Gradient, Divergence & Curl

Gradient:
∙ Measures the rate of change in a scalar field; the gradient of a scalar field is a vector
field. The derivative of a scalar field result in a vector field called the gradient.
∙ Computes the gradient of a scalar function. That is, it finds the
Gradient, the slope, how fast you change, in any given direction.
∙ A gradient is applied to a scalar quantity that is a function of a 3D vector field:
position. The gradient measures the direction in which the scalar quantity changes
the most, as well as the rate of change with respect to position. A common
example of this is height as a function of latitude and longitude, often applied to
mountain ranges. A measure of the slope, and direction of the slope, is often
called the gradient.

Figure # 58
Divergence:
∙ Measures a vector field's tendency to originate from or converge upon a given point.
∙ Computes the divergence of a vector function. That is, it finds how much "stuff" is
leaving a point in space.
∙ A divergence is applied to a vector as a function of position, yielding a scalar. The
divergence actually measures how much the vector function is spreading out. If
you are at a location from which the vector field tends to point away in all
directions, you will definitely have a positive divergence. If the field points
inward toward a point, the divergence in and near that point is negative. If just as
much of the vector field points in as out, the divergence will be approximately
zero.

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

1
 ∙ If we again think of →F as the velocity field of a flowing fluid then div →F
represents the net rate of change of the mass of the fluid flowing from the point
(x,y, z) per unit volume. This can also be thought of as the tendency of a fluid to
diverge from a point.
The divergence of a vector field is relatively easy to understand intuitively. Imagine that
the vector field →F below gives the velocity of some fluid flow. It appears that the fluid is
exploding outward from the origin
This expansion of fluid flowing with velocity field →F is captured by the divergence of →F
, which we denote div →F . The divergence of the above vector field is positive since the
flow is expanding.
In contrast, the below vector field represents fluid flowing so that it compresses as it
moves toward the origin. Since this compression of fluid is the opposite of expansion, the
divergence of this vector field is negative.
A three-dimensional vector field →F showing expansion of fluid flow is shown below. →
.
Again, because of the expansion, we can conclude that div F > 0

.q

.p

Figure # 59: Divergence of vectors flow field

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

2
Curl:
∙ In vector calculus, the curl (or rotor) is a vector operator that describes the
infinitesimal rotation of a 3-dimensional vector field. At every point in the field,
the curl is represented by a vector. The attributes of this vector (length and
direction) characterize the rotation at that point.
∙ The direction of the curl is the axis of rotation, as determined by the right-hand rule,
and the magnitude of the curl is the magnitude of rotation. If the vector field
represents the flow velocity of a moving fluid, then the curl is the circulation
density of the fluid. A vector field whose curl is zero is called irrotational. The
curl is a form of differentiation for vector fields
∙ measures a vector field's tendency to rotate about a point; the curl of a vector field is
another vector field.
∙ It computes the rotational aspects of a vector function, maybe people thought how
vectors "curl" around a center point, like wind curling around a low pressure on a
weather map.
∙ A curl measures just that, the curl of a vector field. Unlike the divergence, a curl
yields a vector. A vector field that tends to point around an axis, such as vectors
pointing tangential to a circle, will yield a non-zero curl with the axis around
which the curl occurs as the direction. Another example is the velocity field of
motion spiraling in or out, such as a whirlpool. Point your right-hand thumb along
the direction of the curl. Curl your fingers around this axis. They will curl in the
same direction as the vector field. I do not know the names of the texts, but I
know there are books available with vector fields to illustrate both divergence and
curl.

Figure # 60

Q#25: Find the level curve of 2 2 f(x, y) = −x + y passing through (2, 3). Draw Graph the
gradient at the point
Answer: Given, 2 2 f(x, y) = −x + y
 f(2,3) 2 3 4 9 5 2 2 = − + = − + =
Hence the level curve is the hyperbola, i.e.
22
f(x, y) = −x + y = 5
i.e. x y 5 − + =
22

i.e. x y 5 2 2 − = −
= −
x2 2 − − ⇒ [This is the equation of a hyperbola, i. e. 1] 22
2
y
x
-----------------(i)
2
5 1
−=
From (i), 5 a by

= −
x2 2 − − ⇒ x y 5 2 2 ⇒ − = − 2 2 ⇒ y = 5 + x 2 ⇒ y = ± 5 + x
y 1
5 5
2
⇒ y = ± 5 + x ----------------------------(ii)

6
x 0 -1 -2 -3 1 2 3 -4 4

2
y = ± 5 + x ± 5 ± 6 ± 3 ± 14 ± 6 ± 3 ± 14 ± 19 ± 19

= ±2.23 ±2.44 ± 3 ± 3.74 ± 2.44 ± 3 ± 3.74 ± 4.35 ±4.35

P
 .

R (2, 3)

Figure # 61

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

7
Now, Gradient of the function,
δ
i.e. ∇ = → ∧ ∧ ∧
δ δ
( , ) ( )( ) 2 2 k x y f x y − +
δ i + y z
x + δ j δ
δ
∇ = →∧∧∧
δ
δ
( , ) ( )( ) 2 2 x y f x y i − +
δ j y z
x + k
+ δ δ δ δ
δ +∧
∇ = → ∧( ) 2 2 x y
( , ) ( ) 22x y +∧( ) 2 2 x y
fxyi−+ j−+ k−+
δ δ δ k δ
x y z δ −+
j δ δ
δ −+ +∧ ∧
δ ( , ) ( ) ( ) 22y
δ f x y i δ +∧ ∧( ) ( ) 2 2 y
∇ = → ∧ ∧( ) ( ) 2 2 y δ −+

δ xi y z
x x δ xj y δ xk z
∇ ( , ) = (−2 ) + × 0 → ∧ ∧
f x y i x i j 0 j(2 y) ∧ ∧
+ × + + × 0 + × 0 ∧∧
kk
→∧∧
∇ f (x, y) = −2x i+ 2 y j
→∧∧
∇ f(2,3) = −2× 2 i+ 2× 3 j
→∧∧
∇ f(2,3) = −4 i+ 6 j
Hence the gradient Vector is → → ∧ ∧
RP = ∇ f(2,3) = −4 i+ 6 j the Answer

Q# 26: Sketch the level curve for the function 2 2 f(x, y) = x + y through the point (3, 4)
and draw the gradient vector at this point.

Answer: Given, the function 2 2 f(x, y) = x + y through the point (3, 4),
22
f(3,4) = 3 + 4
f(3,4) = 9 + 16 = 25
Since f(3,4) = 25 , the level curve through the point (3,4) has the equation 2 2 f(x, y) = x +
y = 25 , which is the circle. That is 25 2 2 x + y = whose centre (0,0) and radius 5.
Now,
22
f(x, y) = x + y
Now, Gradient of the function,
δ
∇ = →∧∧∧
δ δ
f(x, y) ( +
22

x + y + z )
δ i δ j δ k)(x y

δ
∇ = →∧∧∧
 δ
δ
f(x, y) (i 22
+
x j y k z )(x y ) δ
δ + δ + δ
δ
∇ = → ∧(x y ) δ

+∧(x y )
f(x, y) i 2 2 + +∧
j 22+
δ x (x y ) y k 22+
δ
δ z

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

8
δ δ
δ
∇ = → ∧ ∧(y )
δ
δ
δ
+∧ ∧(y )
f(x, y) i 2 2 (x ) i j 22 k 22
+∧ ∧
+ x (y ) (x ) j + (x ) k δ
δ x δ δ + z δ
δ y y z
∇ f(x, y) = i(2x) + i× 0 → ∧ ∧j 0 j(2 y) ∧ ∧
+ × + + × 0 + × 0 ∧∧
kk
→∧∧
∇ f(x, y) = 2x i+ 2y j -------------------------(i) The gradient
vector at (3,4)is
→∧∧
∴∇ f(3,4) = 2× 3 i+ 2× 4 j
→∧∧
∇ f (3,4) = 6 i+ 8 j ------------------------(ii)
 Figure # 62
Hence the gradient vector is perpendicular to the circle at(3,4).

Q# 27: Sketch the gradient field of φ(x, y) = x + y

Answer: Now, the gradient of the function φ(x, y) = x + y

δ
∇ φ = →∧∧∧
δ δ
( , ) ( k)(x y) x y +
δ i + y z
x + δ j δ
δ
∇ φ = →∧∧∧
δ
δ
( , ) ( )(x y) x y i +
δ + + y δ
x j δ k z
δ +∧
δ ( , ) (x y)
∇ φ = → ∧( x y) +∧(x y) k +
δ
xyi+δ ∇ φ( , ) = j + δ δ
(1 + 0) → ∧ y z
x
x y i + (0 + 1) ∧j + (0 + 0) ∧k
→∧∧
∇ φ(x,y) = i+ j
 Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC
9
This is the same at each point. A portion of the vector field is sketched in figure below:

X’

Q# 28:
Y

Y’

Figure: 63
Given x y x y2 ,Φ( , )

=δ

.........(i)
x=Φ
δ
1.......................
δ
Φ 2
2xy................... ....( ) x ii

y=×
δ
2
d =Φ
∴ (x y) yy d
dx dxd dx = x +  =
+

d d d d
( ) ( )[ ( ) ( ) ( )] 2 2u
x dy × x × dx uv u vv
x
dx dx
2 1 2 = + y dx dx

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

10
2xy dy 2
dx x d = +

∴ dx
Φ
(x y)
dyd
2
d =Φ
∴
dy
yy d
dy = x + ∴ = +
d d d d
( ) ( )[ ( ) ( ) ( )] 2 2 u
x 2x 2 = × + dx
dy dy dx x 1 y dx vv
× uv u dx
 2
dydx d = +

∴ Φ
x 2xy
We know, dy

ΦΦ=
δδ
δ Φ
dy......................(iii) d ×
×+
δx dx y

d
2 ...............( )[ ( ) & ( )] 2 ⇒ dΦ = xy × dx + x × dy iv from equ i ii = × +
Φ dy
x
dx
2 [ ] 2 Divide both sides by dx
⇒ xy dx
dx dx
dy d
2 . 2dx xy x = +

Φ
∴
dx
from equ
(iv) ,

d xy dx x dy 2 Φ = 2 × +
Divide both sides by dy dy d
2[]2 dy x = +

⇒ xy dx dy
dy
Φ
d
=+
Φ dx
2
2x
∴ xy
dy dy

Q# 31:
Find the level surface of 2 2 2 F(x, y,z) = x + y + z passing through(1,1,1). Graph the
gradient at the point.

Answer: Given, 2 2 2 F(x, y,z) = x + y + z

(1,1,1) 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 ∴ F = + + =
Hence ( , , ) 3 2 2 2 F x y z = x + y + z =
BecauseF(1,1,1) = 3 , the level surface passing through (1,1,1) is the sphere 3 2 2 2 x + y
+z=.
The gradient of the function is
222
F(x, y,z) = x + y + z

F(x, y,z) = x + y + z
222

δ δ δ
( ) ∧∧∧
∴∇F(x, y,z) = k F
i + y δ
δ x + δ j z
∧∧∧
δ
δ δ
∴∇F(x, y,z) = ( )( ) 2 2 2 k x y z x+ +

δ + y + z
i δ j δ

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

13
∴∇F(x, y,z) =
δ ∧∧∧δ
δ
( ) ( ) ( ) 222222222x y z i + + x y z j

+++ δ
δ y
x δ
xyzk z
+++
δ ∧∧∧δ
δ
∴∇F(x, y,z) = (2 0 0) (0 2 0) (0 0 2z) i + +

xj
+++ +++yk
δ δ δ
x y z
 ∴∇F(x, y,z) = i(2x) j(2 y) k(2z) ∧ ∧ ∧
++
∴∇F(x, y,z) = ∧ ∧ ∧
2x i + 2 y j + 2z k
And so, at the given point
∴∇F(1,1,1) = ∧ ∧ ∧
2.1i + 2.1 j + 2.1k
∴∇F(1,1,1) = ∧∧∧

2 i + 2 j + 2k

The level surface and ∇F(1,1,1) are illustrated in figure no 63

Figure

[r f(r)]
Q# 34: Prove that drd
f(r)
.[ 2
1
→
2∇ =
→ r]
r r
−
L.H.S.
Here r = r
→
∇
f(r)
.[
− r r]

δ [ r x i y j zk] → ∧ ∧ ∧
δ f(r)
).[
δ
(i∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ = (x i y j zk)]
=++
 δ x + j δ y + k δ z ++
r

δ
xj
δ δ f(r) f(r)
).(i z)
∧∧∧∧∧ +
= (i y
f(r)
k∧
δ x + j δ y + k δ z + r
r r
δ
= -----------------------------------(i)
f(r) x + δ f(r) + δ f(r)
y z
δ
xδ
r δ y r z r
[ i. i = 1; j. j = 1;k .k = 1]
∧∧∧∧∧∧


δ f(r)
Now, x
δx δ
=
f(r) {
r
δ
δx = x}
r
f(r) (x) x + δ δ
rx δ x
δ =+ r
f(r)
f(r) r δ
f(r) r
x .1 x
δ
=+
f(r) r x δ x f(r) r
δ
=+
f(r) −1
r x δ x {f(r)r }

δ
= + −−
f(r) 1 1 δ

x[f(r) δ (r ) r + x
r x δ {f(r)}]
δ
= + − − −f(r) 2 1

x[f(r)( r δ
r {f(r)}]
1)(r ) +
r δ x δ x

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

17
δ
= + − − − f(r) 2 1 '

x[f(r)( δ δδ
r {f
1)(r ) r rx ]
(r)}
+ xr
δ
= + − − − f(r) 2 1 '

x[ δ (r)} ]
f(r)(r ) r rx δδ xr
+ r {f
δ− δ −−
δ = + f(r) 1 ' 2

x[r {f (r)} ] r
r x f(r)(r )
rx δ
δ− δ
δ =+
f(r) r (r)} ' 1 ]
{f f(r) xr
1
x[
r r x r δ
' 2

δ
=+−
f(r) f (r) f(r) r
x[ ]
r ' r r 2 δ x
δ
=+−
f(r)
++
f (r) f(r) ]
x[ 1
2 222
r r δ (x y z )
r 2 x
 21 2 2 2 2 2 2
[ r r x y z (x y z ) ] ==++=++
→

'
δ
= + − + + − f(r) 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2

f (r) f(r) (x y z ) . 1
x[ 2 ] (x y z )
r 2 x
r r δ ++
'−
= + − + + f(r) 21 2 2 2

f (r) (x y z ) .(2x) 1
x[ 2 ]
f(r)
r r 2
r
'−
= + − + + f(r) 21 2 2 2

f (r) f(r) .(x)

x[
](x y z )
r f(r) r r
' 2
f(r) x
f (r) ]
x[
=+−
1
2 2222
r r r ++
'
(x y z )
f(r)
f (r) f(r) x
x[ ]
=+−

2222
r r r +
' xyz+
f(r)
f (r) =+− x
x[ ]
f(r) 2
r 2' r r r
2

f(r)
= + − ------------------------------------(ii)
x f (r) x f(r)
r
 ly, r r
Similar 2 3
f(r)
2'
2
δ
f(r)
= + − -----------------------(iii)
y y f (r) y f(r)
r 2 r
δy r
r 3
and
2' 2

f(r)
= + − -----------------------(iv)
δ f(r) z z f (r) z f(r)
δz r r r 2
r 3

Putting the value of (ii), (iii) and (iv) in (i)

→ δ
f(r) f(r) f(r) f(r)
.[ =
δ δ
∇z
r] δ x + y +
xδ
− r r δ y r z r
2' 2 2' 2 2' 2
f(r)
=+−3
x f (r) f(r)
++−3
x f(r)
y f (r) f(r) z f (r)
++−
y f(r)
z f(r)
2 3 2 2
r r r r r r r r r
2' 2 2' 2 2' 2
f(r)
=3+−3
x f (r) y f (r)
+−3
x f(r)
y f(r) −
z f (r) z f(r)
+
r r r r r r r
' 2 3 2 2

f(r) f(r) 2 2 2
3 2 2 2 f (r)

= + + + (x y z )
r (x y z ) 2 3− ++r
r'
 f(r)
=3+2
f (r) r f(r)
2 −
r r 3r
r 2

f(r) = + f(r)
3' r −
r f (r)

f(r)
2 '= +
r f (r)

f(r)
1 2' .r [2

2= + f (r)]
r r
1 2'2= +
r f (r)]
[2rf(r) r

= [r f(r)] d 2
dr [  2rf(r) r f (r)] = + 1 2
2'
2

r
d
[r f(r)] dr

(Proved)

Directional derivatives

Figure # 68
OP is a position vector →r where → ∧ ∧ ∧
Let → d r is a small
r = x i+ y j+ z k and →
displacement corresponding to changesdx , dy , dz in x , y , z respectively, then

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

19
→∧∧∧
dr = dx i+ dy j+ dz k ……………………....………(i) If
φ
φ(x, y,z) is a scalar function at P, then the gradient of φ →

δδ
δ
= ∧∧∧
grad φ = ∇ φ
δ

x .....................(ii) ( k)

δ + y +
i δ j z
δ
= k dx i dy j dz k
δ
δ
Then grad →
φ.d r → →
= ∇ φ.d r ( ) .( ) ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
i + y φ++
δ + δ j δ z
x
δφ
= k dx i dy j dz k
δφ δφ
+ +
∧∧∧∧∧∧
( ).( )
δ y z δφ δφ
+ +
x j δφ
i ++ = δ dy
dz
δ δ dx
xδδ

y
z
= dφ
= The total differential dφ of φ
grad →
φ.d r = dφ
dφ =grad →
 φ.d r
→→
dφ
= ∇ φ.d r ------------------------------------(iii)

Figure # 69

We have just established that

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

20
dφ = dr . gradφ
→
dr
If ds is the small element of arc between P(r) and Q(r+dr) then ds=

d r→= →→

dr
ds dr

d r→is thus a unit vector in the direction of →

and ∴ dφ =
ds ds ds
→ dr.
d r . Grad φ
 dr
If we denote this unit vector by aˆ , i.e. ds =aˆ , the result becomes
dφ
=aˆ . Grad φ
ds
dφ
is the projection of grad φ on the unit vector aˆ is called the directional derivative of
ds
φ in the direction of aˆ .It gives the rate of change of φ with distance measured in the
dφ
direction of aˆ and ds = aˆ . Grad φ will be a maximum when aˆ and grad φ have the
same direction, since then, aˆ . φ = φ θ ∧
grad a grad cos and θ will be zero

Thus direction of grad φ gives the direction in which the maximum rate of change of φ
occurs.

Q# 35: Find the directional derivative of the function φ = 2 2 2 x z + 2xy + yz at the point
of (1, 2,-1) in the direction of the vector → ∧ ∧ ∧
A = 2 i+ 3 j+ k .
We start off with φ = 222
x z + 2xy + yz
φ
∴∇φ = δδ
δ ∧∧∧
δ
( k)
δ i + y
x + δ j z
δ ∧∧∧
δ δ
∴∇φ = ( )( 2 ) 2 2 2 k x z xy yz x+ +

∴∇φ = i δ j δ
δ + y + z

δ ∧∧∧δ

δ
( 2 ) ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 x z xy yz i + + x z xy yz j

+++ x
δ x z xy yz k
 +++ δ
δ z
y
∴∇φ = (2 2.1. 0) (0 2 .2 1. ) ( .1 0 .2 ) 2 2 2 i xz + y + + j + x y + z + k x + + y z ∧ ∧ ∧

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

21
∴∇φ = (2 2 ) (4 ) ( 2 ) 222
i xz + y + j xy + z + k x + yz ∧∧∧

At the point (1,2,−1)

∇φ = (2 2 ) (4 ) ( 2 ) 2 2 2 i xz + y + j xy + z + k x + yz ∧ ∧ ∧
∴∇φ = [2.1.( 1) 2(2 )] [4.1.2 ( 1) ] [(1 2.2.( 1)] 2 2 2 − + + + − + + − ∧ ∧ ∧
ijk
∴∇φ = [−2 + 8]+ [8 + 1)]+ [(1 − 4] ∧ ∧ ∧
ijk
∴∇φ = [6]+ [9)]+ (−3) ∧ ∧ ∧
ijk
∴∇φ = ∧ ∧ ∧
6 i + 9 j− 3k

Next we have to find out the unit vector aˆ where → ∧ ∧ ∧

A = 2 i+ 3 j− 4k
→
∧
AA
∴=a

+−
∴ =∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ i j k

a 4) + + −
234
222
23(
+−
∴ =∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ i j k

a
2 3 4 ∧∧
2344 ∧
9 16
++
∧ + −
∴=ijk
a 29

Hence = ∇φ φ ∧ →
 a.
dsd
∧∧∧
d
+− φ ∧∧
+− = ijkijk234
∧

ds d
.(6 9 3 )
29
φ
=+−+− ijkijk
ds
1 ∧∧∧∧∧∧
(2 3 4 ).(6 9 3 ) 29

(12 27 12) 1 φ
29 = + + dsd
51 φ d
= ds Answer
29
Q#36: Find the directional derivative of the function φ = x y y z z x 2 2 2 + + at the point of
(1, -1, 2) in the direction of the vector → ∧ ∧ ∧
A = 4 i+ 2 j− 5k .
We have φ = x y y z z x 2 2 2 + +

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

22
φ
∴∇φ = δδ
δ ∧∧∧
δ
( k)
δ i + y
x + δ j z
∧∧∧
δ
δ δ
∴∇φ = ( )( ) 2 2 2 k x y y z z x x+ +

i y + z
δ + δ j δ
δ ∧∧∧δ
δ
 ∴∇φ = ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 x y y z z x i + + x y y z z x j

+++ δ
δ y
x δ
xyyzzxk z
+++
∴∇φ = (2 0 .1) ( .1 2 0) (0 .1 2 ) 2 2 2 i xy + + z + j x + yz + + k +
y + zx ∧ ∧ ∧ ∴∇φ = (2 ) ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 2 2 2 i xy + z + j x + yz + k y + zx
∧∧∧

At the point (1,−1,2)

∴∇φ = (2 ) ( 2 ) ( 2 ) 2 2 2 i xy + z + j x + yz + k y + zx ∧ ∧ ∧
∴∇φ = [2.1.( 1) 2 )] [1 2( 1).2] [( 1) 2.2.1] 2 2 2 − + + + − + − + ∧ ∧ ∧
ijk
∴∇φ = [−2 + 4]+ [1− 4]+ [1+ 4] ∧ ∧ ∧
ijk
∴∇φ = ∧ ∧ ∧
2 i − 3 j + 5k
Next we have to find out the unit vector aˆ where → ∧ ∧ ∧
A = 4 i+ 2 j− 5k
→
∧
AA
∴=a

+−
∴ =∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ i j k

a 5) + + −
425
222
42(
+−
∴ =∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ i j k

a
4 2 5 ∧∧
4 2 5 16∧
4 25

++
∧+ −
∴=ijk
a 45

Hence = ∇φ φ ∧ →
 a.
dsd
∧∧∧
d
+− φ
= ijkijk
.(2 3 5 )
(4 2 5 ) ∧ ∧ ∧ 45
ds d −+

φ
=+−−+ ijkijk
ds ∧∧∧∧∧∧
(4 2 5 ).(2 3 5 ) 451

(8 6 25) 1 φ
45 = − − dsd

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

23
( 23) 1 φ d
45 = − ds Answer

Q# 37 Suppose that over a certain region of space the electrical potential V is given by
(x, y, z) 5x 3xy xyz 2 φ = − +
(i) Find the rate of change of the potential at P(3,4,3) in the direction of the vector
→∧∧∧
v = i+ j− k
(ii) In which direction does φ changes most rapidly at P?
(iii) What is the maximum rate of change at P?
→ φ
δδ
δ ∧∧∧
=
Answer: grad φ = ∇ δ
φ ( k)
δ i + y
x + δ j z
δ
= ∧∧∧
δ δ
( −+
2

x + j δ k)(5x xyz)
δ i δ y + z 3xy
δ
δ
= ∧∧∧ δ
 (i 2 − +
x j y k )(5x xyz)
δ + δ + δ z 3xy
δ ∧(5x 3xy xyz)
δ
=∧(5x 3xy xyz)
i 2− + +
δ x −++ j2
δ
y
δ∧
k 2− +
(5x 3xy xyz)
δ
z
= − + + ∧i(10x 3y yz) − + + ∧j( 3x xz) k(xy) ∧
At P (3, 4, 3),
→
= − + + ∧i(10x 3y yz) − + + ∧j( 3x xz) k(xy) ∧
∇φ
→
= × − × + × + ∧i(10 3 3 4 4 3) − × + × + ∧j( 3 3 3 3) k(3× 4) ∧
∇φ
→
= − + + ∧i(30 12 12) − + + ∧j( 9 9) k(12) ∧
∇φ
→
= + ∧i(30) ∧
∇φ ∧∧∧∧∧∧

12 k →

v=3ijk

Given, → ∧ ∧ ∧ 222 1 1 ( 1)
v = i+ j− k ; the unit
vector of →v =∧a = → v ++−
+−
i) =ijk
ijk
[∧ ∧ ∧
+−
→ ∧
. a [i(30) 12
k]. ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∇φ
. a [i(30) 12
k]. ∧ ∧
+− 3
∇φ → ∧ ]
. a 312
] i ∧∧∧
=+ 3 [ j
] +−3
= + 3k
30
∇φ =[
−3

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

24
30 12 −
=== =
18 18 3
→ ∧
. a63
∇ φ ii) 3 3 3

→
= + ∧i(30) ∧
∇φ 12 k
iii)

(30) (12) 900 144 1044 2 2 ∇φ = + = + = →

V(x,y,z) = xz i+ xyz j− y k2 Find divergence of →V that is →

Q# 38: If → ∧ ∧ ∧
divV
δ 2
= (xz i xyz j y k) ∧ ∧ ∧
δ δ
→ ∧∧∧
Answer: (
+−
divV →
= ∇.V k).
i + y j + δ
δ x δ z
δ
= [∴ i .i = 1, ∧ ∧j.j = 1 ∧ ∧,k .k = 1 ∧ ∧,k .i = 0 etc. ∧ ∧]
(xz) δ− 2

δ δ
+
δ x y (xyz) z (y )
δ

= z + xz Answer

Q# 39: Let →
V be a constant vector field. Show that divV = 0
→
Answer: Let, → ∧ ∧ ∧
V = a i+ b j+ ck , where a,b,c are constants, Then
δ
= (a i b j ck) ∧ ∧ ∧
δ δ
→ ∧∧∧
(
divV → ++
 = ∇.V k).
i + δ y j + δ z
δ x
δ
= [∴ i .i = 1, ∧ ∧j.j = 1 ∧ ∧,k .k = 1 ∧ ∧,k .i = 0 etc. ∧ ∧]
(a) + δ (b) + δ (c)
δ xδ
=0 δ y z

Q# 40: what is solenoidal?

Answer: If →A is solenoidal then .→ →

∇A=0

−−
=∧ ∧
xiyjv
+
→
is a “sink field”. Plot and give a physical
22
Q# 41:Show that the vector field xy
interpretation.
Answer: given,
−−
=∧ ∧
xiyjv
+
→

22
xy
−
=j
x
y −
i +

→∧∧ v2 2 2 2 x y
+
xy+ x
( 2222
−
y −
i +

δ
≡ ∇ ≡ j 0.k)
δ δ ∧∧∧
→→→∧∧∧
div v .v (
+
∴ k).
 x + y + z
δ i δ j δ xy+ xy+

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

25
δ x y(
≡ ∇ ≡ →→ (− y−
→

δ
2222
div v .v +
δ xy+ ) )
x + δ xy
δ x y (
≡ ∇ ≡ →→ ( − y−
→

δ
2222
div v .v +
δ xy+ ) )
x + δ xy
(xy)
δ−−−
2222

δδ
δ−−−
δδ
+ (xy) (xy)+
2222
( y) ( y)
→
+ x (xy)+ y
y δ
≡ ∇ ≡ → → ( x) ( x) x δ
div v .v
+
222
(xy)
(xy)+

δ δ
222
+

2222 ( x y )( 1) y
2222 ( x y )( 1) x (xy)+
+−+
+−+ (xy)+
δ δ
≡ ∇ ≡ →→→
x y
div v .v
+
222
(xy)+ +
 (xy)
222
2222
δ
−++
δ
−++
2222
(xy)+
(xy)y
≡∇≡→ (xy)x x (xy)+ y
→→ δ δ
div v .v
+
+
222 222

(xy) (xy)
+ δ
−++
δ 1
−++ 2 2222
1
2 2222
≡∇≡→ (xy)x x (x y ) + ( x y ) y + y
→→ δ (x y ) δ
div v .v
+
222 222
(xy)+ (xy)
1
+
1
δ (x y ) . 1
δ (x y ) . 1 −+++ 2 (xy)y
−+++ 2 (xy)x

−
− 221
2222
221 (x y ) 22222 + y
2
→→→ + (x y ) δ
δ x
div v .v
+
≡∇≡ (xy) + (xy)1
+
222 222
1
−−2222
(x y ) .(2x) 1
2 ( x y ) x →→→

(x y ) .(2y) 1 −+++
2 ( x y ) y2
2
2222− + + +

div v .v
+
≡∇≡ + (xy)1
222 222
(xy)
+ 1
 −+++
≡ ∇ ≡− − → → →
22222 22222
( x y ) x (x y ) div v .v
+−+++

2
x
222
(xy)
22
(xy) −++
+
( x y ) y (x y ) 1
2 2
+ y
(xy)
22
222
−++
(xy) 1
2
22 22
div v .v
++ (x y )

≡ ∇ ≡ →→→ 22 + + 22
+ xy 2
(x y ) xy
2
2 y
x ( x y ) 22
( x y ) 22
2
div v .v
++ − + + + − + +

≡ ∇ ≡ →→ 22 xy
→ +
22 xy + 22 xy
22 xy

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

26
222 −−+ 222 −−+
x y x 22 x y y 22
div v .v
++ x y

≡ ∇ ≡ → →+ + x y 22x y
→
22 xy +
 − y 2
− x 2

22
22
div v .v
++ x y

≡∇≡→ 22 xy
→→ +2
+ +
x y 2 2 x y2
y
div v .v2 2 2 2
− (x y )( x y ) x
≡ ∇ ≡ →→→
−
2222 +
++ −+
≡ ∇ ≡ →→→
22 (x y )( x y )
yx ++
div v .v2 2 2 2
−− 1
≡ ∇ ≡ →→→ div v .v2 2<
(x y )( x y ) (x y )( x y ) + +
++
22
(x y )
div v .v2 2 2 2

−
≡ ∇ ≡ →→→
0
xy
+
So, →v a “sink field”
 Figure # 70

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

27
→
Q# 42: Let
V be a constant vector field. Show that curlV = 0
→
Answer Let, → ∧ ∧ ∧
V = a i+ b j+ ck , where a,b,c are constants, Then
δ ∧∧∧
= k)
δ δ
curlV →
=∇×V×
( (a i b j ck) ∧ ∧ ∧ ++
→
δ i + y +
x δ j δ z

∧∧∧ ijk
δ δ
=
δ
δ δ
xyz δ
abc
 c i( δ − δ ∧)
δ δ = za
) −
zb δδ
c j( δ − δ
δ δ

) b k( δ
−∧ ya δ

y +∧
x x
= i(0 − 0) − j(0 − 0) ∧+ k(0 − 0) ∧
∧

=0
Q# 43: If → ∧ ∧ ∧
v(x,y,z) = xz i+ xyz j− y k2 Find →
curlV

Answer: The curl of a vector field → ∧ ∧ ∧

v(x,y,z) = xz i+ xyz j− y k2 is defined by
∧∧∧
ijk
δ
δ
δ
δ 2
(xz i xyz j y k) ∧∧∧

δ δ
( ∧ ∧ ∧ →v k)
×+−=
∇×= + + xyz δ δ δ
i j δ y z δ
x δ
2
xz xyz y −
δ−− δ ∧ k[ δ −
i[ 2δ δ = (xz)] δ δδ
δ−− δ ∧
j[ 2δ δ − (xz)]
y +∧ (xyz)
(xyz)] (y)
(y) z x z x y
= i[−2y − xy] − j[0 − x] + k[yz −
∧ ∧

0] ∧ = −[2y + xy]i jx∧

∧
∧ +
+ k yz
= −[2y + xy]i ∧
∧
+ yzk
+xj∧
Q# 44: What is irrotational Field or conservative vector field?

A vector field →V for which the curl vanishes, that is: ∇ × V = 0

Q# 45: Determine →F is a conservative vector field or not where

→∧∧∧
F = x y i+ xyz j− x y k 2 2 2
Answer:
So all that we need to do is compute the curl and see if we get the zero vector or not.

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

28
→∧∧∧
The curl of a vector field
F = x y i+ xyz j− x y k 2 2 2 is defined by
∧∧∧
ijk
δ 222
(x y i xyz j x y k) ∧∧∧

δ δ δ δ δ
∧∧∧→
( F k)
×+−=
∇×= + + xyz δ δ δ
i j δ y z δ
x δ
222
x y xyz x y
−
δ−− δ ∧ δ−− δ ∧
i[ 2 2δ δ = (x y)] δ −

j[ 2 2 2
y (xyz)] (xy) z
(xy) z x δ
+∧
δ−
δδ
k[ 2
x (xyz) δ y (x y)]

i[ 2x y xy] 2 = − − ∧j[ 2xy 0] 2 − − − ∧k[yz x ]2 + − ∧

≠0
So, the curl isn’t the zero vectors and so this vector field is not
conservative.
Q# 47: Prove that; → →
curl(φ F) = gradφ × F ; if →F is irrotational and φ(x, y, z)is a
Scalar function.
Answer: Let, → ∧ ∧ ∧
F = F1 i+ F2 j+ F3 k
curl( F) ( F)→
→
∴ φ = ∇× φ
−

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

29
δ
= ∧ ∧ ∧) [
δ ×φ ∧∧∧
δδ
(i (F i F j F k)] 1 2 3
δ x + j δ y + k z ++

δ )
= ∧∧∧ z
δ δ ∧∧∧

(i ( F i F j F k) 1 2 3
x j y k × +φ
δ + δ + δ φ+φ

∧∧∧i jk
δ δ δ
=
δ δ
xyz δ
φφφ
F1 F2 F3
1 δφ−
2 δφ− δ k[ 2 φ δ δδ
∧
i[ 3 φ δ δ = ( F )]
1 δφ− δ
∧
j[ 3 φ δ − ( F )]
δ
δ ( F )] (F) +∧ (F)
=φ (F)
y z x z x y
3 3 2 2 δφ − δ − φ δφ 3 3 1 1 δφ − δ − φ δφ
i[ δ δ δ + j[ δ δ δ +
δ
−φ
∧]
z
δ ∧ (F ) F x xz
(F ) F ]
(F ) F y z
yz δ (F ) F
 2 2 1 1 δφ − δ − φ δφ
k[ δ δ δ +
∧
δ
+φ x xy ]
y
δ (F ) F (F ) F
32 δ− δ ∧
21 δ−
[i{ δ δ = φ (F )} k{ δ δδ
31 δ− δ ∧
j{ δ δ − (F )}]
y (F )} +∧
(F ) (F )
(F ) z x z x y
3 2 δφ − δφ ] 2 1 δφ − δφ ∧
i[F δ δ +∧ z k[F δ δ +
3 1 δφ − δφ ]
j[F δ δ −∧ y
y ] F F
z x x
F
∧∧∧i jk
∧∧∧i jk
δ δ δ δφ δφ δφ
=φ +
δ xyz
δ δ δ xyz
δ δ
F1 F2 F3 φ× F − − − −
F1 F2 F3
= φ(∇× F) + ∇

= φ.0 + ∇ φ× F [ (∇× F) = 0
 for irrotational]
−− −−
−−
= ∇ φ× F

gradφ × F (Proved)
−=
Q# 48: Prove that → → → → → → → → →
a× (b× c ) = (a . c )b− (a .b) c
Answer: Let → → →
a,b, c are three vectors
Then → ∧ ∧ ∧
a = a1 i+ a2 j+ a3 k
→∧∧∧
b = b1 i+ b2 j+ b3 k
→∧∧∧
c = c1 i+ c2 j+ c3 k
→→ ∧∧∧ ∧∧∧
×=
(b c ) (b i b j b k) 1 2 3
+ + (c i c j c k) 1 2 3
×++
= 0 + b1c2k+ b1c3 (− j) + b2c1(−k) + 0 + b2c3 i+ b3c1 j+ b3c2 (− i) + 0 ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧∧∧∧∧∧
= b c k− b c j− b c k+ b c i+ b c j− b c i 1 3 2 1 2 3 3 1 3 2 2 1
∧
j(b c b c ) + 3 1 − 1 3
∧
k(b c b c ) + 1 2− 2 1
∧
i(b c b c ) = 2 3 − 3 2
Now,
∧
j(b c b c ) + 3 1 − 1 3
→→→
a (b c )
×× ∧
k(b c b c )} + 1 2− 2 1
= + + × ∧∧∧
∧
(a i a j a k) 1 2 3 {i(b c b c ) 2 3 − 3 2
∧∧∧
ijk
=
aaa
123
(b c b c ) (b c b c ) (b c b c
−−−
233231131221

= − − − − ∧i{a (b c b c ) a (b c b c )} 2 1 2 2 1 3 3 1 1 3 j{a (b c b c ) a (b c b c )} 1 1 2 − 2 1 − 3 2 3 − 3 2
∧

∧
k{a (b c b c ) a (b c b c )} + 1 3 1 − 1 3 − 2 2 3 − 3 2
= − − + + ∧i(a b c a b c a b c a b c ) 2 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 1 3 1 3 j( a b c a b c a b c a b c ) − 1 1 2 + 1 2 1 + 3 2 3 − 3 3 2
∧

∧
k(a b c a b c a b c a b c ) + 1 3 1 − 1 1 3 − 2 2 3 + 2 3 2
= − + − − + + ∧i(a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 1 3 1 3
∧
j(a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c ) 2 2 2 − 2 2 2 − 1 1 2 + 1 2 1 + 3 2 3 − 3 3 2
∧
k(a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c ) + 3 3 3 − 3 3 3 + 1 3 1 − 1 1 3 − 2 2 3 + 2 3 2
∧
1 1 2 2 3 3 b1 = i{(a c + a c + a c ) (a b a b a b )c } − 1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 b2 +
j{(a c + a c + a c ) ∧ (a b a b a b )c } − 2 2 + 1 1 + 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 b3 + k{(a c + a c
+ a c ) ∧(a b a b a b )c } − 3 3 + 1 1 + 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 b1 = i{(a c + a c + a c ) ∧(a b a
b a b )c } − 1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 b2 + j{(a c + a c + a c ) ∧ (a b a b a b )c } − 1
∧
1 + 2 2 + 3 3 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 b3 + k{(a c + a c + a c ) (a b a b a b )c } − 1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 3 1 1
∧ ∧
2 2 3 3 b1 = i(a c + a c + a c ) 1 1 2 2 3 3 b2 + j(a c + a c + a c ) 1 1 2 2 3 3 b3 + k(a c
+ac+ac)∧
1122331− i(a b + a b + a b )c ∧1 1 2 2 3 3 2 − j(a b + a b + a b )c ∧1 1 2 2 3 3 3 − k(a
b + a b + a b )c ∧ 1 1 2 2 3 3 b1 = i(a c + a c + a c ) ∧1 1 2 2 3 3 b2 + j(a c + a c + a c )
∧ ∧ ∧
1 1 2 2 3 3 b3 + k(a c + a c + a c ) 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 − {i(a b + a b + a b )c 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 +
j(a b + a b + a b )c ∧k(a b a b a b )c } + 1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 3
∧
b k) 3∧
∧
+bj2
= (a c + a c + a c )(b i 1 1 2 + ∧
2 3 3 1∧ + c j 2 c k) 3∧
− (a b + a b + a b )(c i 1 1 2 2 3 3 1∧ +

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

31
∧∧∧ ∧∧∧ ∧∧∧ ∧∧∧
= + + (c i c j c k)} 1 2 3
{(a i a j a k). 1 2 3 + + {(a i a j a k). 1 2 3
∧∧∧ −++
(b i b j b k)} 1 2 3 ∧∧∧
+ + (b i b j b k) 1 2 3
+ + (c i c j c k) 1 2 3
++
→→→→→→
= (a . c )b− (a .b) c Proved

, r ∂
Q# 50: If 2 2 2 2 r = x + y + z then find x ∂
, r r →∧∧∧
y ∂∂z ∂∂ We have,
r = x i + y j+ zk

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

34
→

2
1222222
∴ r = r = x + y + z = (x + y + z )
2
2
→
r r (x y z ) = x + y + z
⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨⎧

1
2 2222
-------------------------(i)
∴==++ Differentiating (i) with
∂=
222 respect to x partially,

2222
r=x+y+z ∂∂
r
similarly
∴ r
, r=
2 ( ) 222x y z ry ∂∂ y
r++xx
∂ ∂
∴x
r=
2=2+0+0 rz ∂∂
r
∂
x

rx
∴ r= z
∂∂ x


Q# 51: Show that ∇ ⋅ r = 3 
∂
∇⋅=
ˆr⋅++ ⎟
i ⎟ ⎠⎞
⎜⎛
⎜ ⎝ ∂∂
∂
ˆ ˆ ˆ
Also, ( k) j z i y x
∂ x + ∂ y + k z
jˆ
∂ x=++=
= ∂∂
∂ y z
1113
1, ∧ ∧ x ∂ +
[i.i=∂ + y z
 j. j = 1 ∧ ∧,k .k = 1 ∧ ∧, i . j = 0 ∧ ∧, i .k = 0 ∧ ∧, j. i = 0 ∧ ∧, j.k = 0 ∧ ∧,k . i = 0 ∧ ∧,k . j = 0 ∧ ∧]

2
Q# 52: Show that r.r =   r
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
Also, k) j z i y k).(x j z i y r.r = (x + + + +  
222
r.r = x + y + z   [ i. i = 1; j. j = 1;k .k = 1] ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧

2
= r [ r x y z ] 2222 = + +
Similarly,
→→
2
A.A. = A
→→
2
∇ .∇ = ∇ c
t
∂  i
∇= r o
Q# 54: Show n
o
that → → → f
a
Solution v
Let → ∧ ∧ ∧ a
A r
= i
A a
1
b
i l
+ e
A o
r
2
v
j
a
+
r
A
i
3 a
k b
i l
s e
a s
v
e ∇
c
t φ
o 
r k
a
n )
d
φ .
i
(
s
a A
f
u )
n
→
∧∧∧→
(
.( A) δ + j φ
L.H.S = i + δδ
δ
 δ x δ y z
∧∧∧∧∧∧
δ
=
δ δ
( 123
+ x j AjA z
δ + y δ k)
i δ k). (A iφ + +
∧∧∧∧∧∧
δ
=
δ
φ+φ+φ
δδ
( 123
x + j k).( A iA j A k) z
δ i δ y +
δ 12 3 δ
= [ i. i = 1; j. j = 1;k .k = 1] ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ x φ δ φ+

δ
φ+ 
δ (A) y (A) (A)
δ z

δ
=φ
112233φ
x δδ
(A ) A + δφ+φ () δφ+φ ()
δδ δδ
(A ) A + (A ) A
δ z z
x δ y y δ + ()

d
[ = +
d vv u]
δ (uv) u dx dxd
= dx
123123
A δδ
δ +φ δφ+φ δ +φ
φ+ δ δ δδ
φ+
δ ()A y () (A ) (A ) (A )
x δ ()A z x y z

⎧
⎩⎨ δδ
 ⎭⎬⎫
δ
= (A )
δ δ
φ+
δφ+φ δ
δ φ+
A1 2 3 1 2 3
x ()A y ()A () x (A ) + δ y (A ) +
δ δ z δ z
⎧
⎩⎨ δδ

⎭⎬⎫
δφ
= (A )
δφ + φ δφ+ δ
+ δ δ
A1 2 3 1 2 3
δ A y (A ) + (A )
A zxδ + δ y z
x δ
⎧
⎩⎨ δδ

⎭⎬⎫
δφ
= (A )
δφ +φ δφ A (A ) (A )
A + A δ + δ
δ +
+
x1 2 3 1 2 3 δ

δ yz δ x δy z
⎧
⎩⎨ δδ ⎭⎬⎫

δ (A ) δ δφ δφ δφ
=φ + + +
1 2 3 1 2 A3
δ + (A ) + (A ) A A
xδ
δ y z δ x δ y z
∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧
δ
=φ
δ δφ δφ δφ
+++ + +
δ
( 123123
+ δ i x + δ j y k).(A i A j A k)
 (δ i δ y k).(A i + +
z δ x j δ A j A k) z

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

36
∧∧∧∧∧∧
[ i. i = 1; j. j = 1;k .k = 1]

δ ∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧
=φ
δ δ δ δ δ
( 123123
+ x j AjA δ δ + y k) .(A i φ + +
δ + y k) ( z i δ AjA z
i δ k).(A i + + + + x j δ k)

= φ(∇.A) + (∇φ).A   [→ ∧ ∧ ∧
→→
δ
∇=k
δ δ
]
i
+
j
+
δ
x
δ
y
δ
z

∴∇.(φ A) = φ(∇.A) + (∇φ).A   

→→→

Q# 58: Show that ⎥ ⎤ ⎢ ⎡ ⎟ ⎞ ⎜ ⎛ 3 1 .

⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ ∇∇ r .r r34 =
⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛ 3 1
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ = ∇ ∇ r L.H.S . r  
r& ∂ 
∂ ∇= rr
 r 
.r ]
⎥⎤⎢⎡ ⎧⎟⎞⎜
rr

⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨ ⎠ ⎝⎛ r . r 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ ∂ −3
⎦ ⎣∂ =∇ r [ ] 3 1 . r( 3)r
−−
∂ 3
= ∇ r1 =∇− [ ] 4 . r( 3)r − =
4 −
∇ −   .[ 3r r]  
rr =
∂
r  ∇−
.r  r[ ∂ 
∂ ∇= rr
⎥⎤⎢⎡
⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ ∂ −3
⎩⎨ ∂ = ∇ r

44  
3r ( r) { ( 3r )} r   = − ∇ ⋅ + ∇ − ⋅ − − [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A] ∇ φ


= φ ∇ + ∇φ 

→→→

44  
3r ( r) 3{ (r )} r   = − ∇ ⋅ − ∇ ⋅ −−
 r 44 ⋅ r[ ∂ 
∂ ∇= 
9r 3  ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ ∂ −− 
⎩⎨ ∂ = − − [ ∇ ⋅ r = 3] &] rr

rr
r 4 4 ⋅
9r 3  ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ ∂ −−
⎩⎨ ∂ = − −
rrrr
r 441 ⋅
9r 3  ⎭⎬⎫ (r r) r
⎧ 
⎩⎨ = − − −
−−−
= − − − ⋅ −−
( 4)r r r 9 51
1 4 4 1  ⋅ 3( 4)r r (r r)
9r 3 ( 4)r ⎭⎬⎫ rr
⎧ −−−
⎩⎨ = − − − ×
4

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

39

=−−−⋅−
96
3( 4)r (r r)
r 4

9 
= − + ⋅ [ r.r = r]2
12
2
r
46r r
44 9
=−+
r12
r
.
r34 =

 .
rr24 =
Q# 59: Show that ⎥ ⎤ ⎢ ⎡ ⎟ ⎞ ⎜ ⎛
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ ∇∇⋅2
2
r
r
L.H.S 
⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ =∇∇⋅2
2
r
2
⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ =∇∇⋅r
1
r
2


∇ φ = φ ∇ + ∇φ 
 
2  [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅ ⎧⎟⎞⎜⎛
→→→

() ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨ ⎠ ⎝ = ∇ ∇ ⋅ + ∇ r

1 r 1
r
22r


2 [ ∇ ⋅ r = 3] &]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅ ⎧⎟⎞⎜
∂
=∇+r
⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨ ⎠ ⎝⎛ r[ ∂ 
∂ ∇= 

3 r 1
22r r
r ∂ r rr
 ⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅
2  ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫

⎧ ∂ −
⎩⎨ ∂ = ∇ + (r ) r
32
r
2 rr
r
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅
2  ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫

3 21
r
⎧ −−
⎩⎨ = ∇ + − ( 2)(r ) r
r 2 r
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅
2  ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫

33
r
⎧ −
⎩⎨ = ∇ + − ( 2)(r ) r
r 2 r

2  3 31

⎥⎤⎢⎡ −−
{} ⎦ ⎣ =∇+−⋅ r.( 2)(r .r ) r
r 2

2 34

⎥⎤⎢⎡ −
{} ⎦ ⎣ = ∇ + − ⋅ r.( 2)(r ) r
r 2

2 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −
() ⎦ ⎣ ⋅ =∇+rr
3 24r
2
r
⎥⎤⎢ −
⎦ ⎣⎡ = ∇ +
2


3 [ r.r = r]2
2
2
r
 r 3
24r 2
⎥⎤⎢⎡
⎦ ⎣ = ∇ − 222

r r

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

40
1
⎟⎞⎜⎛
⎠ ⎝ =∇2
2
r
1
[ 2 ∇ .∇ = ∇
→→
⎟⎞⎜⎛ 2
⎠ ⎝ = ∇ ⋅ ∇ r ]


r ]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜ ⎥⎤⎢⎡ −
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝⎛ ⎦ ⎣ = ∇ ⋅ − ( 2)(r )
∂ 2 r
= ∇ ⋅ r1 
rr r 
∂ ⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛ 3

 ⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ =∇⋅− r2
⎥⎤⎢⎡ ∂ −
r
⎦ ⎣ ∂ = ∇ ⋅ (r ) 
r2 r 
rr ⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛ 4
 ⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ = ∇ ⋅ − r2
 

r 21
⎥⎤⎢⎡ ⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜⎛
⎦ ⎣ =∇⋅−
−−
( 2)(r ) ⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝ =∇⋅−r
r 2
r[ ∂ 
 ∂ ∇= rr

r3
 4

r
→→→
 
 ⋅

∇ φ = φ ∇ + ∇φ 

⎧⎟⎞⎜ −
⎩⎨ ⎠ ⎝⎛ = − ∇ ⋅ + ∇ [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A]
2
2 ⎭⎬⎫
()r
r
44
r
r
 
 =−∇⋅−∇⋅−

24

r
( r) 2{ (r )} r 4 r[ ∂ 
⋅ ∂ ∇= 
 ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ ∂ − 
⎩⎨ ∂ = − − [ ∇ ⋅ r = 3] ]64

r r rr
4 2
(r ) r rr
⋅
 ⎭⎬⎫
6 41
r
2
 ⎧ −−
⎩⎨ = − − −
r r ( 4)(r ) r
4

⋅
 ⎭⎬⎫
65
r
2
⎧ −
⎩⎨ = − − −
r r ( 4)(r ) r
4


= − − − ⋅ −−6 51

r )} r 4
2{r( 4)(r r

= − + ⋅ −66

r 8{r(r )} r
4


=−+⋅
6
1
8
(r r)
r
46r

6 
= − + [ r.r = r]2
r 46r r
1 2
8

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

41
44
r8
6
=−+
r
.
r24 =
 −3 r 
Q# 60: Show that grad div →A 2r r = − ; Where, r A =
Answer: grad div →A
→→
=∇
grad( .A)
→→→
=∇∇
( .A)

Now, L.H.S grad div A =

grad( A) =∇⋅

( A)    = ∇ ∇ ⋅
⎟⎞⎜⎛=∇∇⋅  r 
⎠ ⎝ rr   [Given,r A =]
1
(
⎥⎤⎢⎡
⎦ ⎣ = ∇ ∇ ⋅ r)
r

∇ φ = φ ∇ + ∇φ 
  
1  [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅ ⎧⎟⎞⎜⎛
→→→

() ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨ ⎠ ⎝ = ∇ ∇ ⋅ + ∇ r

r 1r
r
 
3 1  [ ∇ ⋅ r = 3] &]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅ ⎧ ∂ −
r
() ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫ ⎩⎨ ∂ = ∇ + r r r [ ∂ 
∂ ∇= 

r rr rr
 ⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅
3 11  ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫

r
⎧ −−
⎩⎨ = ∇ + − ( 1)(r ) r
r r
 ⎥⎤⎢⎡⋅
3 2  ⎦ ⎣ ⎭⎬⎫

r
 ⎧ −
⎩⎨ = ∇ + − ( 1)(r ) r
r r

3  21 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −−
{} ⎦ ⎣ =∇+−⋅ r( 1)(r r ) r
r
3  3 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −
{} ⎦ ⎣ = ∇ + − ⋅ r( 1)(r ) r
r
3 3  
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −
{} ⎦ ⎣ = ∇ + − ⋅ ( 1)(r ) (r r)
r
 
3 [ r.r = r]2
1
⎥⎤⎢⎡
⎦ ⎣ =∇−
2

r r
 3r
3
⎥⎤⎢⎡=∇−
⎦ ⎣ r1 r

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

42

2
⎟⎞⎜⎛=∇
⎠ ⎝ r
r
2]
∂= r
r1 2 −1
⎟⎞⎜ (r )
⎠ ⎝⎛ r r rr
∂ r[ ∂ 
∂ ∇= rr
∂
=
∂

 r
2−−= −
11
( 1)r
r

r
2−= −
2
( 1)r
r
21
2r( 1)r r − − = − 
3
2r( 1)r − = − 
−3
2r r =−
2
= f′′ r + ′

Q# 62: Show that 0

r
⎠
⎟⎞⎜⎛=∇ 1 2
⎠ ⎝ r L.H.S

1 [ 2 ∇ .∇ = ∇
⎟⎞⎜⎛=∇⋅∇ ]
⎠ ⎝ r
→→


r ]
⎥⎤⎢⎡⎟⎞⎜ r[ ∂ 
⎦ ⎣ ⎠ ⎝⎛ ∂ ∇= 
∂=∇⋅
r1 r r
 ∂ rr

⎥⎤⎢⎡ ∂ −
⎦ ⎣ ∂ = ∇ ⋅ (r )
r1
rr

r 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −1−1
⎦ ⎣ =∇⋅− ( 1)r
r

r 
⎥⎤⎢⎡ −2
⎦ ⎣ = ∇ ⋅ − ( 1)r
r
 [ ] 2 1 r( 1)r r − − = ∇ ⋅ −  
[ ] 3 r( 1)r − = ∇ ⋅ −  
3 −
[ r r]  =∇⋅−
⎥⎤⎢⎡ 3 
⎦ ⎣ = ∇ ⋅ − rr 
[ ] 3r r −= ∇ ⋅ −  
3 −
[ rr]  =∇⋅−
33  
r ( r) ( r) r   = − ∇ ⋅ − ∇ ⋅ − − [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A] ∇


φ = φ ∇ + ∇φ 

→→→
r[ ∂ 
r 33 ⋅ ∂ ∇= 
3r  ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ ∂ −− 
⎩⎨ ∂ = − − [ ∇ ⋅ r = 3] &]
rr
(r ) r rr
 ⋅
3 311 ⎭⎬⎫
⎧ −−
⎩⎨ = − − −
r r ( 3)r (rr)
3
 ⋅
3 41 ⎭⎬⎫

⎧ −
⎩⎨ = − − −
3
( 3)r (rr)
r r

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

45

= − − − ⋅ −−3 41

r r) 3
{( 3)r r }(r
 
= − − − ⋅ −−3 41

r r) 3
{( 3)r }(r

= − − − ⋅ −35

r −−3
3 ⎭⎬⎫ (r
{( 3)r 3
 ⋅ r)
}(r r)
−
⎩⎨⎧ =

r
35r

− 
⎩⎨⎧ = − − [ r.r = r]2
3 3 2
⎭⎬⎫
3
r 3
35 r r
33= − 0
+=
r r

Q# 63: Find →∇ φ if (a) →

φ=
φ = ln r (b) → r1
Answer:
a) Given →
φ = ln r

→→→
∇ φ = ∇ ln r

r]
→→∂ r[ ∂ 
∂ ∇= r
⇒ ∇ φ = ln r r r r
∂
⇒ ∇ φ r r
=→ r 1r
⇒ ∇ φ = →Answer 2
r

φ=
b) Given, → r1
r
→→∇ φ=∇
1
→
r]
→
rr∂ →r 
⇒∇φ= =
r[ ∂
∂ 1 ∂ ∇ r r

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

46

→→
r −1

⇒∇φrr 
= ∂ r
∂
⇒∇φ=−
→→ d
r −−
11
[ ( ) ] −1 = n n x nx
( 1) r  dx
r

→→
r −
2
⇒∇φ=−
r →
( 1) r −
2


→
r
⇒∇φ⇒∇φ∇φ= −→
=−

→
=−⇒
r

 r r
r 1 1
r 2
→ r
r
r 2
r

⇒ ∇ φ = − →Answer 3
r
→
f(r)
.[ ' ∇ = + 2

c) Prove that i. f(r)

− r ] f (r)
r r
[r f(r)]
ii drd
f(r)
.[ 2
1
→
2∇ =
.[→
− r
r
f(r)
r]

Answer: i. r ]
∇− r
→→→→
⎧
⎩⎨ = ∇ + ∇ . r ⎭⎬⎫ 

∇ φ = φ ∇ + ∇φ

f(r) [ .( A) ( .A) ( ).A] →→→

r 
⎪ ⎧⎟ ⎞ ⎜ =
⎛
(.r ⎨ ⎠ ⎝
f(r)

)r ⎪ r[ ∂
→
⎬⎫ ∂ ∇
→
∂
=+.r
3.f(r) ]
r r f(r) r
⎪ rr∂
⎩ ⎪ rr
⎭
 ⎪⎧⎟
⎨ ⎟ ⎠⎞
⎪
⎬⎫
→
⎜⎛−
⎜⎝ =+.r
3.f(r) r r f (r) f(r).1
' →
⎪ r 2
⎪
r ⎩ ⎭
r
⎪⎧⎟ ⎪
⎨ ⎟ ⎠⎞ ⎬⎫
'
→→
⎜⎛−
⎜⎝ =+
3.f(r) f(r).1
(r.r)
r f (r)
r ⎪ r ⎪
⎩ 3 ⎭
⎪⎧⎟ ⎪
⎨ ⎟ ⎠⎞ ' ⎬⎫

⎜⎛− 
⎜ ⎝ = + [ r.r = r]2
3.f(r) f(r).1 2
r
r f (r)
r ⎪ r ⎪
⎩ 3 ⎭

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

47
⎪⎧⎟
⎨ ⎟ ⎠⎞
⎪
⎬⎫
3.f(r) '
⎜⎛−=+
⎜⎝ r
r f (r) f(r).1
r ⎪
⎭
⎪
⎩
+−
3.f(r) r f (r) f(r).1 '
=r
+−
3.f(r) r f (r) f(r) '
=r
 +
2f(r) r f (r) ' =
r
'
2f(r) = +
r f (r)

2f(r)
f (r) ' = +
r
2f(r)
f (r) ' = + (Proved) r
1 2'
[r f (r) 2r f(r)]
2= +
r
12
[r f(r)] drd
2= (Proved)
r

t
n11 −−
r.nr .r = a
n
t
Q# 66: If→ → → v
v = ω× e
r, c
Prove t
→→ o
1 r
.
, ω
W =
h c
e 2
r Answer:
e
→
Let→ ∧ ∧ ∧
r = x i + y j+
ω zk , → ∧ ∧ ∧
i
ω
s
=
a
ω
c
o 1
n i
s +
 = ∇× ω×
→→→→→
→→→→→
→→→
curl v ( r . ) r ( .
)(.)r(.r)
= ∇ ω− ∇
ω−ω∇
Then → → → +ω∇
→∧∧∧∧∧∧
curl v = ∧∧∧→→→→
∇× v →→→→→
→→→→
curl v ( r )
δ δ δ
=++
curl v (x i y j z k).( 1 2 3
+ x j .)(.)r(. −∇ω−ω
δ + y δ r) ∇+ω∇z
i δ k)( i j k) r ( ω + ω + ω
→∧∧∧→→→→→→→→→
δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3
+ x z )(.)r(.r−∇ω−ω
δ + y δ ) ∇+ω∇z
y δ )( i j k) r ( . ω + ω + ω
→∧∧∧→∧∧∧∧∧∧
δ δ
=
δ
δ δ
ω+ω+ω−
δδ
curl v (x 1 2 3 1 2 3
+ x z r(z i δ k) z
δ + y + x j δ ω+ω
y δ )( i j k) δ + y k).( i j + ω
→→→→→→
−ω∇+ω∇
(.)r(.r)
→∧∧∧→
δ δ
=
δ
δ δ
ω+ω+ω−
δδ
curl v (x 1 2 3 1 2 3
x y + )( i j k) ω+ ω
δ + δ y z z r( δ ω+ )
xyz
δ
δ
 →→→→→→
−ω∇+ω∇
(.)r(.r)
→∧∧∧→→→→→→→
δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3
+ x z 0 0) ( . ) r ( . − + + − ω ∇
δ + y δ r) +ω∇z
y δ )( i j k) r (0 ω + ω + ω
→∧∧∧→→→→→→
δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3
+ x z .)r(.r) ∇+ω∇z
δ + y δ ω+ω+
y δ )( i j k) 0 ( ω − − ω
→∧∧∧→→→→→→
δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3
+ x z )r(.r) +ω∇z
δ + y δ ω+ω+
y δ )( i j k) ( . ω − ω ∇

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

49
→∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧∧→
δ δ δ δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3 1 2 3
+ + −ω+ω+ j x z
δ δ δ ω + δ k) r
y z )( i j k) ( i j i z y
x y k).( +
ω+ω+ω δ δ

→→→
+ω∇
(.r)
→∧∧∧→→→→
δ δ δ δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3 1 2 3
+ + )( i j k) ( ω+ω+ ω−ω +ω )r(.r)
y z +ω
δ x δ δ z xyz +ω∇
y δ
δ δ
→∧∧∧∧∧∧→→→
δ δ δ δ δ δ
=
curl v (x 1 2 3 1 2 3
+ + )( i j k) ( ω + ω + ω − ω +ω )(x i y j z k)
y z +ω (.r)
δ δ z xyz ∇
x y δ δ +++ω
δ δ
δ +ω∇=
= → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → curl v (x ω1 + ω2 + ω3 − ω1 + ω2 + ω3 δδ

+ δ z 3 [ ( . r ) 3]
y + )( i j k) ( i j k)
δ x δ y 
z

δ
→∧∧∧→→ = )( i j k) 3

δ δ
curl v (x 1 2 3
x y y z ω+ω ω+ω
δ + δ + δ z +ω−

→→
curl v = (x.0 + y.0 + z.0) + 2ω
→→
curl v = 0 + 2ω
→→
curl v = 2ω
Therefore, → →
1
(Proved)
ω = curl v
2

Q# 67: Show that φ(x, y, z) is any solution of Laplace’s equation. Then ∇φ is a vector
which both solenoidal and irrotational.
Answer:
→→
We have, A solenoidal vector field satisfies ∇ .B = 0
→
A vector field ∇ is said to be irrotational if its curl is zero. That is, if ∇× v = 0
→→
.
A conservative vector field is also irrotational.

Since φ(x, y, z) satisfies the Laplace’s equation hence, 0 2 ∇ φ = or ∇.∇φ = 0

Therefore, →∇ φ is solenoidal.
)
δ ∧∧∧ z
φ
(i δδ
δ
 δ )
= ∧∧∧ z
δ δ
and also curl v = ∇× (∇ φ) → → →× (i
+
j
+
k
δ + δ + δ δ
x j y k δ x y

∧∧∧i jk
δ δ δ
=
δ xyz
δφ δφ δφ
δ δ
δ xyz
δ δ
22 22 22
δφ
−∧)
δφ δφ
=∧) +∧
i( δδyz δφ− zxδδδφ− δδxy
)
δφ− zyδδ yxδδ
j(
δ δ x z k(

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

50
∧ ∧ ∧
= i× 0 − j× 0 + k× 0
=0
Hence →∇ φ is also irrotational. (Proved)

A and →B are irrotational then prove that → →

Q# 68: If → A and →B are irrotational, hence ∇×
A× B is solenoidal. A = 0 → →and ∇× B = 0 → →
Answer: Since →
and if → →

∇ (A× B) = 0 → →
A× B is solenoidal then .→
∇ (A B) → →
L.H.S. ×
.→
 = ∇× A.( B) → → →
B.( A) → → → = A.0 → × B.( A) → → →
− ∇× [ .→ = ∇× A.( B)] → → →
∇ (A B) → → − ∇×
B.0 → −
= 0 (Proved)

Hence → →
A× B is solenoidal. (Proved)

Q# 69: Prove that 2 (A× B).(B×C)× (C × A) = [ABC]

Solution:
L.H.S
(A× B).(B×C)× (C × A)
let,B×C = X
∴(A× B).(B×C)× (C × A)
= (A× B).(X)× (C × A)
= (A× B).[(X.A)C − (X.C)A]
[From Q # 43,→ → → → → → → → →
a× (b× c ) = (a . c )b− (a .b) c ]
∴(A× B).(B×C)× (C × A)=(A× B).[(B×C.A)C − (B×C.C)A]− − − −(i) [
B×C = X]
Now, → →
B×C
∧∧∧
= + + × ∧∧∧
( ) 123b i b j b k ( ) 123
c i+ c j+ c k
i j k ∧∧∧
=
bbb
123

ccc
123

= − − ∧( ) 2 3 3 2 i b c b c ( ) 1 3 3 1 j b c − b c ∧( ) 1 2 2 1
+ k b c − b c ∧ ∴ B×C.C

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

51
=−−∧
[ ( ) 2 3 3 2 i b c b c ( ) 1 3 3 1 j b c − b c ∧( )]. 1 2 2 1 + k b c − b c ∧( ) 1 2 3
∧∧∧
c i+ c j+ c k
= c1 (b2c3 − b3c2 ) − ( ) 2 1 3 3 1 c b c − b c ( )] 3 1 2 2 1 + c b c − b c [∴ i .i = 1, ∧ ∧j.j = 1 ∧
∧
,k .k = 1 ∧ ∧] = c1b2c3 − c1b3c2 − 2 1 3 2 3 1 c b c + c b c 3 1 2 3 2 1 + c b c − c b c
∴ B×C.C = 0 -------------------------------------(ii)
From (i)
∴(A× B).(B×C)× (C × A)=(A× B).[(B×C.A)C − (B×C.C)A]
=(A× B).[(B×C.A)C − 0] [B×C.C = 0; from(ii)] = (A×
B).[(B×C.A)C]
=[A× B.C][B × C.A]
=[ABC][ABC]
We have, Scalar triple product: A.(B C) → → →
× or B.(C A) → → →
× or C.(A B) → → →
× are known as a
scalar triple product. It is symbolically denoted by [ABC] or [BCA] or [CAB]
= 2 [ABC]
(Proved)

Dr. A.N.M. Rezaul Karim/Associate Professor/CSE/IIUC

52