IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983 ) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 1

IAS
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017-1983)
SEGMENT-WISE
VECTOR ANALYSIS

2017 2016
� For what values of the constants a, b and c the vector �
� Prove that the vectors a � 3iˆ � ˆj � 2kˆ ,
V � (x � y � az)iˆ � (bx � 2y � z) ˆj � (�x � cy � 2z)kˆ i s � �
b � �ˆi � 3jˆ � 4kˆ , c � 4iˆ � 2jˆ � 6kˆ can form the
irrotational. find the divergence in cylindrical
coordinates of this vector with these values. (10) sides of a triangle. Find the lengths of the medians
� The position vector of a moving point at time t is of the triangle. (10)
� �
r � sin t iˆ � cos 2t ˆj � (t 2 � 2t ) kˆ. Find the r
� Find f(r) such that �f � 5 and f(1) = 0. (10)
components of acceleration a in the directions
r

parallel to the velocity vector v and perpendicular � Prove that

� �
to the plane of r and v at time t = 0. (10)
� f dr � �� dS � � f (10)
C S
� Find the curvature vector and its magnitude at any
� For the cardioid r = a (1 + cos�), show that the
point r �(�) of the curve r � (a cos�,a sin�, a�).
square of the radius of curvature at any point (r, �)
Show that the locus of the feet of the perpendicular is proportional to r. Also find the radius of curvature
from the origin to the tangent is a curve that
completely lies on the hyperboloid x2+y2–z2=a2. π π
if � = 0, , . (15)
(16) 4 2

� Evaluate th e in tegral : �� F � nds

S
�
where 2015
� Find the angle between the surfaces x2+y2+z2–
F � 3xy iˆ � � yx � y � ˆj � 3zx kˆ and S is a
2 2 3 2
9=0 and z = x2+y2 –3 at (2, –1, 2). (10)
� Find the value of � and � so that the surfaces
surface of the cylinder y 2 � z 2 � 4, �3 � x � 3, �x2 – �yz = (�+2)x and 4x2y+z3=4 may intersect
using divergence theorem. (09) orthogonally at (1, –1, 2). (12)
� A vector field is given by
� Using Green’s theorem, evaluate the �
C
F (r ) � dr �
F � ( x 2 � xy 2 )iˆ � ( y 2 � x 2 y ) ˆj

counterclockwise where
�
Verify that the field F is irrotational or not. Find
F (r ) � � x 2 � y 2 � iˆ � � x 2 � y 2 � �j
the scalar potential. (12)

� Evaluate � e (sin ydx � cos y dy ), where C is the

�x

and dr � dxi� � dy �j an d the curve C is the C

boundary of the region rectangle with vertices (0, 0), ( � , 0),

R � �( x, y ) |1 � y � 2 � x 2 � . (08)
� �� � ��
� � , � , � 0, � . (12)
� 2� � 2�
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2 / VECTOR ANALYSIS IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983)

2014 � � � �
B � 2 zi � yj � x 2 k
� Find the curvature vector at any point of the
�2 � �
curve r (t ) � t cos t iˆ � t sin t ˆj,0 � t � 2� . Give its Find the value of
�x�y
� �
A � B at (1, 0, –2). (12)
magnitude also. (10)
� Derive the Frenet-Serret formulae.
� Evaluate by Stokes’ theorem
Define the curvature and torsion for a space curve.
� ( y dx � z dy � x dz ) Compute them for the space curve
�
2
x � t, y � t 2 , z � t 3
where � is the curve given by 3
x2 + y2 + z2 – 2ax – 2ay = 0, x + y = 2a, starting Show that the curvature and torsion are equal for
from (2a, 0, 0) and then going below the z-plane. this curve. (20)
(20) � Verify Green’s theorem in the plane for

2013 � �� xy � y � dx � x dy�
2 2
C

� Show that the curve where C is the closed curve of the region bounded
� �1� t � ˆ � 1� t � ˆ
2 by y � x and y � x 2 . (20)
x (t ) � tiˆ � � j��
� t ��
k
� t �� � � � �
� If F � yi � ( x � 2 xz ) j � xyk , evaluate
lies in a plane. (10)
� � � �
� Calculate � (r ) and find its expression in terms
2 n �� �� � F �. n d s
S

of r and n, r being the distance of any point (x,y,z)

where S is the surface of the sphere
from the origin, n being a constant and �2 being
x 2 � y 2 � z 2 � a 2 above the xy � plane. (20)
the Laplace operator. (10)
� A curve in space is defind by the vector equation
2011
�
r � t 2iˆ � 2tjˆ � t 3kˆ. Determine the angle between � �
� For two vectors a and b given respectively by
the tangents to this curve at the points t=+1 and t=-1.
� �
(10) a � 5t 2 iˆ � tjˆ � t 3 kˆ and b � sin tiˆ � cos tjˆ
� By using Divergence Theorem of Gauss, evaluate
d � � d � �
the surface integral
Determine: � i �
dt
� �
a �b
dt
and � ii �
a � b (10) � �
�� � a x �
�1

�b y �c z
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
dS, �
� If u and v are two scalar fields and f is a vector
where S is the surface of the ellipsoid �
field, such that uf � grad v , find the value of
ax2 � by 2 � cz 2 � 1, a, b and c being all positive � �
f � curl f (10)
constants. (15)
� Use Stokes theorem to evaluate the line integral � Examine whether the vectors � u , � v and � w are
coplanar, where u, v and w are the scalar functions
� � � y dx � x dy � z dz � ,
3 3 3
where C is the
C
defined by: u=x +y+z, v � x2 � y2 � z2 and w=
intersection of the cylinder x2+y2=1 and the plane
yz+zx+xy. (15)
x+y+z=1. (15)
�
� If u � 4 yiˆ � xjˆ � 2 zkˆ, calculate the double integral
2012 � �
� � � � �� � � � u � � ds over the hemisphere given by
� If A � x 2 yzi � 2 xz 3 j � xz 2 k
x 2 � y 2 � z 2 � a 2 , z � 0. (15)
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IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983 ) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 3

� If r� be the position vector of a point, find the �

F � (2x � y � z )iˆ � ( x � y � z 2 ) ˆj � (3x � 2 y � 4z )kˆ . (20)
value(s) of n for which the vector r nr� is (i) � Using divergence theorem, evaluate
irrotational, (ii) solenoidal. (15) � � �
� Verify Gauss Divergence Theorem for the vector ��S A.dS where A � x 3iˆ � y 3 ˆj � z 3 kˆ and S is the
�
v � x 2iˆ � y 2 ˆj � z 2 kˆ taken over the cube surface of the sphere x 2 � y 2 � z 2 � a 2 . (20)

0 � x, y, z � 1. � � �
(15)
� Find the value of �� (� � F ). dS
S

2010 taken over the upper portion of the surface

x 2 � y 2 � 2ax � az � 0 and the bounding curve lies
� Find the directional derivative of f (x, y) � x y � xy 2 3
in the plane z = 0, when
at the point (2, 1) in the direction of a unit vector �
which makes an angle of π/3 with the x – axis. F � ( y 2 � z 2 � x 2 )iˆ � ( z 2 � x 2 � y 2 ) ˆj � ( x 2 � y 2 � z 2 )kˆ .
(12) (20)
� Show that the vector field defined by the vector
� � � �
function V � xyz( yz i � xz j � xyk) is conservative. 2008
(12) � Find the constants ‘a’ and ‘b’ so that the surface
� � � ax 2 � byz � ( a � 2) x will be orthogonal to the
� Prove th at � � � �
div f V � f divV � � grad f �V
surface 4 x 2 y � z 3 � 4 at the point (1, -1, 2)
where f is a scalar function. (20)
�
� � � Show that F � (2 x y � z 3 ) iˆ � x 2 ˆj � 3 x z 2 kˆ is a
� Use the divergence theorem to evaluate �� V . n dA
S conservative force field. Find the scalar potential
� � � � �
where V � x 2 z i � y j � xz 2 k and S is the boundary for F and the work done in moving an object in

of th e region boun ded by th e paraboloid this field from (1, -2, 1) to (3, 1, 4).

z � x 2 � y 2 and the plane z = 4y.. (20) d 2 f 2 df 1

P.T � 2 f (r ) � � where r � ( x2 � y 2 � z2 ) 2 .
dr 2 r dr
� Verify Green’s theorem for ;
Hence find f(r) such that � 2 f ( r ) � 0 .
e � x sin y dx � e � x cos y dy the path of integration
� Show that for the space curve
being the boundary of the square whose vertices
are (0, 0), (π/2, 0), (π/2, π/2) and (0, π/2). (20) x � t , y � t 2 , z � 23 t 3 the curvature and torsion are
same at every point.
2009 � �
� Evaluate � A.dr along the curve x 2 � y 2 � 1, z � 1
� Show that div( grad r n ) � n(n � 1)r n �2 c

from (0, 1, 1) to (1, 0,1) if

Where r � x � y � z . 2 2 2
(12) �
A � ( yz � 2 x ) iˆ � xz ˆj � ( xy � 2 z ) kˆ.
� Find the directional derivatives of – � �
(i) 4 xz 3 � 3x 2 y 2 z 2 at (2, -1, 2) along z – axis;
� Evaluate �� F � nˆ dS
s
where F � 4 x iˆ � 2 y 2 ˆj � z 2 kˆ

(ii) x 2 yz � 4 xz 2 at (1, -2, 1) in the direction of and ‘S’ is the surface of the cylinder bounded by
x 2 � y 2 � 4 , z = 0 and z = 3.
2iˆ � ˆj � 2 kˆ. (12)
� Find the work done in moving the particle once
2007
y2
round the ellipse x2
25 � 16 � 1, z � 0 under the field � If r� denotes the position vector of a point and if
of force given by � �
r̂ be the unit vector in the direction of r , r � | r |
HEAD OFFICE:25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi­60. (M) 9999197625, 011­45629987. BRANCH OFFICE(DELHI): 105­106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar,
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4 / VECTOR ANALYSIS IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983)

determine grad ( r �1 ) in terms of r̂ and r. tetrahedron with vertices (2, 2, 2) , (2, 0, 0) , (0, 2, 0)
and (0, 0, 2).
� Find the curvature and torsion at any point of the
� Prove that the curl of a vector field is independent
curve x � a cos 2t , y � a sin 2t , z � 2a sin t of the choice of co – ordinates.
� For any constant vector a� show that the vector � The parametric equation of a circular helix is
� � �
represented by curl ( a � r ) is always parallel to r � a cos u iˆ � a sin u ˆj � c u kˆ ; where ‘c’ is a
� � constant and ‘u’ is a parameter.
the vector a , r being the position vector of a point
(x, y, z), measured from the origin. � Find the unit tangent vector tˆ at the point ‘u’ and
� d tˆ
� If r � x iˆ � y ˆj � z kˆ find the value(s) of n in order the arc length measured from u = 0. Also find ds ,
� where ‘S’ is the arc length.
that r n r may be (i) solenoidal or (ii) irrotational
� Show that
� Determine � ( y dx � z dy � x dz) by using Stoke’ss � 1� � 1�
C
curl � kˆ � grad � � grad � kˆ � grad � � 0 where r
� r � � r�
theorem, where ‘C’ is the curve defined by
( x � a ) 2 � ( y � a ) 2 � z 2 � 2 a 2 , x � y � 2a t hat is the distance from the origin and k̂ is the unit
starts from the point (2a, 0, 0) and goes at first vector in the direction OZ.
below the z – plane. � Find the curvature and the torsion of the space
curve x � a � 3u � u 3 � , y � 3au 2 , z � a � 3u � u 3 � .
2006
�� (x dy dz � x
� y dz dx � x 2 z dx dy )
3 2
� Find the values of constant a, b, and c so that the � Evaluate by
S
directional of the function f � a x y � byz � cz x 2 2 3

Gauss divergence theorem, where S is the surface

at the point (1, 2, -1) has maximum magnitude 64 in
the direction parallel to Z–axis. of the cylinde x 2 � y 2 � a 2 bounded by z =0 and z
� � � = b.
� If A � 2iˆ � kˆ, B � iˆ � ˆj � kˆ, C � 4iˆ � 3 ˆj � 7kˆ, determine
�
a vector R satisfying the vector equations 2004
� � � � � � � � � �
R � B � C � B and R � A = 0
� Show that if A and B are irrotational, then A � B
� Prove that r n r� is an irrotational vector for any is solenoidal.
value of n , but is solenoidal only if n + 3 = 0 . � Show that the Frenet – Serret formulae can be
� �
� If the unit tangent vector t and binormal b makes written in the form
� � �
angles � and � respectively with a constant unit dT � � dN � � dB � �
� � �T , � � � N and ���B
ds ds ds
sin � d� k
vector a� , prove that . � � � �
sin � d� � Where, � � � T � k B
� Verify Stoke’s theorem for th e function � Prove the identity
�
F � x 2iˆ � x y ˆj integrated round the square in the � � � � � � � � � �
� � A � B � � � B � � � A � � A � � � B � B � �� � A� � A � �� � B �
plane z = 0 and bounded by the lines x=0, y = 0 , x
=a and y = a , a > 0. � Derive the identity

��� (� � � � � � � ) d � � �� (� �� � � �� ). nˆ dS ,
2 2

2005 V S

� Show that the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD is where V is the volume bounded by the closed
surface S.
1 ���� ���� �����
6
� �
AB � AC � AD. Hence find the volume of the � Verify Stoke’s theorem for

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IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983 ) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 5
�
f � (2 x � y ) iˆ � y z 2 ˆj � y 2 z kˆ where S is the upper
�� ( f grad f ). nˆ dS � ��� ��| grad | � f � 2 f �� d �
2

S �
half surface of the sphere x 2 � y 2 � z 2 � 1 and C is
its boundary. Hence or otherwise evaluate �� ( f grad f ). nˆ dS
S

2003 for f = 2x + y +2z over S � x � y 2 � z 2 � 4 2

� � � � Find the values of constants a, b, and c such that

� Show that if a�, b� and c � are the reciprocals of
the maximum value of directional derivative of
� � �
the non – coplanar vectors a , b and c , then any
f � ax y 2 � byz � cx 2 z 2 at (1, -1, 1) is in the direction
vector r� may be expressed as parallel to y axis and has magnitude 6.
� �� � �� ��
r � ( r .a �) a � ( r .b�)b � ( r .c �) c.
2001
� Prove that the divergence of a vector field is
invariant w. r. t co – ordinate transformations. � Find the length of the arc of the twisted curve
�
� Let the position vector of a particle moving on a r � (3t , 3t 2 , 2t 3 ) from the point t = 0 to the point t
� �
plane curve be r (t ) where t is the time. Find the
, = 1. Find also the unit tangent t , unit normal n�
components of its acceleration along the radial and �
and the unit binormal b at t = 1.
transverse directions.
� � � �
� Prove the identity � A 2 � 2( A.� ) A � 2 A � (� � A) a �r a 3r � �
� Show that curl � � � (a.r ) where
r3 r3 r5
Where � � iˆ � � ˆj � � kˆ � .
�
a is a constant vector..
�x �y �z
� Find the directional derivative of f � x 2 y z 3 along
� Find the radii of curvature and torsion at a point of
intersection of the surfaces x � e � t , y � 1 � 2 sin t , z � t � cos t at t = 0.
� z� � Show that the vector field defined by
x 2 � y 2 � c 2 , y � x tanh � �
� c�
F � 2 xyz 3iˆ � x 2 z 3 ˆj � 3x 2 yz 2 kˆ is irrotational. Find
� Evaluate �� curl
S
A.dS where S is the open surface also the scalar ‘u’ such that F = grad u.
� Verify Gauss divergence theorem of
x 2 � y 2 � 4 x � 4 z � 0, z � 0 and A � (4 x , � 2 y , z ) taken over the region bounded
2 2

A � ( y 2 � z 2 � x 2 ) iˆ � (2z 2 � x2 � y2 ) ˆj � ( x 2 � y 2 � 3z 2 )kˆ by x 2 � y 2 � 4 , z =0 & z = 3.

2002 2000
� �
� Let R be the unit vector along the vector r (t ) . � In what direction from the point (-1 , 1 , 1) is the
� � � � �
Show that R� ddRt � rr � dd rt where r � r .
2
directional derivative of f � x 2 y z 3 a maximum?
compute its magnitude.
� Find the curvature K for the space curve
� Show that
x � a cos � , y � a sin � , z � a � tan �
(i) ( A � B).( B � C ) � (C � A) � 2 A. B � C
� �
� Show that curl (curl v� ) = grad ( divv ) - �2 v
(ii) �� � A� B� � � B.�� A � B ��.A� � � A.�� B � A� �.B�
� Let D be a closed and bounded region having
(1990)
boundary S. Further let ‘f’ be a scalar function
having second order partial derivatives defined on � Evaluate �� F.ndS
ˆ where F � 2 xy iˆ � yz 2 ˆj � xz kˆ
it. Show that S

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6 / VECTOR ANALYSIS IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983)
and S is the surface of the parallelopiped bounded 1996
by x � 0 , y � 0 , z � 0 , x � 2 , y � 1 and z � 3 . �
�
� If r � x iˆ � y ˆj � z kˆ and r �| r | , show that
1999 �
(i) r � grad f (r ) � 0
� � �
� If a� , b , c are the position vectors A ,B, C prove (ii) div ( r n r ) � ( n � 3) r n
� �
that a� � b � b � c� � c� � a� is a vector perpendicular � Verify Gauss divergence theorem for
�
to the plane ABC. F � xyiˆ � z 2 ˆj � 2 yzkˆ, on the tetrahedron
� �
� If F � � ( x 3 � y 3 � z 3 � 3 xyz ), find � � F . x = y = z = 0, x +y + z=1

� �e sin y dx � e� x cos y dy � ; (by Green’ss 1994

�x
� Evaluate
c
�
theorem), where ‘C’ is the rectangle whose vertices � If F � y iˆ � ( x � 2 x z ) ˆj � xy kˆ.
are (0,0) , (� , 0) (� , � / 2)&(0,� / 2) . �
� If X, Y, Z are the components of a contra variant
evaluate �� (� � F ).nˆ dS .
S
vector in rectangular cartesian co-ordinates x,y,z
in a three dimensional space, show that the
1993
components of the vector in cylindrical co-
ordinates �
�x y
� Evaluate �� � � F .nˆ ds, where S is the upper half
r, � , Z are X cos � � Y sin �, sin � � cos � , Z s

r r
surface of the unit sphere x 2 � y 2 � z 2 � 1 and
1998 �
F � z iˆ � x ˆj � y kˆ.
� If r1 and r 2 are the vectors joining the fixed points
A( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and B( x2 , y2 , z2 ) respectively to a 1992
variable point P (x , y , z), then find the values of �
� I f f � x, y, z � � ( y 2 � z 2 ) iˆ � ( z 2 � x2 ) ˆj � ( x2 � y2 )kˆ
grad � r1 � r2 � and curl � r1 � r2 �
� �
� � � � � � then calculate � f .d x where ‘C’ consists of
� �
� Show that a � b � c � a � b � c � � �
if either b =0 C

(i) The line segment from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1)

(or any other vector is ‘0’ ) or c� is collinear with a�
� (ii) The three line segments AB,BC and CD, where
or b is orthogonal to a� and c� (both). A,B,C and D are respectively the points (0,0,0),
(1,0,0), (1,1,0) and (1,1,1)
1997 �
(iii) The curve x � uiˆ � u 2 ˆj � u 3 kˆ, u from 0 to 1.
� � �
� Prove that if A , B and C are three given non � �
� If a and b are constant vectors , show that
� � � � ��
coplanar vectors, then any vector F can be put
(i ) div � x � � a � x �� � � 2 x.a
� � � � � � �
in the form F � � B � C � � C � A � � A � B. For a
� �� � 2a�.� b � x� � � 2b.� a� � x� �
� � � �
�
given F determine α ,β ,γ.
� �
�
(ii ) div � a � x � � b � x

�
� Verify Gauss theorem for F � 4 xiˆ � 2 y 2 ˆj � z 2 kˆ 1991
taken over the region bounded by x 2 � y 2 � 4, � If � be a scalar point function and F be a vector
and z � 0 and z = 3. point function, show that the components of F

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IAS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–1983 ) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 7

normal and tangential to surface � =0 at any point of the vectors � also of E3 .

x
� � � � �
there of are
( F . �� ) ��
and
�� � ( F ��� ) If �( x) � ( x � a).( x � b ) ,
( �� ) 2 ( �� ) 2
show that grad
� Find the value of � curl F. dS taken over the portion � � � � � � �
� (i . e , �� ( x)) � b � ( x � a ) � a � ( x � b ) .
of the surface x 2 � y 2 � 2ax � az � 0 , for which � �
� If f , g are two vector fields in E3 and if ‘div’,
z�0 ,
‘curl’ are defined on an open set S � E3 show that
when F � ( y 2 � z 2 � x2 ) iˆ � ( z 2 � x2 � y 2 ) ˆj � ( x2 � y2 � z 2 ) kˆ . � � � � � �
div ( f � g ) � g . curl f � f . curl g . (1988)
1989
1985
� Define the curl of a vector point function
� � � If P,Q,R are points (3,-2,-1) , (1,3,4) , (2,1,-2)
� Prove that � � ( rr ) � 0 where r � ( x, y, z ) and
respectively. Find the distance from P to the plane
2

�
r �| r |. OQR, where ‘O’ is the origin.
� Find the angle between the tangents to the curve
1988 �
r � t 2iˆ � 2t ˆj � t 3 kˆ at the points t=1 and t =2
� Define the divergence of a vector point function , � Find div F and curl F, where
� � � � � �
prove that div (u � v ) � v .curl u � u .curl v . (1986) F � � ( x 3 � y 3 � z 3 � 3 xyz )
� Using Gauss divergen ce theorem, evaluate

kˆ).nˆ ds where S is the closed

1983
�� ( xiˆ � yiˆ � z
2

S
� Prove that curl (curl F) = grad div F - �2 F .
surface bounded by the cone x � y � 2 and the 2 2

plane Z=1 and n̂ is the outward unit normal to S.

1987
� �
� Show that for a vector field f , curl (curl f ) =
� �
grad (div f ) - �2 f .
� If r� is the position vector to a point whose
�
distance from the origin is r , prove that div f � 0

� r�
if f � 3 .
r
� � �
� Prove th at for a three vectors a ,b ,c
� � � � �� � ��
� �
a � b � c � b � a.c � � c a.b � � an d explain its
geometric meaning. (1990)

1986
� �
� Let a , b be given vectors in the three dimensional
�
Euclidean space E3 and let � ( x ) be a scalar field
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IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 9

IFoS
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017-2000)
SEGMENT-WISE
VECTOR ANALYSIS
(ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYLLABUS PATTERN) PAPER ­ I

2017 where S is the surface bounding the volume E and

F � � zxsin yz � x 3 � ˆi � cos yzjˆ � � 3zy2 � e� � y � kˆ .

2 2
� Prove that

� 2 r n � n(n � 1)r n �2 (8)

n�
and th at r r is is irrotation al, where � Evaluate
�� � � � f �.ndS
ˆ for
� S
r �| r | � x 2 � y 2 � z 2 . (8)
� Using Stokes’ theorem, evaluate f � � 2x � y � iˆ � yz 2 ˆj � y 2 zkˆ where S is the upper
half surface of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 bounded
� �(x � y)dx � (2x � z)dy � (y � z)dz�,
C
by its projection on the xy plane. (10)
where C is the boundary of the triangle with vertices � State Stokes’ theorem. Verify the Stokes’ theorem
at (2, 0, 0), (0, 3, 0) and (0, 0, 6). (15) for the function f � xiˆ � zjˆ � 2ykˆ , where c is the
� Evaluate
� curve obtained by the intersection of the plane z =
�� (� � f ) � nˆ dS, x and the cylinder x2 + y2 = 1 and S is the surface
S inside the intersected one. (15)

where S is the surface of the cone, z = 2 – x 2 � y2 � Prove that a � � b � c � � � a � b � � c , if and only

above xy-plane and if either b � 0 or c is collinear with a or b is
�
f � (x � z)iˆ � (x 3 � yz)ˆj � 3xy 2 k.
ˆ (10)
perpendicular to both a and c . (10)
� Find the curvature and torsion of the circular helix
�
r � a(cos �,sin �, � cot �), 2015
� is the constant angle at which it cuts its
� Find the curvature and torsion of the curve x =
generators.
(10) a cost, y = a sin t, z = bt. (8)
�
� Examine if the vector field defined by F =
� If the tangent to a curve makes a constant angle �,
with a fixed line, then prove that k cos � ± � sin � = 0. 2xyz3 î + x2 z3 ĵ + 3x2 yz2 k̂ is irrotational. If so,
�
k find the scalar potential � such that F = grad �.
Conversely, if is constant, then show that the
� (10)
tangent makes a constant angle with a fixed � Using divergence theorem, evaluate
direction. (10)
�� ( x dydz � x 2 ydzdx � x 2 zdydx )
3

2016
S

where S is the surface of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2

� If E be the solid bounded by the xy plane and the = 1. (15)
paraboloid z = 4 – x2 – y2, then evaluate �� F.dS
S
�
� If F = y î + (x –2xz) ĵ – xy k̂ , evaluate
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10 / VECTOR ANALYSIS IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000)
� 2012
�� (�� F).ndS
S
ˆ , where S is the surface of the
� If u � x � y � z, v � x2 � y 2 � z 2 , w � yz � zx � xy,
sphere x +y +z =a above the xy-plane.
2 2 2 2
(10)
prove that grad u, grad v and grad w are coplanar.
(8)
2014
�� �
� �
� For three vectors show that: � Find the value of �� �� �� F ��. ds
s
taken over the

a � (b � c ) � b � (c � a ) � c � (a � b ) � 0 (8) upper portion of the surface x 2 � y 2 � 2ax � az � 0

and the bounding curve lies in the plane z = 0, when
xiˆ � yjˆ � zkˆ
� For the vector A � 2 examine if A � � � �
x � y2 � z2 F � � y 2 � z2 � x � i � � z2 � x2 � y2 � j �� x2 � y2 � z2 � k .
is an irrotational vector. Then determine � such
(10)
that A � ��. (10) � Find the value of the line integral over a circular
path given by x2 + y2 = a2, z = 0 where the vector
� Evaluate �� � � A � n dS for � �
field, F � (sin y ) i � x(1 � cos y ) j .
�
(10)
S

A � ( x 2 � y � 4)iˆ � 3xyjˆ � (2 xz � z 2 ) kˆ and S is

2011
the surface of hemisphere x � y � z � 16 2 2 2
� Verify Green’s theorem in the plan e to
above xy plane.
� ��� 3x �
(15) 2
� 8 y 2 dx � � 4 y � 6 xy � dy � .
� Verify the divergence theorem for �
C

A � 4 xiˆ � 2 y 2 ˆj � z 2 kˆ over the region Where C is the boundary of the region enclosed by

x2+y2=4, z=0, z=3. (15) the curves y � x and y � x 2 . (10)

2013 �
� The position vector r of a particle of mass 2 units
� at any time t , referred to fixed origin and axes, is
� F being a vector, prove that
� � � � �1 � ^ 1 ^
� �
^
curl curl F = grad div F � �2 F
r � t 2 � 2t i � � t 2 � 1� j � t 2 k ,
�2 � 2
where �2 � � � � � � .
2 2 2
(8) At time t � 1, find its kinetic energy, angular
�x 2 �y 2 �z 2
momentum, time rate of change of angular
� � momentum and the moment of the resultant force,
� Evaluate � F .dS , acting at the particle, about the origin. (10)
S
� Find the curvature, torsion and the relation between
� � � � the arc length S and parameter u for the curve:
where F � 4 xi � 2 y 2 j � z 2 k
� � ^ ^ ^
and S is the surface bounding the region r � r (u ) � 2log e u i � 4u j � (2u 2 +1) k (10)
� Prove the vector identity:
x2 � y 2 � 4, z � 0 and z = 3. (13)
� Verify the Divergence theorem for the vector � � � � � �
function � �� � � �
curl f � g � f div g � g div f � � g .� � f � f .� g � �
� � � �
F � ( x2 � yz )i � ( y2 � xz ) j � ( z 2 � xy)k and verify it for the vectors f = x i + z j + y k
� ^ ^ ^

taken over the rectangular parallelopiped

� ^ ^
0 � x � a,0 � y � b,0 � z � c. (14) and g = y i + z k. (10)
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IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 11
� Evaluate the line integral
curve of the region bounded by y � x and y � x2 .

� (sin x dx � y dy � dz ) , where C is the circle

2
(10)
C

� � � � � �
^ ^ ^
x 2 � y 2 � 16, z � 3, by using Stokes’ theorem. (10) � Show that A � 6xy � z3 i � 3x2 � z j � 3xz2 � y k

is irrotational. Find a scalar function � such that

2010
A � grad � . (10)
���
� Find the directional derivation of V 2 , Where,
� � � � � Let � � x, y, z � be a scalar function. Find grad �
V � xy 2i � zy 2 j � xz 2 k at the point � 2,0,3� in the
direction of the outward normal to the surface and � 2� in spherical coordinates. (8)
x � y � z � 14 at the point
2 2 2
� 3, 2,1� (8) � Verify stokes theorem for
� � � �
� (1) Show that F � � 2 xy � z � i � x j � 3 z xk is a A � ( y � z � 2)iˆ � � yz � 4 � ˆj � xzkˆ Where S is the
2 2 2

conservative field. Find its scalar potnetial and surface of the cube x�0, y�0
also the work done in moving a particle from
z � 0 , x � 2 , y � 2 , z � 2 above the xy-plane.
�1, �2,1� to � 3,1, 4 � .
(12)
�2�
(2) Show that, � 2 f � r � � � � f ' � r � � f "� r � ,
^ ^ ^
� Show that, if r � x � s � i � y � s � j � z � s � k is a space
�r�

Where r � x 2 � y 2 � z 2 . (10) dr d 2 r d 3 r �
curve, . � � , where � is the
ds ds 2 ds3 � 2
� Use divergen ce theorem to evaluate,
torsion and � the radius of curvature (10)
�� � x dy dz � x 2 y dz dx � x 2 z dy dx �, Where
3
S is
2008
s

the sphere x2 � y 2 � z 2 � 1. (10)

�� � � � ds 4�
� If A � 2 y i � z j � x 2 k and S is the surface of � Show that �S a x �b y �c z
2 2 2 2 2 2
�
abc
,

the parabolic cylinder y 2 � 8 x in the first octant

Where S is the surface of the ellipsoid
bounded by the planes y � 4 , z � 6, evaluate the
ax2 � by 2 � cz 2 � 1 (10)
�� ^ ���
surface integral, �� A . n dS . (10) � Find the unit vector along the normal to the surface
S
z � x 2 � y 2 at the point � �1, �2,5� . �(10)
� Use Green’s theorem in a plane to evaluate the
� Prove that the necessary and sufficient condition
integral, �[(2x2 � y2 )dx � (x2 � y2 )dy] where C is the ��
for the vector function V of the scalar variable t
C

boundary of the surface in the xy - plane enclosed �

�� dv
to have constant magnitude is V � 0. (10)
by, y = 0 and the semi-circle, y � 1 � x 2 (10) dt
�� �
2009 �� ^ ^ ^
� If F � 2 x 2 i � 4 yz j � zx k , , evaluate �� F .n ds
S
� Verify Green ’s theorem in the plane for
Where S is the surface of the cube boundded by

� ��� xy � y � dx � x dx �� the planes x � 0 , x �1, y � 0 , y �1, z � 0 , z �1.

2 2
where C is the closed
C
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12 / VECTOR ANALYSIS IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000)

2007 � Using stokes theorem, determine the value of the

� Evaluate
�� �
� F .d r Where
integral � � y dx � z dy � xdz � ,
�
Where � is the

curve defined by x2 � y2 � z2 � a2 , x � z � a (10)

�� � � �
� �
F � C ��3asin2 � cos� i � a 2sin� �3sin2 � j � bsin2�k �
� � � Prove that the cylinderical coordinate system is
and the curve C is given by orthogonal (10)
� � � �
r � a cos � i � a sin � j � b� k � varying from 2005
� 4 to � 2. �(10) � � � �
� � � � � �
� For the curve r � a 3t � t 3 i � 3at 2 j � a 3t � t 3 k , � �
� a�r � a 3r � �
� Show that curl �� 3 �� � � 3 � 3 a.r Where � � a being a constant. Show that the redius of
� r � r r
curvature is equal to its radius of torsion (10)
� � � � � �
a is a constant vector and r � xi � y j � zk (10) � Find f � r � if f � r � r is both solenoidal and
� Find the curvature and torsion at any point of the irrotational. (10)
curve x � a cos 2t , y � a sin 2t , z � 2a sin t . �� � �� � � �
(10)
� Evaluate �� S
F .d s Where F � yzi � zx j � xyk

� Evaluate th e surface integral

� � � � and ' S ' is the part of the sphere x2 � y 2 � z 2 � 1
��
S
�
yzi � zx j � xyk d a, Where S is the surface of
that lies in the first octant. �(10)
� Verify the divergence theorem for
the sphere x2 � y2 � z2 � 1 in the first otant. (10) � � � �
F � 4 xi � 2 y 2 j � z 2 k taken over the region
� Apply stokes theorem to Prove that
bounded by x2 � y 2 � 4 , z � 0 and z � 3. �(10)
� � ydx � zdy � xdz � � �2 2� a 2 , Where C is the
c � By using vector methods, find an equation for the
curve given by x2 � y2 � z2 �2ax�2ay �0, x � y � 2a. tangent plane to the surface z � x 2 � y 2 at the
(10) point �1, �1,2 �. (10)

2006
2004
�� ��
� If f � 3xyiˆ � y 2 ˆj, determine the value of �
C
f .dr ,
� Evaluate
�� �
� F .d r
��
�
for the field F � grad xy 2 z 3 �
C

Where C is the curve y � 2 x in the xy-plane from Where C is the ellipse in which the plane
2

(0, 0) to (1, 2). (10) z � 2 x � 3 y cuts the cylinder x2 � y 2 � 12

�� �� �� counter clockwise as viewed from the positive end
� If u f � � V Where u, v are scalar fields and f is
of the z � axis looking towards the origin. (10)
�� ��
a vector field , find the value of f .curl f . (10) �� �� �� �� �� ��
�
� Show that div A � B � B curl A � A .curl B �
� If O be the origin, A, B two fixed points and
(10)
P � x, y, z � a variables point, show that � � � �
���� ���� ����
� 2i � j � 3k � r �
� Evaluate Curl � �
� �
�
curl PA � PB � 2 AB . � � � �(10) �
�
rn �
�
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IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000) VECTOR ANALYSIS / 13
� � � � �
Where r � xiˆ � yjˆ � zkˆ and r 2 � x2 � y 2 � z 2 (10) a�r a 3r � ��
(ii ) curl � � � � a.ra��, cons tan t vector.
r3 r3 r3
� � � �
� Evaluate �� � xi � y j � zk � n ds. Where S is the (10)
S �
� Show that if A � 0 and both of the conditions
surface x � y � z � 1 lying in the first octant.(10) �� �� �� ��
�� �� �� ��
A.B � A.C and A � B � A � C hold simultaneou-
� Expess � 2 u in spherical polar coordinates. (10)
�� ��
sly then B � C but if only one of these conditions
2003 �� ��
holds then B � C necessarily.. (10)
� Find the expression for curvature and torsion at a � Prove the following
point on the curve x � a cos� , y � asin� , z � a� cot �.
(10)
�i � If u1 , u2 , u3 are general coordinates, then
� � � �
� If r is the position vector of the point � x, y, z � �r �r �r �� �� ��
� � and �u1 , �u2 , �u3 are reciprocal
with respect to th e origin, prove that �u1 �u 2 �u3

2 system of vectors.
�2 f � r � � f "� r � � f ' � r �. Find f � r � such that
r
� � �
� �r �r �r � � � �
�2 f � r � � 0 �(10) �
(ii ) � . � � �u1 .�u2 � �u3 � 1 � (10)
� u1 u2 u3 �
��
� If F is solenoidal , Prove that
�� ��
curl curl curl curl F � �4 F �(10) 2001
� Verify stoke’s Theorem when � Find an equation for the plane passing through the
�� � ��
� � �
F � 2 xy � x 2 i � x 2 � y 2 d & C � points P1 � 3,1, �2 � , P2 � �1,2,4 � , P3 � 2, �1,1� by

is the boundary of the region closed by the using vector method. (10)

parabolas y 2 � x and x 2 � y. �(10)

�
� Prove that � � � � A � �� A � � �. A
2
� � � (10)
��
� Express � � F and � 2� in cylinderical
coordinates. �H �E
(10) � If �.E , �.H ,� � E � ,� � H � Show that
�t �t
2002
�2 u
E & H satisfy � u � �
2
�� Find the curvature and torsion of the curve, (10)
�t 2
2t � 1 t2
x� , y� , z � t � 2 . Interpret your 2 �
t �1 t �1 � Given the space Curve x � t , y � t2 , z � t .
3
answer. (10)
� State stoke’s theorem and then verify if for Find (1) the curvature � (2) the torsion � . (10)
�� �
� � � � � � � �
^
A � x 2 � 1 i � xy j integrated round the square � If F � y2 � z2 � x2 i � z2 � x2 � y2 j � x2 � y2 � z2 k,

in the plane z � 0 whose sides are along the lines.

evaluate �� curl F .nˆ ds, taken over the portion of
x � 0, y � 0, x � 1, y � 1. (10) s

� Prove that the surface x2 � y 2 � z 2 � 2ax � az � 0 above the

�� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��
� � � �
� i � � � A � B � B �� A � B � � A � A � � B � � � � plane z � 0 and verify stokes theorem. (10)

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 VECTOR ANALYSIS / 14 IFoS ­ PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2017–2000)
2000
� Prove the identities:
(1) Curl grad � � 0, (2) div curl f � 0.
���� ���� ����
If OA � ai , OB � aj , OC � ak form three
coterminous edges of a cube and s denotes the
surface of the cube, evaluate

��� x � yz� i � 2x yj � 2k�.nds by

3 2
expressing it as
s

volume integral, Where n is the unit outward

normal to ds. (20)

HEAD OFFICE:25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi­60. (M) 9999197625, 011­45629987. BRANCH OFFICE(DELHI): 105­106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee
Nagar, Delhi­9. BRANCH OFFICE(HYDERBAD): H.No. 1­10­237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S­Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyd­20. (M) 09652351152, 09652661152