If we divide the above eq.

by dl
We get

dT d l
T
dl
dl

d l
but
is a unit vector in the directionof d l .

dl

So , we can conclude that, grad T has the property that the rate
of change of T w.r.t. distance in any direction is the projection
of grad T onto that direction .
That is

dT
in directionof
dl

^

a T a

15

the quantity

dT
dl

is called a directional derivative.

In general,

a directional derivative had a different value for

each direction,
has no meaning untill you specify the direction

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Gradient Perpendicular to T constant surfaces

If we move a tiny amount within the surface, that
is in any tangential direction, there is no
change in T , so
dT
0.
dl

Surface of constant T,
These are called level surfaces.

Surfaces of constant T

dl
dl
in the surface T
0
So for any
dl
dl
Conclusion is that; grad T is normal to a surface of constant T.
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Geometrical Interpretation of the Gradient

(1.5)

Like any vector, a gradient has magnitude and direction.

To determine its geometrical meaning, lets rewrite the
dot product In its abstract form:

dT T dl Tdl cos
where is the angle between T and dl. Now, if we fix the
magnitude dl and search around in various directions (that is, vary
), the maximum change in T evidently occurs when =0 (for then
cos = 1). That is for a fixed distance dl, dT is greatest when I
move in the same direction as T .

18