F = 4 xiˆ − 2 y j + z kˆ , taken over the region
2 2

bounded by x 2 + y 2 = 4, z = 0 and z = 3 . [8c UPSC CSE 2019]

Q3. If S is the surface of the sphere x2 + y 2 + z 2 = a2 , then evaluate

 ( x + z ) dydz + ( y + z ) dzdx + ( x + y ) dxdy  using Gauss' divergence theorem.

S
[6d UPSC CSE 2018]

Q4. Evaluate the integral: ˆ where F = 3xy iˆ + ( yx

 F  nds
2 2
)
− y 3 ˆj + 3zx 2 kˆ and S is a surface of the cylinder
S

y 2 + z 2  4, −3  x  3 , using divergence theorem. [8c UPSC CSE 2017]

Q5. If E be the solid bounded by the xy plane and the paraboloid z = 4 − x 2 − y 2 , then  F  dS
S
where S is the

( )
surface bounding the volume E and F = zx sin yz + x 3 iˆ + cos yzjˆ + 3 zy 2 − e  ( 2
+ y2
) kˆ . [5e 2016 IFoS]
 ( x dydz + x )
ydzdx + x2 zdydx where S is the surface of the sphere
3 2
Q6. Using divergence theorem, evaluate
S

x2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1 . [7b 2015 IFoS]

Q7. Verify the divergence theorem for A = 4 xiˆ − 2 y ˆj + z kˆ over the region x 2 + y 2 = 4 , z = 0, z = 3 .
2 2

[8c 2014 IFoS]

1

 ( a )
−
Q8. By using Divergence Theorem of Gauss, evaluate the surface integral 2
x +b y +c z
2 2 2 2 2 2 dS , where
S is the surface of the elliposid ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 1, a, b and c being all positive constants.
[8c UPSC CSE 2013]

 F  ds , where F = 4 xi − 2 y j + z k
2 2
Q9. Evaluate and s is the surface bounding the region
S

x 2 + y 2 = 4, z = 0 and z = 3 . [6b 2013 IFoS]

(
Q10. Verify the Divergence theorem for the vector function F = x − yz i + y − xz j + z − xy k taken
2 2 2
) ( ) ( )
over the rectangular parallelopiped 0  x  a, 0  y  b, 0  z  c . [8b 2013 IFoS]
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Q11. Verify Gauss' Divergence Theorem for the vector v = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ taken over the cube 0  x, y, z  1
2 2 2

[8d UPSC CSE 2011]

 V  ndA where V = x zi + yj − xz k
2 2
Q12. Use the divergence theorem to evaluate and S is the boundary of
S

the region bounded by the paraboloid z = x 2 + y 2 and the plane z = 4 y . [7c UPSC CSE 2010]

 ( x dy dz + x ydz dx + x2 z dy dx )
3 2
Q13. Use divergence theorem to evaluate, where S is the sphere,
S

x2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1 . [8b 2010 IFoS]

 A  dS where A = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ and S is the surface of the sphere

3 3 3
Q14. Using divergence theorem, evaluate
S

x +y +z =a .
2 2 2 2
[8b UPSC CSE 2009]
STOKE’S THEOREM
Q6(c) Given that C is a curve of the intersection of the cylinder x 2 + y 2 = 4 and the plane x + y + z = 2 and C is

 − y dx + x dy − z dz . IFoS 2022
3 3 3
described counterclockwise. Verify Stokes' theorem for the line integral
C

 (   F )  ndS
ˆ , where F = ( x ) ( )
+ y − 4 iˆ + 3xyjˆ + 2 xy + z 2 kˆ and S is
2
Q8(c) Using Stokes' theorem, evaluate
S

( )
the surface of the paraboloid z = 4 − x + y above the xy-plane. Here, n̂ is the unit outward normal
2 2

vector on S. UPSC CSE 2021

Q7. (a) Verify Stores' theorem for F = xiˆ + z ˆj + y kˆ over the plane surface: x + y + z = 1 lying in the first
2 2

octant. UPSC CSE 2022

Q1. Verify the Stokes' theorem for the vector field F = xyiˆ + yzjˆ + xzkˆ on the surface S which is the part of the
cylinder z = 1 − x2 for 0  x  1, −2  y  2 ; S is oriented upwards. [7a UPSC CSE 2020]

Q2. Evaluate the surface integral   F  ndS

ˆ for F = yiˆ + ( x − 2 xz ) ˆj − xykˆ and S is the surface of the
S

sphere x + y + z = a above the xy-plane.

2 2 2 2
[8b UPSC CSE 2020]
Q3. Evaluate by Stokes' theorem  C
e x dx + 2 ydy − dz , where C is the curve x 2 + y 2 = 4, z = 2 .
[8c UPSC CSE 2019]
Q4. Verify Stokes's theorem for V = ( 2 x − y ) iˆ − yz ˆj − y zkˆ , where S is the upper half surface of the sphere
2 2

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1 and C is its boundary. [6c 2019 IFoS]

 − y dx + x dy + z dz
3 3 3
Q5. Evaluate the line integral using Stokes's theorem. Here C is the intersection of the
C

cylinder x 2 + y 2 = 1 and the plane x + y + z = 1 . The orientation on C corresponds to counterclockwise

motion in the xy-plane. [8b UPSC CSE 2018]
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Q6. Using Stoke's theorem evaluate

 ( x + y ) dx + ( 2x − z ) dy + ( y + z ) dz  , where C is the boundary of the triangle with vertices at ( 2,0,0)

C

, ( 0,3,0 ) and ( 0,0,6 ) . [6c 2017 IFoS]

Q7. Evaluate

 (   f )  ndS
ˆ , where S is the surface of the cone, z = 2 − x + y
2 2
above xy-plane and
S

( )
f = ( x − z ) iˆ + x 3 + yz ˆj − 3xy 2 kˆ . [7d 2017 IFoS]

Q8. Prove that  fdr =  dS f .

C S
[8b UPSC CSE 2016]

Q9. Evaluate  (  f )  ndS

ˆ for f = ( 2 x − y ) iˆ − yz 2 ˆj − y 2 zkˆ where S is the upper half surface of the sphere
S

x + y + z 2 = 1 bounded by its projection on the xy plane.

2 2
[6d 2016 IFoS]

Q10. State Stokes' theorem. Verify the Stokes' theorem for the function f = xiˆ + zjˆ + 2 ykˆ , where c is the curve
obtained by the intersection of the plane z = x and the cylinder x 2 + y 2 = 1 and S is the surface inside the
intersected one. [7a 2016 IFoS]
Q11. If F = yiˆ + ( x − 2 xz ) ˆj − xykˆ , evaluate  (   F )  ndS
S
ˆ , where S is the surface of the sphere

x + y + z = a above the xy-plane.

2 2 2 2
[8b 2015 IFoS]
Q12. Evaluate by Stokes' theorem  ( y dx + z dy + x dz )

where  is the curve given by

x + y + z − 2ax − 2ay = 0, x + y = 2a starting from ( 2a,0,0) and then going below the z-plane.
2 2 2

[6c UPSC CSE 2014]

Q13. Evaluate   A  ndS ( )
for A = x + y − 4 iˆ + 3xyjˆ + 2 xz + z
2
( 2
) kˆ and S is the surface of hemisphere
S

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 16 above xy plane. [7b 2014 IFoS]

 ( − y dx + x dy − z dz ) , where C is the intersection of

3 3 3
Q14. Use Stokes' theorem to evaluate the line integral
C

the cylinder x 2 + y 2 = 1 and the plane x + y + z = 1 . [8d UPSC CSE 2013]

Q15. If F = yi + ( x − 2 xz ) j − xyk , evaluate  ( F )  nds

S
where S is the surface of the sphere

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = a 2 above the xy-plane. [8c UPSC CSE 2012]

 ( F )  ds taken over the upper portion of the surface x + y 2 − 2ax + az = 0 and
2
Q16. Find the value of
S
2 2 2 2
(
the bounding curve lies in the plane z = 0 , when F = y + z − x i + z + x − y j + x + y − z k
2 2 2 2
) ( ) ( )
[6b 2012 IFoS]
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Q17. If u = 4 yiˆ + xjˆ + 2 zkˆ , calculate the double integral  (   u )  ds over the hemisphere given by

x2 + y 2 + z 2 = a2 , z  0 . [8b UPSC CSE 2011]

 (sin xdx + y dy − dz ) , where C is the circle x 2 + y 2 = 16, z = 3 , by using

2
Q18. Evaluate the line integral
C
Stokes' theorem. [5e 2011 IFoS]
Q19. Find the value of  ( F )  dS
S
taken over the upper portion of the surface x 2 + y 2 − 2ax + az = 0 and
the bounding curve lies in the plane z = 0 , when

( ) ( ) ( )
F = y 2 + z 2 − x 2 iˆ + z 2 + x 2 − y 2 ˆj + x 2 + y 2 − z 2 kˆ . [8c UPSC CSE 2009]
CURVATURE & TORSION
Q7(c) If the tangent to a curve makes a constant angle  with a fixed line, then prove that the ratio of radius of
torsion to radius of curvature is proportional to tan  . Further prove that if this ratio is constant, then the
tangent makes a constant angle with a fixed direction. UPSC CSE 2023(15)

Q8(c) If a curve in a space is represented by r = r ( t ) , then derive expressions of its torsion and curvature in terms

of r , r and r . Find the curvature and torsion of the curve given by r = ( at − a sin t , a − a cos t , bt ) .
IFoS 2022
Q1. A tangent is drawn to a given curve at some point of constant. B is a point on the tangent at a distance 5 units
from the point of contact. Show that the curvature of the locus of the point B is
12
  d 3 
2 2
( 2


)
 25  1 + 25 +  + 5 ds + 25 


(1 + 25 )
32
2

Find the curvature and torsion of the curve r = tiˆ + t ˆj + t kˆ .

2 3
[6c 2020 IFoS]
Q2. Find the radius of curvature and radius of torsion of the helix x = a cos u , y = a sin u, z = au tan  .
[7b UPSC CSE 2019]
3
d r
Q3. Let r = r ( s ) represent a space curve. Find in terms of T , N and B , where T , N and B represent
ds 3
dr  d 2 r d 3r 
tangent, principal normal and binormal respectively. Compute    in terms of radius of
ds  ds 2 ds3 
curvature and the torsion. [5d 2019 IFoS]
Q4. Derive the Frenet-Serret formulae. Verify the same for the space curve x = 3cos t, y = 3sin t, z = 4t .
[7c 2019 IFoS]
Q5. Find the curvature and torsion of the curve r = a ( u sin u ) i + a (1 − cos u ) j + bu k . [7b UPSC CSE 2018]

Q6. Let  be a unit-speed curve in R 3 with constant curvature and zero torsion. Show that  is (part of) a circle.
[7d 2018 IFoS]
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Q7. For a curve lying on a sphere of radius a and such that the torsion is never 0, show that

1  ' 
2 2

  + 2  = a
2
[8c 2018 IFoS]
    
Q8. Find the curvature vector and its magnitude at any point r = ( ) of the curve r = ( a cos  , a sin  , a ) .
Show that the locus of the feet of the perpendicular from the origin to the tangent is a curve that completely
lies on the hyperboloid x 2 + y 2 − z 2 = a 2 . [7a UPSC CSE 2017]
Q9. Find the curvature and torsion of the circular helix r = a ( cos ,sin  , cot  ) ,  is the constant angle at
which it cuts its generators. [8c 2017 IFoS]
Q10. If the tangent to a curve makes a constant angle , with a fixed lines, then prove that  cos    sin  = 0 .

Conversely, if is constant, then show that the tangent makes a constant angle with a fixed direction.

[8d 2017 IFoS]
Q11. For the cardioid r = a (1 + cos  ) , show that the square of the radius of curvature at any point ( r , ) is a
 
proportional to r. Also find the radius of curvature if  = 0, , . [8d UPSC CSE 2016]
4 2
Q12. Find the curvature and torsion of the curve x = a cos t , y = a sin t , z = bt . [5c 2015 IFoS]

Q13. Find the curvature vector at any point of the curve r ( t ) = t cos tiˆ + t sin tjˆ, 0  t  2 . Give its magnitude
also. [5e UPSC CSE 2014]
 1+ t  ˆ  1− t  ˆ
2
Q14. Show that the curve x ( t ) = tiˆ +   j +   k lies in a plane. [5e UPSC CSE 2013]
 t   t 
Q15. Derive the Frenet-Serret formulae. Define the curvature and torsion for a space curve. Compute them for the
2 3
space curve x = t , y = t , z =
2
t . Show that the curvature and torsion are equal for this curve.
3
[8a UPSC CSE 2012]
Q16. Find the curvature, torsion and the relation between the arc length S and parameter u for the curve:
( )
r = r ( u ) = 2 log e uiˆ + 4ujˆ + 2u 2 + 1 kˆ . [8a 2011 IFoS]

Q17. Find   for the curve

r ( t ) = a cos ti + a sin tj + bt k . [1c UPSC CSE 2010]

CURVILINEAR COORDINATES
Q1. Derive expression of f in terms of spherical coordinates.
Prove that 2 ( fg ) = f 2 g + 2f g + g2 f for any two vector point functions f ( r , ,  ) and
g ( r , ,  ) . Construct one example in three dimensions to verify this identity. [8a 2020 IFoS]
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 
2 2 2 2 x 
Q2. Derive  = 2 + 2 + 2 in spherical coordinates and compute  
2
 in spherical
x y z 3
 x2 + y 2 + z 2
 ( ) 2 

coordinates. [8c 2019 IFoS]
Q3. For what values of the constants a, b and c the vector V = ( x + y + az ) iˆ + ( bx + 2 y − z ) ˆj

+ ( − x + cy + 2 z ) kˆ is irrotational. Find the divergence in cylindrical coordinates of this vector with these
values. [5d UPSC CSE 2017]

