Stokes’ Theorem
a theorem giving a formula for the conversion of a line integral around a closed curve L into the surface integral over the surface Σ bounded by L. The theorem states that
The direction in which L is traversed in taking the line integral must be coordinated with the orientation of Σ.
In vector form, Stokes’ theorem reads
where a = Pi + Qj + Rk, dr is a linear element of L, ds is an element of area of Σ, and n is the unit normal to Σ.
The physical significance of Stokes’ theorem is that the circulation of a vector field around L is equal to the flux of vorticity of the field through Σ. Stokes’ theorem was set forth by G. G. Stokes in 1854.
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