Vector Analysis

The dot or scalar product of two vectors A and B:

The dot product of two vectors A and B, denoted by A.B ( read A dot B), is defined as the
product of the magnitudes of A and B and the cosine of the angle 𝜃 between them.
Mathematically, 𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 = AB cos𝜃, 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋
𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 is a scalar and not a vector.
Problem: Prove that 𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 = 𝐁 ∙ 𝐀
Sol. Let A and B two vectors, then from definition we get
𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 = ABcos𝜃
= BA cos𝜃
=𝐁∙𝐀
Thus, 𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 = 𝐁 ∙ 𝐀
Problem: Prove that the projection of A on B is equal to 𝐀 ∙ 𝐛, where b is a unit vector in the
direction of B.
Sol. Draw perpendiculars from initial and terminal points of A to B and cut the vector B at G and
H, respectively. Draw EF parallel to GH at initial point E.

The projection of A on B is 𝐺𝐻 = 𝐸𝐹 = 𝐴 cos 𝜃 where 𝜃 be the angle between A and B.

From the definition, we get
𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 = ABcos𝜃
𝐀∙𝐁
⇒ Acos𝜃 = =𝑨∙𝒃
𝐵

where 𝒃 is unit vector of B.

Then, the projection of A on B is 𝑨 ∙ 𝒃.
Problem: Find the angle between A=2i+2j-k and B=6i-3j+2k.
Problem: Determine the value of 𝑎 so that A=2i+𝑎j+k and B=4i-2j-2k are perpendicular.
Problem: Find the projection of the vector A=i-2j+k on the vector B=4i-4j+7k.
Problem: Find an equation for the plane perpendicular to the vector A=2i+3j+6k and passing
through the terminal point of the vector B=i+5j+3k.
Sol: Let r be the position vector of the point P (x,y,z), that is, 𝑶𝑷 = 𝑥𝒊 + 𝑦𝒋 + 𝑧𝒌 and Q be the
terminal point of B.

From the figure, OP+PQ=OQ

or, OP=B-r which is perpendicular to A, then 𝐎𝐏 ∙ 𝐀 = 𝟎
(𝐁 − 𝐫) ∙ 𝐀 = 𝟎
𝐁∙𝐀=𝐫 ∙𝐀

,
The Cross product
The cross product of two vectos a A and B is a vector 𝑪 = 𝑪 = 𝑨 × 𝑩. The magnitude of 𝑨 × 𝑩
is defined as the product of the magnitudes of A and B and the sine of the angle 𝜃 between
them. The direction of the vector 𝑪 = 𝑨 × 𝑩 is perpendicular to the plane of A and B and such
that A, B and C from a right-handed system.
𝑨 × 𝑩 = 𝐴𝐵 sin 𝜃 𝐮 0≤θ≤π
u is a unit vector indicating the direction of 𝑨 × 𝑩.
Problem: Prove that the area of a parallelogram with sides A and B is |𝑨 × 𝑩|.
Sol. Let A and B be two vectors, 𝜃 be the angle between them and draw a parallelogram with
sides A and B as shown in the figure.

From the figure, Area of the parallelogram = ℎ|𝑩|

= |𝑨| sin 𝜃 |𝑩|
= |𝑨 × 𝑩|
1
Note that the area of the triangle with sides A and B is 2 |𝑨 × 𝑩|.

Problem: Determine a unit vector perpendicular to the plane of A=2i-6j-2k and B=4i+3j-k.
Problem: Find the area of the triangle having vertices at 𝑃(1,3,2), 𝑄(2, −1,1), 𝑅(−1,2,3).

Multiple products of vectors.

Let A, B and C be any three vectors. Dot and cross multiplication of three vectors A, B and C
may produce meaningful products of the form (𝐀 ∙ 𝐁)𝐂, A.(BxC) and Ax(BxC).
The scalar triple product
The scalar triple product of the three vectors A, B and C is defined by A.(BxC)

Proof: Now
Proof: We know that

By a theorem of determinants which states that interchange of two rows of a determinant

changes its sign, we have

Show that 𝐀 ∙ (𝐁x𝐂) is in absolute value equal to the volume of a parallelepiped with sides
A, B and C.
Let n be a unit normal to parallelogram l, having the direction of BxC, and let h be the height of
the terminal point of A above the parallelogram l.

ℎ
Let𝜃 is the angle between A and n then 𝑨. 𝒏 = 𝐴 cos 𝜃 = 𝐴 𝐴 = ℎ

Then, volume of parallelepiped= (height h) (area of the parallelogram)

= 𝑨. 𝒏(|𝑩 × 𝑪|)

The product 𝐀 ∙ (𝐁x𝐂) is sometimes called the scalar triple product or box product and may be
denoted by [ABC].
The Vector triple product
The vector triple product of the three vectors A, B and C is defined by Ax (BxC).

Solution:

Thus,

Again

Proof:
Thus,

Again,

Thus,

Vector Differentiation
Differentiation with respect to a scalar variable. Let 𝑢 be a scalar variable. If there is a value of
a vector a corresponding to each value of the scalar 𝑢, a is said to be a function of 𝑢. We write
a(u) . Let us consider a general value of the scalar 𝑢and the corresponding vector a(u) . Let the

vector OP in Figure denote this vector. We now increase the scalar 𝑢by an amount 𝛥𝑢.

The vector corresponding to the scalar 𝑢 + 𝛥𝑢is a (𝑢 + 𝛥𝑢). Let the vector OQ in the Figure

denote this vector a (𝑢 + 𝛥𝑢). The change in a (𝑢) corresponding to the change 𝛥𝑢in 𝑢 is then

a (𝑢 + 𝛥𝑢) − a (𝑢). Inthe usual notation of calculus, we denote it by Δ a , so that

𝛥 a = a (𝑢 + 𝛥𝑢) − a (𝑢).
 a
From the figure it is seen that Δ a = OP . Since Δuis a scalar, the vector has the same
u

direction as PQ . The vector

 a a (u + u) - a (u)
lim 
u  0  u u

is the rate of change of a with respect to u. It is also called the derivative of a with respect to u,

da da a
and is denoted by the symbol so that,  lim
dt dt u 0 u

da
In precisely the same way, we define the derivative with respect to u of the vector . This
dt

d2 a
vector is denoted by 2 .
dt
Let a(u) and b(u) be any two vectors which are functions of a scalar 𝑢, and let mbe a scalar
function of 𝑢. We shall now derive the following
 da
Thus, a and are perpendicular to each other.
dt

da
If 𝑢 is the time 𝑡 and a is the position vector at any point (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧), represents the velocity
dt

dv d 2 a
with which the terminal point of a describes the curves. Similarly,  represents its
dt dt 2
acceleration along the curve.

Ex. 6
Ex. 7

dr
If 𝐶 is a space curve defined by the function 𝑟(𝑢), then we have seen that is a vector in
du
the direction of the tangent to 𝐶. If the scalar 𝑢 is taken as the arc length 𝑠 measured from some

dr
fixed point on 𝐶, then is a unit tangent vector to 𝐶 and is denoted by 𝑇.
ds
Ex. 8
 INTEGATION OF VECTORS
𝑑𝒇
Let be a 𝒂(𝑡)vector function and there exists a function f(t) such that 𝑑𝑡 = 𝒂(𝑡) then f(t) is

defined as integral of 𝒂(𝑡) and written as.

∫ 𝒂(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 𝒇(𝑡) + 𝑪 … (1)

C is arbitrary constant vector.

In general if 𝒂(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑥 𝒊 + 𝑎𝑦 𝒋 + 𝑎𝑧 𝒌then∫ 𝒂(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 𝒊 ∫ 𝑎𝑥 𝑑𝑡 + 𝒋 ∫ 𝑎𝑦 𝑑𝑡 + 𝒌 ∫ 𝑎𝑧 𝑑𝑡.
Ex. 3
 Line Integration
Let 𝒓(𝑢) = 𝑥(𝑢)𝒊 + 𝑦(𝑢)𝒋 + 𝑧(𝑢)𝒌, where r(u) is the position vector of 𝑋(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧), define a
curve C joining points P1 and P2. 𝑨 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝐴1 𝒊 + 𝐴2 𝒋 + 𝐴3 𝒌 be a vector function
continuous along C.

X(x,y,z)
t
C
P1 P2
r

Let 𝑋(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be a general point on the curve C joining two points P1 and P2. Let s denote the
arc length of C measured from the end P1 and P2. The vector dr/ds be a unit tangent vector to C
at 𝑋(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) in the direction of s increasing. Denoting this unit tangent vector by 𝒕, we have
𝑑𝒓
𝐭= … (1)
𝑑𝑠
Let 𝑨(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be a vector field defined over C. The orthogonal projection of 𝑨 on the unit
tangent vector 𝒕 is called the tangential component of 𝑨. If we denote it by b1we have
𝑏1 = 𝑨. 𝒕
The line integral of 𝑨 over C is defined to be
𝑝2 𝑝2
∫ 𝑏1 𝑑𝑠 = ∫ 𝑨. 𝒕 𝑑𝑠
𝑝1 𝑝1
𝑝2 𝑝2
∫ 𝑏1 𝑑𝑠 = ∫ 𝑨. 𝑑𝒓 using (1)
𝑝1 𝑝1
𝑝2 𝑝2
∫ 𝑏1 𝑑𝑠 = ∫ (A1 𝐢 + A2 𝐣 + A3 𝐤). (𝑑x𝐢 + 𝑑𝑦𝒋 + 𝑑𝑧𝒌)
𝑝1 𝑝1
𝑝2 𝑝2
∫ 𝑏1 𝑑𝑠 = ∫ (A1 𝑑x + A2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝐴3 𝑑𝑧 )
𝑝1 𝑝1

Then the integral of the tangential component of 𝑨 along C from P1 to P2 is

𝑝2 𝑝2
∫ 𝑨. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫ (𝐴1 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐴2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝐴3 𝑑𝑧 )
𝑝1 𝑝1
Definition: Let 𝒓(𝑢) = 𝑥(𝑢)𝒊 + 𝑦(𝑢)𝒋 + 𝑧(𝑢)𝒌, where 𝒓(𝑢) is the position vector of
𝑋(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧), define a curve C joining points P1 and P2. 𝑨 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = A1 𝐢 + A2 𝐣 + A3 𝐤 be a vector
function of position defined and continuous along C. Then the integral of the tangential
component of 𝑨 along C from P1 to P2, written as

Ex 1. Evaluate ∫𝑐 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 where F=x2i+y3j and the curve C is the arc of the parabola y=x2 in xy-
plane from (0,0) to (1,1).

and r=xi+yj
or,r=xi+x2j
or,dr= dx i +2xdx j
Required line integral
1

∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫(𝑥 2 𝒊 + 𝑥 6 𝒋). (𝑑𝑥 𝒊 + 2𝑥𝑑𝑥 𝒋)

𝑐 0
1

= ∫(𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 7 ).
0
1
𝑥3 𝑥8
=[ +2 ]
3 8 0
7
=
12
Ex2. If 𝐅 = (2x + y)𝐢 + (3y − x)𝐣 then evaluate∫𝑐 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 where C is the curve in xy-plane
consisting the straight line from (0,0) to (2,0) and then to (3,2).
Sol. In the xy-plane r=xi+yj
i. e. dr= dx i +dyj
then 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ((2𝑥 + 𝑦)𝒊 + (3𝑦 − 𝑥)𝒋). (𝑑𝑥 𝒊 + 𝑑𝑦𝒋 ) = (2𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + (3𝑦 − 𝑥)𝑑𝑦 …(i)
Path of integration C consist line OA and AB as shown in the figure.
The required integral is

∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 + ∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 (ii)
𝑐 𝑐1 =𝑂𝐴 𝑐1 =𝐴𝐵

Along the line OA, 𝑦 = 0 i.e., 𝑑𝑦 = 0 and 𝑥 varies from 0 to 2.

…(iii)
Now the equation of a straight line passing through two given point A(2,0) and B(3,2) is

Along the line AB, 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 4 i.e. 𝑑𝑦 = 2𝑑𝑥 and 𝑥 varies from 2 to 3.

= ∫ (2𝑥 + (2𝑥 − 4))𝑑𝑥 + (3(2𝑥 − 4) − 𝑥)2𝑑𝑥

𝐴𝐵

= ∫ (4𝑥 − 4)𝑑𝑥 + ((5𝑥 − 12))2𝑑𝑥

𝐴𝐵

= ∫ (14𝑥 − 28)𝑑𝑥
𝐴𝐵

…(iv)
Putting the values from (iii) and (iv) into (ii), we get

∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = 4 + 7 = 11
𝑐

Sol. In the xy plane we have, r=xi+yj

i. e. dr= dx i +dyj
Then 𝐹. 𝑑𝑟 = ((𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝒊 − 2𝑥𝑦𝒋). (𝑑𝑥 𝒊 + 𝑑𝑦𝒋 )
that is, 𝐹. 𝑑𝑟 = ((𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦) …(i)

Clearly the path of integration C consists four straight line OA, AB, BC and CO as shown in the
diagram. Required line integral is
 …(v)

On putting the values from (iii) (iv) (v) and (vi) in (ii), we get required result i.e.

Ex 4. Find the work done in moving a particle once around a circle C in the xy plane, if the circle
has center at the origin and radius 3 and if the force field is given by

Sol. In the xy plane 𝑧 = 0.

We know polar equation of a circle of radius 3 and center at origin is 𝑥 = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 , 𝑦 = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡.
Ex. 5: If F is a conservative field, prove that curl 𝑭 = 𝛁 × 𝑭 = 0 (i.e. F is irrotational).
Conversely, if 𝛁 × 𝑭 = 0 (i.e. F is irrotational), prove that F is conservative.
(See Problem 11, M.R. Spiegel)

SURFACE INTEGRALS
Let 𝑨(𝒓) be a continuous vector point function and S be a two-sided surface, such as shown in
the figure below. Let one side of S be considered arbitrarily as the positive side (if S is a closed
surface this is taken as the outer side).

A unit normal n to any point of the positive side of S is called a positive or outward drawn unit
normal. Then the surface integral of 𝑨(𝒓) over S is denoted by

Associate with the differential of surface area dSa vector dS whose magnitude is dS and whose
direction is that of n. Then dS = ndS.
Projection of a Surface

z k

n
dS

dS1

From the figure, the projection of dS on the xy plane is dS1 and we get 𝑑𝑆1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑑𝑆
𝜃be the angle between n and k and we have 𝒏 ∙ 𝒌 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Thus 𝑑𝑆1 = 𝒏 ∙ 𝒌 𝑑𝑆 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 [surface area of 𝑑𝑆1 is 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦]
𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
Hence 𝑑𝑆 =
𝒏∙𝒌
Similarly, the projection of dS on the yz plane is
𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝑆 =
𝒏∙𝒊
the projection of dS on the zx plane is
𝑑𝑧𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑆 =
𝒏∙𝒋

Ex. 1: Evaluate ∬𝑠 𝑨. 𝒏𝑑𝑠, where A=18zi-12j+3yk and S is that part of the plane
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 12 which is located in the first octant.
Sol. The surface S and its projection R on the xy plane are shown in the figure below.
From the figure,

To obtain n note that a vector perpendicular to the surface 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 12 is given by

∇(2𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 6𝑧) = 2𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 6𝑘 Then a unit normal to any point of S (see figure above) is

Ex 2. Evaluate ∬𝑠 𝑭. 𝒏𝑑𝑠where 𝐹 = z𝐢 + x𝐣 − 3𝑦 2 z 𝐤 and S is the surface of the x2y 2 16

cylinder included in the first octant between z= 0 and z = 5.
Soln. Here the projection of the given surface S onxz plane as the region OABC bounded by x-
axis (BC || x axis) and z-axis (AB || z axis) as shown in the figure.
Required surface integral

where𝜙 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2

1
̂ = (𝑥𝒊 + 𝑦𝒋)
thus𝒏 …(2)
4
 Volume Integration
Let 𝑭(𝒓) be a continuous vector function and let volume 𝑉 is enclosed by a smooth surface S.
Then the volume integral of 𝑭(𝒓) over 𝑉 is denoted by

∫ 𝑭(𝒓)𝑑𝑟 = ∭ 𝐹𝑑𝑉
𝑉
𝑉

where𝑑𝑣 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 (In triple integral)

Ex 3. Find the volume of the region common to the intersecting cylinders 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 and 𝑥 2 +
𝑧 2 = 𝑎2 .

Required volume = 8 times volume of region shown in above figure

 Gradient, Divergence & Curl

The vector differential operator  is generally called delta and is defined by

It is useful in defining three quantities which are known as the gradient, the divergence and the
curl. The operator is also known as nabla.

The Gradient
The gradient of a scalar function 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is written by grad 𝜙 or  𝜙 is defined by

Note that 𝜙 defines a vector field.

The component of 𝜙 in the direction of a nit vector a s given by 𝜙. 𝐚and is called the
directional derivative of 𝜙 in the direction a. Physically, this is the rate of change of 𝜙 at (x,y,z)
in the direction a.

The Divergence
The divergence of a vector is written by div 𝐕 or . 𝐕 is defined by

Note that Divergence of a vector V is a scalar quantity (𝐀 ∙B = A1B1 + A2B2 + A3B3) and 𝐀 ∙ 𝐁 ≠
𝐁 ∙ 𝐀. A vector F is solenoidal if div F =0.

A fluid moves so that its velocity at any point is V(x,y,z). div v represents the loss or gain of
fluid per unit volume per unit time in a small parallelepiped having center at P(x,y,z) and edges
parallel to the coordinate axes and having magnitude Ax, Ay, Az respectively.

The Curl
If V(z,y,z) is a differentiable vector field then the curl or rotation of V, written  × 𝐕,
curl V or rot V, is defined by
 THE GRADIENT

2.
3.

Let r = xi + yj + zk be the position vector to any point P(x, y, z) on the surface.

Then d r = dx i +dyj + dzk lies in the tangent plane to the surface at P.

4.Find a unit normal to the surface x2y + 2xz = 4 at the point (2,-2,3).
The normal vector to the surface x2y + 2xz = 4 is

at the point (2,-2,3) the normal vector is

5.Find the directional derivative of 0 = x2yz + 4xz2 at (1,-2,--1) in the direction 2i - j - 2k .

The normal vector to the surface is

6. Find the angle between the surfaces x2+y2+z2 = 9 and z =x2+y2-3 at the point (2,-1,2).
The angle between the surfaces at the point is the angle between the normals to the surfaces at
the
point.
 THE DIVERGENCE
7. If A = x2z i - 2y3z2j + xy2z k , find . 𝐀 (or div A) at the point (1,-1,1).

8. Prove that . 𝜙 = 2 𝜙
Proof:

The operator .  = 2 is called the Laplacian operator.

1
9. Prove that 2 ( 2 ) where r = xi + yj + zk
𝑟

Proof: we have

Now

Similarly, we have
10. Determine the constant a so that the vector V = (x +3y) i + (y- 2z) j + (x +az) k is solenoidal.
A vector V is solenoidal if its divergence is zero, then . 𝐕 = 𝟎
Now

Then 𝑎 + 2 = 0, that is 𝑎 = −1.

 THE CURL
11. If A = xz3i - 2x2yz j + 2yz4k , find xA (or curl A) at the point (1,-1,1).

12. Evaluate . (A x r) if  x A = 0 whereA = A1i + A2j + A3k, r = xi + yj + zk.

Now

or,
 =0 where xA=0.

13. Prove x(x A) = -2 A+(.A).

= -2 A+(.A).
14. A vector V is called irrotational if curl V=0. Find constants a,b,c so that V = (x+2y+az)i +
(bx-3y+z)j+(4x+cy+2z)k is irrotational. Show that Vcan be expressed as the gradient of a scalar
function.

Now

or, (𝑐 + 1)𝒊 + (𝑎 − 4)𝒋 + (𝑏 − 2)𝒌 = 0

Thus 𝐶 + 1 = 0, 𝑎 − 4 = 0, and 𝑏 − 2 = 0. Hence 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 = 2, 𝑐 = −1 and the
irrotational vector becomes
V = (𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 4𝑧)𝒊 + (2𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 𝑧)𝒋 + (4𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝒌.
Now assumeV=𝜙

Then

(1)

(2)

(3)
Integrating (1) partially with respect to x, keeping y and z constant, we get

(4)
where f (y z) is an arbitrary function of y and z. Similarly, from (2) and (3),

(5)

(6)
Comparison of (4), (5) and (6) shows that there will be a common value of 𝜙 if we choose
3𝑦 2
𝑓(𝑦, 𝑧) = − + 𝑧 2 − 𝑦𝑧
2
𝑥2
𝑔(𝑥, 𝑧) = + 𝑧 2 + 4𝑥𝑧
2
3𝑦 2 𝑥 2
ℎ(𝑥, 𝑦) = − + + 2𝑥𝑦
2 2
so that

15. Show that 2 𝑓(𝑟) = (2/𝑟) 𝑓′(𝑟) + 𝑓"(𝑟).

𝜕2 𝜕2 𝜕2
Soln. We Know 2 𝑓(𝑟) = (𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 + 𝜕𝑧 2 ) 𝑓(𝑟)
𝜕2 𝜕 𝜕
Now 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝜕𝑥 (𝜕𝑥 𝑓(𝑟))
𝜕𝑥 2

𝜕 𝜕𝑟
= ( 𝑓′(𝑟) )
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕 𝜕√𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
= ( 𝑓′(𝑟) )
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕 𝑥
= ( 𝑓′(𝑟) )
𝜕𝑥 √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
𝜕 𝑥
= ( 𝑓′(𝑟) )
𝜕𝑥 𝑟
𝜕 𝑥
= ( 𝑓′(𝑟) )
𝜕𝑥 𝑟
𝜕𝑟 𝑥 𝜕 𝑥
= 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) + 𝑓′(𝑟) ( )
𝜕𝑥 𝑟 𝜕𝑥 𝑟
𝑥𝑥 1 𝑥 𝜕𝑟
= 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) + 𝑓′(𝑟) [ − 2 ]
𝑟𝑟 𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑥
𝑥2 1 𝑥 𝑥
= 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) 2
+ 𝑓′(𝑟) [ − 2 ]
𝑟 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟
𝑥2 1 𝑥2
= 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) + 𝑓′(𝑟) [ − ]
𝑟2 𝑟 𝑟3
𝜕2 𝑥2 1 𝑥2
Thus 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) 𝑟 2 + 𝑓′(𝑟) [𝑟 − 𝑟 3 ] (1)

Similarly, we get
𝜕2 𝑦2 1 𝑦2
𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) 𝑟 2 + 𝑓′(𝑟) [𝑟 − 𝑟 3 ] (2)
𝜕𝑦 2

𝜕2 𝑧2 1 𝑧2
𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) 𝑟 2 + 𝑓′(𝑟) [𝑟 − 𝑟 3 ] (3)
𝜕𝑧 2

Now adding (1), (2) and (3), we get

𝜕2 𝜕2 𝜕2 𝜕2 ′′ (𝑟)
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 3 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2
( + + ) 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 { } + 𝑓′(𝑟) { − }
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑧 2 𝑟2 𝑟 𝑟3
3 𝑟2
or,  𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓
2 ′′ (𝑟)
+ 𝑓′(𝑟) { − 3 }
𝑟 𝑟
2
or, 2 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) + 𝑓′(𝑟)
𝑟
1
16. If 𝐯 = 𝝎 × 𝒓, prove 𝝎 = curl𝐯 where 𝝎 = 𝜔1 𝒊 + 𝜔2 𝒋 + 𝜔3 𝒌 is a constant vector
2

Now 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝐯 = 𝛁 × 𝐯

Thus curl𝐯 = 𝟐𝝎
𝟏
or, 𝝎 = 𝟐 curl𝐯

This problem indicates that the curl of a vector field has something to do with rotational
properties of the field. For a vector field F. If curl𝐅 ≠ 0in theregion, then the field F is then
called rotational. If curl 𝐅 = 0 in theregion, then the field F is then called irrotational.