5 Topic: Vector Calculus

5th Topic
Vector Calculus
Del applied to vector point function
(Divergence, Curl)
Physical interpretation of divergence
Physical interpretation of curl, Irrotational motion
Del Applied Twice to Point Function
Del applied to products of point functions
Prepared by:
Prof. Sunil
Department of Mathematics & Scientific Computing
NIT Hamirpur (HP)
Del applied to vector point function:

Divergence:
In vector calculus, divergence is a vector operator that measures the magnitude
of a vector field's source or sink at a given point, in terms of a signed scalar.
More technically, the divergence represents the volume density of the outward
flux of a vector field from an infinitesimal volume around a given point.
For example, consider air as it is heated or cooled. The relevant vector field for
this example is the velocity of the moving air at a point. If air is heated in a region it will
expand in all directions such that the velocity field points outward from that region.
Therefore, the divergence of the velocity field in that region would have a positive value,
as the region is a source. If the air cools and contracts, the divergence is negative and
the region is called a sink.
Meaning of divergence:
• the act of moving away in different direction from a common point;
Vector Calculus: Divergence, Curl, Del applied twice to point functions and product of 2
functions Visit: https://www.sites.google.com/site/hub2education/
"an angle is formed by the divergence of two straight lines"
• a variation that deviates from the standard or norm; "the deviation from the mean"
• an infinite series that has no limit
• a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions; "a growing divergence of
opinion"
Definition:
The divergence of a continuously differentiable vector point function F is
denoted by div F and is defined by the equation
∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F
div F = ∇.F = I . + J. + K. = ∑I. .
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x
∧ ∧ ∧
Let F = f I + φ J + ψ K .
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂   ∧ ∧ ∧ ∂f ∂φ ∂ψ
Then div F = ∇.F =  I + J + K .f I + φ J + ψ K  = + + .
 ∂x ∂y ∂z    ∂x ∂y ∂z
This means ∇.F is a scalar function.

Cylindrical coordinates:
For a vector expressed in cylindrical coordinates as
where ea is the unit vector inn direction a, the divergence is
Spherical coordinates:
In spherical coordinates, with θ the angle with the z axis and ϕ the rotation
around the z axis, the divergence reads
Curl:
Introduction:
In vector calculus, the curl (or rotor)) is a vector operator that describes the infinitesimal
rotation of a 3-dimensional
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
right-hand
hand rule, and
the magnitude of the curl is the mag
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.
The corresponding form of the fundamental theorem of calculus is Stokes' theorem,
which relates the surface integral of the curl of a vector field to the line integral of the vector
field around the boundary curve.
Definition:
The curl of a continuously differentiable vector point function F is defined by the
∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F
equation curl F = ∇ × F = I× + J× + K× = ∑ I× .
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x
∧ ∧ ∧
Let F = f I + φ J + ψ K .
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂   ∧ ∧ ∧
Then curlF = ∇ × F =  I + J + K  × f I + φ J + ψ K 
 ∂x ∂y ∂z   
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ ∂ψ ∂φ  ∧ ∂f ∂ψ  ∧  ∂φ ∂f 
∂ ∂ ∂ 
= = I  −  + J −  + K  −  .
∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂y ∂z   ∂z ∂x   ∂x ∂y 
f φ ψ
Example:
Take the vector field,, which depends on x and y linearly:
Its plot looks like this:

Simply by visual inspection, we can see that the field is rotating.

If we place a paddle wheel anywhere, we see immediately its tendency to rotate
clockwise. Using the right-hand
hand rule
rule,, we expect the curl to be into the page. If we are to
keep a right-handed coordinate system, into the page will be in the negative z direction.
The lack of x and y directions
rections is analogous to the cross product operation.
If we calculate the curl:
which is indeed in the negative z direction, as expected. In this case, the curl is actually a
constant, irrespective of position. The "amount" of rotation in the above vector
vecto field is the
same at any point (x, y). Plotting the curl of F is not very interesting:
A more involved example

example:
Suppose we now consider a slightly more complicated vector field:
Its plot:
We might not see any rotation initially, but if we closely look at the right, we see a larger
field at, say, x=4 than at x=3. Intuitively, if we placed a small paddle wheel there, the
larger "current" on its right side would cause the paddle wheel to rotate clockwise, which
corresponds to a curl in the negative z direction. By contrast, if we look at a point on the
left and placed a small paddle wheel there, the larger "current" on its left side would
cause the paddle wheel to rotate counterclockwise, which corresponds to a curl in the
positive z direction. Let's check
heck out our guess by doing the math:
Indeed the curl is in the positive z direction for negative x and in the negative z direction
for positive x, as expected. Since this curl is not the same at every point, its plot is a bit
more interesting:
We note that the plot of this curl has no dependence on y or z (as it shouldn't) and is in
the negative z direction for positive x and in the positive z direction for negative x.
Physical interpretation of divergence: (div V)

∧ ∧ ∧
Consider the motion of the fluid having velocity V = v x I + v y J + v z K at a point
P (x, y, z ) .
Then consider a small parallelopiped with edges δx , δy, δz parallel to the axes, in the
mass of fluid, with one of its corner at P.
z-axis
Small parallelopiped
C A/
B/ P/
vy
δz vy + δy
P δy B
δx
A C/
O
y-axis
x-axis
∴ The amount of fluid entering the face PB′ in unit time = v y δzδx
and the amount of fluid leaving the face P′B in unit time = v y + δyδzδx
 ∂v y 
= v y + δy  δz δx (nearly)
 ∂y 
Therefore, the net decrease of the amount of fluid due to flow across these two faces
∂v y
= δx δy δz .
∂y
Similarly, we can find the contributions of other two pairs of faces.
∂v x ∂v
i.e. the contributions of other two pairs of faces are δx δy δz and z δx δy δz.
∂x ∂z
Then, the total decrease of amount of fluid inside the parallelopiped per unit time
 ∂v ∂v y ∂v z 
= x + + δx δy δz .
 ∂x ∂y ∂z 
 ∂v ∂v y ∂v z 
Thus, the rate of loss of fluid per unit volume in unit time =  x + +  = div V .
 ∂x ∂y ∂z 
Hence, if V is the velocity of fluid, then div V gives the rate at which fluid is originating
at a point per unit volume in unit time.
Similarly, if V represents an electric flux, then div V is the amount of flux
which diverges per unit volume in unit time.
If V represents heat flux, then div V is the rate at which heat is issuing from a
point per unit volume.
In general, the divergence of a vector point function representing any
physical quantity gives at each point, the rate per unit volume at which the
physical quantity is issuing from that point. This explains the justification
for the name divergence of vector point function.
If the fluid is incompressible fluid, then there can be no gain or no loss in the
volume element. Hence, div V = 0 .
This is known as the equation of continuity for incompressible fluid in hydrodynamics.
From this discussion, we should conclude and remember that, roughly speaking,
the divergence measures outflow minus inflow.
Solenoidal vector function:
Definition: If the flux entering any element of space is the same as that leaving it,
i.e. div V = 0 , everywhere, then such a point function is called solenoidal
vector function.
Physical interpretation of curl:

Consider the motion of a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis through O. If Ω be
its angular velocity, then the velocity V of any particle P(R ) of the body is given by
V = Ω× R .
z-axis
Rigid body
* P(R)
y-axis
O
x-axis
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Let Ω = ω1 I + ω2 J + ω3 K and R = x I + y J + z K .
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ ∧ ∧
Then V = Ω × R = ω1 ω2 ω3 = I (ω2 z − ω3 y ) + J (ω3x − ω1z ) + K (ω1y − ω2 x ) .
x y z
Taking curl on both sides, we get

∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∂ ∂ ∂ ∧ ∧ ∧
curl V = = I (ω1 + ω1 ) + J (ω2 + ω2 ) + K (ω3 + ω3 ) .
∂x ∂y ∂z
ω 2 z − ω3 y, ω3 x − ω1z, ω1 y − ω 2 x
 ∧ ∧ ∧
= 2 ω1 I + ω2 J + ω3 K  = 2Ω .
 
1
Hence, Ω = curl V .
2
Thus, the angular velocity of rotation at any point is equal to half the curl of the
velocity vector, which justifies the name rotation used for curl.
In general, the curl of any vector point function gives the measure of
the angular velocity at any point of the vector field.
Irrotational motion:
Definition: Any motion in which the curl of the velocity vector is zero is said to be
irrotational, otherwise, rotational.
Del Applied Twice to Point Function:

∇f and ∇ × F being vector point functions, we can form their divergence and
curl, whereas ∇.F being a scalar point function, we can have its gradient only.
Thus we have the following five formulae:
2 ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f
(1) div grad f = ∇ f = + +
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
(2) curl grad f = ∇ × ∇f = 0
(3) div curl F = ∇.∇ × F = 0
(4) curl curl F = grad div F − ∇ 2F i.e. ∇ × (∇ × F) = ∇(∇.F) − ∇2F
(5) grad div F = curl curl F + ∇ 2F i.e. ∇ ( ∇.F ) = ∇× ( ∇× F ) + ∇ F

2
Proofs:
∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f
(1) Prove that div grad f = ∇ 2 f = + + .
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
 ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f  ∂  ∂f  ∂  ∂f  ∂  ∂f 
Proof: Here ∇ 2f = ∇.∇f = ∇. I + J + K  =   +   +  
 ∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂x  ∂x  ∂y  ∂y  ∂z  ∂z 
∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f  ∂2 ∂2 ∂ 2 
= + + =  + + f
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2  ∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2 
∂2 ∂2 ∂2
∇2 = 2
+ 2
+ 2
is called the Laplacian operator and ∇ 2f = 0 is called the
∂x ∂y ∂z
Laplace’s equation.
(2) Prove that curl grad f = ∇ × ∇f = 0 .

 ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f 
Proof: Here ∇ × ∇f = ∇ ×  I + J + K 
 ∂x ∂y ∂z 
∧ ∧ ∧
I I K
∂ ∂ ∂ ∧ ∂ 2 f ∂ 2f 
= = ∑ I − = 0.
∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂y∂z ∂z∂y 
 
∂f ∂f ∂f
∂x ∂y ∂z
(3). Prove that div curl F = ∇.∇ × F = 0 .
 ∧ ∂   ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F 
Proof: ∇.∇ × F =  ∑ I . I× + J× + K× 
 ∂x   ∂x ∂y ∂z 
∧ ∧∂ 2F ∧ ∂ 2F ∧ ∂ 2F 
=∑ 
I I× 2 + J× + K×
 ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x∂z 

 ∧ ∧ ∂ 2F ∧ ∧ ∂ 2 F ∧ ∧ ∂ 2F 
= ∑  I× I . 2 + I × J + I× K . 
 ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x∂z 
 
 ∧ ∂ 2F ∧ ∂ 2 F 
= ∑ K. −J  = 0.
 ∂x∂y ∂x ∂ z 
 
(4). Prove that curl curl F = grad div F − ∇ 2F i. e. ∇ × (∇ × F) = ∇(∇.F) − ∇2F .
 ∧ ∂   ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F 
Proof: ∇ × (∇ × F ) =  ∑ I  ×  I× + J× + K× 
 ∂x   ∂x ∂y ∂z 
∧  ∧ ∂ 2F ∧ ∂ 2 F ∧ ∂ 2F 
= ∑ I×  I× 2 + J× + K× 
 ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x∂z 
 
 ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧  ∧ ∧  ∂ 2F   ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧  ∧ ∧  ∂ 2F 
 I . 2  I −  I . I  2  +  I .  J−  I .J 
  ∂x∂y 
 ∂x    ∂x   ∂x∂y    
=∑  
  ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧  ∧ ∧  ∂ 2F  
 +  I .  K −  I .K 
   
  ∂x∂z    ∂x∂z  
 ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧  ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧   ∧ ∧  ∂ 2F   ∧ ∂ 2F  ∧  ∂ 2F
= ∑  I .  I +  I .  J  
−  I . I  2   ∂x∂z   ∑
 +  I .  K −
 ∂x   ∂x∂y    ∂x 2
2
 ∂x    
 ∧ ∂   ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂F  ∂ 2F
=  ∑ I . I . + J. + K .  − ∑ 2
= ∇(∇.F ) − ∇ 2F .
 ∂x  ∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂x
(5). is just another way of writing (4) above.
Del applied to products of point functions:
To prove that
(1). ∇(fg ) = f∇g + g∇f
(2). ∇.(fG ) = ∇f .G + f∇.G
(3). ∇ × (fG ) = ∇f × G + f∇ × G
(4). ∇(F.G ) = (F.∇ )G + (G.∇ )F + F × (∇ × G ) + G × (∇ × F )
(5). ∇.(F × G ) = G.(∇ × F ) − F.(∇ × G )
(6). ∇ × ( F × G ) = F ( ∇.G ) − G ( ∇.F ) + ( G .∇ ) F − ( F.∇ ) G
Proofs:
(2). To prove that ∇.(fG ) = ∇f .G + f∇.G .
∧ ∧ ∂f
∂  ∂G 
Proof: ∇.(fG ) = ∑ I . fG = ∑ I  G + f 
∂x  ∂x ∂x 
 ∂f   ∧ ∂G 
= ∑ .G + f  ∑ I .  = ∇f .G + f∇.G
 ∂x   ∂x 
(4). To prove that ∇(F.G ) = (F.∇ )G + (G.∇ )F + F × (∇ × G ) + G × (∇ × F ) .

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Proof: ∇(F.G ) = ∑ I
∂
(F.G ) = ∑ I  ∂F .G + F. ∂G  = ∑ I ∂F .G + ∑ I  F. ∂G  (i)
∂x  ∂x ∂x  ∂x  ∂x 
 ∧ ∂F   ∂F  ∧  ∧  ∂F
Now G ×  I ×  =  G.  I −  G. I 
 ∂x   ∂x    ∂x
 ∧ ∂F  ∧  ∧ ∂F   ∧  ∂F
or  G .  I = G ×  I×  +  G. I 
 ∂x   ∂x    ∂x
 ∂F  ∧ ∧ ∂F  ∧  ∂F
∴ ∑  G.  I = G × ∑ I × +∑  G. I  = G × (∇ × F ) + (G.∇ )F (ii)
 ∂x  ∂x   ∂x
Interchanging F and G, we get
 ∂F  ∧
∑  F.  I = F × (∇ × G ) + (F.∇ )G
 ∂x 
(iii)
Substituting in (i) from (ii) and (iii), we get

∇(F.G ) = (F.∇ )G + (G.∇ )F + F × (∇ × G ) + G × (∇ × F )
(6). To prove that ∇ × (F × G ) = F (∇.G ) − G (∇.F ) + G.∇F − F.∇G .
∧ ∧
Proof: ∇ × (F × G ) = ∑ I
∂
(F × G ) = ∑ I  ∂F × G + F × ∂G 
∂x  ∂x ∂x 
 ∧  ∂F  ∧ ∂F    ∧ ∂G   ∧  ∂G 
= ∑  I .G  −  I . G  + ∑  I . F −  I .F  
  ∂x  ∂x    ∂x    ∂x 
 ∧  ∂F ∧ ∂F ∧ ∂G  ∧  ∂G
= ∑  G. I  − G∑ I . + F∑ I . −∑  F. I 
  ∂x ∂x ∂x   ∂x
 ∧ ∂G   ∧ ∂F   ∧  ∂F  ∧  ∂G
= F ∑ I .  − G ∑  I .  + ∑  G. I  −∑  F. I 
 ∂x   ∂x    ∂x   ∂x
Thus, ∇ × (F × G ) = F (∇.G ) − G (∇.F ) + G.∇F − F.∇G .
Now let us solve some problems related to these topics:
∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.1.: If R = x I + y J + z K , show that (i) ∇.R = 3 , (ii) ∇ × R = 0 .
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂   ∧ ∧ ∧ ∂
Sol.: (i) ∇.R =  I + J + K . x I + y J + z K  = (x ) + ∂ (y ) + ∂ (z ) = 3 .
 ∂x ∂y ∂z    ∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∂ ∂ ∂ ∧ ∂z ∂y  ∧  ∂z ∂x  ∧  ∂y ∂x 
(ii) ∇ × R = = I  −  − J  −  + K  − 
∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂y ∂z   ∂x ∂z   ∂x ∂y 
x y z
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (0 − 0) + J (0 − 0) + K (0 − 0) = 0 .
This completes the proof.
Q.No.2.: Find div F and curl F , where F = grad x3 + y3 + z3 − 3xyz .( )

(
Sol.: If u = x3 + y3 + z3 − 3xyz )
∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u ∧ 2 ∧ ∧
F = ∇u = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
( ) ( ) (
= I 3x − 3yz + J 3y 2 − 3zx + K 3z 2 − 3xy )
∴ div F =
∂
∂x
(
3x 2 − 3yz +
∂
∂y
)
3y 2 − 3zx +
∂
(
∂z
)
3z 2 − 3xy = 6(x + y + z ) . Ans. ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ ∧ ∧
curl F =
∂ ∂ ∂ = I (− 3x + 3x ) + J (− 3y + 3) + K (− 3z + 3z ) = 0 . Ans.
∂x ∂y ∂z
(
3 x 2 − yz ) 3(y 2
− zx ) 3(z 2
− xy )
( )
Q.No.3.: Show that ∇ 2 r n = n(n + 1)r n−2 .
( )
Sol.: ∇ 2 r n = ∇. ∇r n ( ) = ∇.(n.r n −2
R ) [∵ ∇r n
= n.r n −2 R ]
∧ ∧ ∧
Prove that ∇r n = nr n − 2 R , where R = x I + y J + z K .
Sol.: We have f (x, y, z ) = r n = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ( )

n/2
∴
∂f ∂ r n
= =
∂ 2 ( )
x + y2 + z 2 ( ) n/2
=
n 2
(
x + y2 + z2
n
) −1
2 .2 x = n x r n −2 .
∂x ∂x ∂x 2
∂f ∂f
Similarly = ny r n − 2 and = nz r n − 2
∂y ∂z
∂f ∂f ∂f
Thus ∇r n = I +J +K = nr n − 2 (xI + yJ + zK ) = nr n − 2 R . Ans.
∂x ∂y ∂z
( ) ( )
= ∇. nrn −2R = n∇. r n −2R
= n[(∇r ).R + r (∇.R)]

n−2 n −2
[∵ ∇.(fG ) = ∇f .G + f∇.G ]
= n[(n − 2)r R.R + r (3)] = n[(n − 2)r (r ) + 3r ] = n(n + 1)r
n −4 n −2 n −4 2 n −2 n −2
Otherwise, we can evaluate this as follow:
( )
∇2 r n =
∂2 rn( ) + ∂ 2 (r n ) + ∂ 2 (r n ) . (i)
∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂z 2
Now
∂ rn ( )
= nr n −1
∂r x
= nr n −1 = nr n − 2 x .
∂x ∂x r
∴
( ) = n r
∂2 rn n −2
+ (n − 2)r n −3
∂r   x 
x  = n r n − 2 + (n − 2)r n −3 x 
2 
∂x  ∂x   r 
[
= n r n −2 + (n − 2)r n −4x 2 . ] (ii)
Similarly,
( ) = n[rn−2 + (n − 2)rn−4y2 ].
∂2 rn
(iii)
2
∂y
( ) = n[rn−2 + (n − 2)rn−4z2 ].
∂2 rn
(iv)
2
∂z
Adding (ii), (iii) and (iv) and (i), we get
( ) [ ( )] [
∇ 2 r n = n 3r n − 2 + (n − 2)r n − 4 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = n 3r
n −2
]
+ (n − 2)r n −4r 2 = n(n + 1)r n −2 . Ans.
Q.No.4.: If uF = ∇v , where u, v are scalar fields and F is a vector field, show that
F. curl F = 0 .
1
Sol.: Since F = ∇v .
u
1  1 1 1
∴ curl F = ∇ ×  ∇v  = ∇ × ∇v + ∇ × (∇v ) = ∇ × ∇v
u  u u u
[∵ ∇ × ∇f = 0, ∴ ∇ × ∇v = 0 ]
1  1 
Hence, F. curlF = ∇v. ∇ × ∇v  = 0 .
u  u 
[∵ it is a scalar triple product in which two factors are equal].
Q.No.5.: If r and R have their usual meanings and A constant vector, prove that
 A×R  2− n n (A.R )
∇ ×  n  = n A + n+2 R .
 r  r r
[ ] [
Sol.: Since ∇ × r −n (A × R) = r −n [∇ × (A × R)] + ∇r −n × (A × R) ]
[∵ ∇ × (fG ) = ∇f × G + f∇ × G ]
 R
= r − n [(∇.R )A − (A.∇ )R ] +  − nr − (n +1)  × (A × R )
 r 
= r −n (3A − A) − nr−(n + 2)R × (A × R)

[∵ ∇.R = 3]
= 2Ar −n − nr−(n +2)[(R.R)A − (A.R)R]
=
2A
r n
−
r
n
n+2
[r A − (A.R )R] = 2r− n A + nr(A.R ) R .Ans.
2
n n+2
 ∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.6.: Evaluate (i) div 3x 2 I + 5xy2 J + xyz3 K  at the point (1, 2, 3) .
 
  ∧ ∧ ∧ 
(ii) curl e xyz  I + I + K  .
  
 ∧ ∧ ∧
(
(iii) curl  xyz I + 3x 2 y J + xz 2 − y 2z K  . )
 
 ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol.: (i) div 3x 2 I + 5xy 2 J + xyz3 K  = ∇. 3x 2 I + 5xy 2 J + xyz3 K 
   
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂  2 ∧ ∧ ∧
=  I + J + K . 3x I + 5xy 2 J + xyz3 K 
 ∂x ∂y ∂z   
= 6x + 10xy + 3xyz 2
= 6 + 20 + 54 at the point (1, 2, 3)
= 80 . Ans.
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
  ∧ ∧ ∧   xyz  ∧ ∧ ∧  ∂ ∂ ∂
(ii) curl e xyz  I + J + K  = ∇ × e  I + J + K  =
      ∂x ∂y ∂z
e xyz e xyz e xyz
∧ ∧ ∧
= e xyz (xz − xy ) I + e xyz (xy − yz ) J + e xyz (yz − xz ) K
 ∧ ∧ ∧
= e xyz  x (z − y ) I + y(x − z ) J + z(y − x ) K . Ans.
 
 ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∧ ∧
( )
(iii) curl  xyz I + 3x 2 y J + xz 2 − y 2z K  = ∇ ×  xyz I + 3x 2 y J + xz 2 − y 2 z K  ( )
   
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ ∧ ∧
=
∂
∂x
∂
∂y
∂
∂z
( )
= (− 2 yz − 0) I + xy − z 2 J + (6xy − xz ) K
xyz 3x 2 y (xz 2
− y2z )
∧ ∧ ∧
( )
= (− 2 yz) I + xy − z 2 J + x (6 y − z ) K . Ans.
∧ ∧ ∧
x I + y J+ z K 2
Q.No.7.: If V = , show that (i) ∇.V = ,
x 2 + y2 + z2 x 2 + y2 + z 2
and (ii) ∇ × V = 0 .
 ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∂ 
∧ ∧ ∧ 
 x I+ y J+ z K  ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂  x I+ y J+ z K 
Sol.: (i) ∇.V = ∇.  =  I +J + K . 
 x 2 + y2 + z2   ∂ x ∂y ∂z   x 2 + y 2 + z 2 
   
∂  x  ∂ 
+  y  ∂
+  z 

=
∂x  x 2 + y 2 + z 2  ∂y  2 2 2  ∂z  2 2 2 
   x +y +z   x +y +z 
1 1 1 1
(x 2
+y 2
+z 2 2
) 1
(
− x x 2 + y2 + z2
2
)
−
2 .2 x (x 2
+y 2
+z 2 2
) 1
(
− y x 2 + y2 + z 2
2
)
−
2 .2 y
= +
(
x + y2 + z2
2
) (
x + y2 + z2
2
)
1 1
(x 2
) − 12 z(x + y + z ) .2z
+ y2 + z 2 2 2 2 2 −2
+
(x + y + z ) 2 2 2
=
(x + y + z )− x + (x + y + z )− y + (x
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
+ y2 + z2 − z 2 )
3
(x + y + z ) 2 2 2 2
2(x + y + z )
2 2
2 2
= = 3
. Ans. 1
(x + y + z ) (x + y + z )
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∂ ∂ ∂
(ii) ∇ × V =
∂x ∂y ∂z
x y z
x 2 + y2 + z 2 x 2 + y2 + z2 x 2 + y2 + z 2
   ∂  ∧  ∂   ∂   ∧
=   −   I +   −   J
∂ z y x z
 ∂y  x 2 + y 2 + z 2  ∂z  2 2 2   ∂z  2 2 2  ∂x  2 2 2 
    x +y +z    x + y + z   x +y +z 
   ∂   ∧
+   −   K
∂ y x
 ∂x  x 2 + y 2 + z 2  ∂y  2 2 2 
    x +y +z 
     
 − yz + yz ∧  − xz + xz  ∧  − xy + xy ∧
= 3
 I+  3
 J+  3
K
 2   2   2 
( 2
 x +y +z
2
) 2   x +y +z(
2 2
) 2 (2
  x +y +z
2
) 2 
∧ ∧ ∧
= 0 I + 0 J − 0 K = 0 . Ans.
∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.8.: If F = (x + y + 1) I + J − (x + y )K , show that F.curl F = 0 .
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∂ ∂ ∂
Sol.: ∇ × F =
∂x ∂y ∂z
( x + y + 1) 1 − ( x + y)
∂ ∂ ∧  ∂ ∂ ∧
=  {− (x + y)} − (1) I +  (x + y + 1) − {− (x + y)} J
 ∂y ∂z   ∂z ∂x 
∂ ∂ ∧
+  (1) − (x + y + 1) K
 ∂x ∂y 
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= (− 1 − 0) I + (0 + 1) J + (0 − 1)K = − I + J − K
 ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ 
∴ F.curl F = (x + y + 1) I + J − (x + y )K . − I + J − K  = −(x + y + 1) + 1 + (x + y ) = 0. Ans.
  
∧ ∧ ∧
(
Q.No.9.: Find the value of ‘a’ if the vector ax 2 y + yz I + xy 2 − xz 2 J + 2 xyz − 2 x 2 y 2 K ) ( ) ( )
has zero divergence. Find the curl of the above vector, which has zero
divergence.
∧ ∧ ∧
) ( ( ) (
Sol.: 1st part: F = ax 2 y + yz I + xy2 − xz2 J + 2xyz − 2x 2 y 2 K )
 ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
div F = 0 ⇒  I + J + K .(ax y + yz )I + (xy − xz )J + (2xyz − 2x y )K = 0
∂ 2 2 2 2 2
∂x ∂y ∂z 
⇒ 2axy + 4 xy = 0 ⇒ xy(a + 2 ) = 0 ⇒ a = −2 . Ans.
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) (
2nd Part: F = ax 2 y + yz I + xy2 − xz2 J + 2xyz − 2x 2 y 2 K ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∂ ∂ ∂
∴∇ × F =
∂x ∂y ∂z
(− 2x y + yz) (xy
2 2
− xz 2 ) (2xyz − 2x y ) 2 2
∂  ∧ ∧
= 
∂y 
(
2xyz − 2x 2 y 2 −
∂
∂z
)
xy2 − xz 2 ( ) I +  ∂∂z (− 2x y + yz) − ∂∂x (2xyz − 2x y) J
2 2
∂ ∧
+ (
xy2 − xz 2 −
∂
)
− 2x 2 y + yz  K ( )
 ∂x ∂y 
∧ ∧ ∧
[( ) ] [( )] [(
= 2xz − 4x 2 y + 2xz I + y + 2 yz + 4xy 2 J + y 2 − z 2 + 2x 2 − z K )]
∧ ∧ ∧
= (4xz − 4x y )I + (4xy − 2 yz + y )J + (2x + y − z − z )K
2 2 2 2 2
∧ ∧ ∧
= 4x (z − xy ) I + (y − 2 yz + 4xy )J + (2x + y − z − z )K 2 2 2 2
Q.No.10.: Show that each of the following vectors are solenoidal

∧ ∧ ∧
(i) (x + 3y ) I + (y − 3z ) J + (x − 2z )K ,
∧ ∧ ∧
(ii) 3y 4 z 2 I + 4x 3z 2 J + 3x 2 y 2 K ,
(iii) ∇u × ∇v .
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol.: (i) Let F = (x + 3y ) I + (y − 3z ) J + (x − 2z )K
 ∧ ∧ ∧ ∂
∇.F = ∇.(x + 3y ) I + (y − 3z ) J + (x − 2z )K  = (x + 3y ) + ∂ (y − 3z ) + ∂ (x − 2z )
  ∂x ∂y ∂z
= 1+1− 2 = 0 .
This shows that the given vector is solenoidal.
∧ ∧ ∧
(ii) Let F = 3y 4z 2 I + 4 x 3z 2 J + 3x 2 y 2 K
∇.F =
∂
∂x
(
3y 4 z 2 +
∂
∂y
) ∂
( )
4 x 3 z 2 + 3x 2 y 2 = 0 .
∂z
This shows that the given vector is solenoidal.
(iii) ∇u × ∇v , where u and v are scalar functions.

Since u and v are scalar point functions,
But ∇u and ∇v are vector functions.
Since we know that
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
 ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧  ∂ ∂ ∂
curl (grad f ) = ∇ × (∇f ) = 0 , ∵ ∇ × ∇f = ∇ ×  I + J+ K = =0
 ∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂x ∂y ∂z
∂f ∂f ∂f
∂x ∂y ∂z
If ∇.(∇u × ∇v ) = 0 , then ∇u × ∇v is solenoidal.

∴ ∇.(∇u × ∇v ) = ∇v.(∇ × ∇u ) − ∇u.(∇ × ∇v ) = 0 − 0 = 0
[∵ ∇.(F × G ) = G (∇ × F ) − F.(∇ × G )]
∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.11: If u = x 2 + y2 + z2 and V = x I + y J + z K , show that div (uV) = 5u.
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol.: Given u = x 2 + y2 + z2 , V = x I + y J + z K
⇒ ∇.(uV ) = ∇u.V + u∇.V [∵ ∇.(fG ) = ∇f .G + f∇.G ]
 ∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u   ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂  ∧ ∧ ∧
=  I +J + K . x I + y J + z K  + u I + J + K  x I + y J + z K 
 ∂x ∂y ∂z     ∂x ∂y ∂z  
 ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∧ ∧  ∂x ∂y ∂z 
=  2x I + 2 y J + 2z K . x I + y J + z K  + u + + 
    ∂x ∂y ∂z 
( )
= 2 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 3u = 2u + 3u = 5u .
∧ ∧ ∧
1 2R R 1
Q.No.12: If R = x I + y J + z K , show that (i) ∇ 2  = − 4 , (ii) ∇. 2  = 2 ,
r  r r  r
 R 6
(iii) ∇ 2 ∇. 2  = − 4 .
 r  r
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol.: (i) Given R = x I + y J + z K
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧
1 ∂ 1 1 1
Then ∇ 2  = I + J + K
(
 r  ∂x x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) (
∂y x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) (
∂z x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
2x ∧ 2y ∧ 2x ∧
=− I− J− K
(x 2
+ y2 + z2 ) (x
2 2
+ y2 + z2 ) 2
(x 2
+ y2 + z2 )
2 ∧ ∧ ∧ 2R
=− 
4
x I + y J + z K  = − 4 . Ans.
r   r
 R   ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧  x ∧ y ∧ z ∧
(ii) ∇. 2  =  I + J + K . 2 I + J + K 
 r   ∂x ∂y ∂z   x + y 2 + z 2 x 2 + y2 + z2 ( x 2 + y2 + z 2  ) ( ) ( )
∂ x ∂ y ∂ z
= + +
2
(
2
∂x x + y + z 2 2 2
∂y x + y + z 2
) (
∂z x + y 2 + z 2
2
) ( )
=
r 2 − 2x 2
+
r 2 − 2y
+
r 2 − 2z 2
=
3r 2
−
(
2 x 2 + y2 + z 2 )
r4 r4 r4 r4 r4
3 2r 2 1
= 2
− 4
= Ans.
r r r2
  R  1  R 1
(iii) ∇ 2 ∇. 2  = ∇ 2  2  ∵ ∇. 2  = 2 
  r  r   r  r 
1  2R 
= ∇.∇ 2  = ∇. − 4 
r   r 
 ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧  2  ∧ ∧ ∧  −6
=  I + J + K .− 4  x I + y J + z K  = 4 .Ans.
 ∂x ∂y ∂z   r   r
Q.No.13: If V1 and V2 be the vector joining the fixed points (x1, y1, z1 ) and
(x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ) respectively to a variable point (x, y, z), prove that
(i) div (V1 × V2 ) = 0 ,
(ii) grad (V1.V2 ) = (V1 + V2 ) ,
(iii) curl (V1 × V2 ) = 2(V1 − V2 ) .
Sol.: (i) div (V1 × V2 ) = 0
∧ ∧ ∧
Now V1 = (x − x1 ) I + (y − y1 ) J + (z − z1 )K
∧ ∧ ∧
and V2 = (x − x 2 ) I + (y − y 2 ) J + (z − z 2 )K
∴ div (V1 × V2 ) = ∇.(V1 × V2 )
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
Now (V1 × V2 ) = (x − x1 ) (y − y1 ) (z − z1 )
(x − x 2 ) (y − y2 ) (z − z 2 )
∧ ∧
= [(y − y1 )(z − z 2 ) − (y − y 2 )(z − z1 )]I + [(x − x1 )(z − z 2 ) − (x − x 2 )(z − z 2 )]J
∧
+ [(x − x1 )(y − y 2 ) − (x − x 2 )(y − y1 )]K
∴ ∇.(V1 × V2 )
∂
= [(y − y1 )(z − z 2 ) − (y − y 2 )(z − z1 )] − ∂ [(x − x1 )(z − z 2 ) − (x − x 2 )(z − z 2 )]
∂x ∂y
∂
+ [(x − x1 )(y − y 2 ) − (x − x 2 )(y − y1 )]
∂z
= 0. Ans.
(ii) ∇ (V1.V2 )
Now V1.V2 = (x − x1 )(x − x 2 ) + (y − y1 )(y − y 2 ) + (z − z1 )(z − z 2 )
∧ ∧ ∧
∴ ∇(V1.V2 ) = (2x − x 2 − x1 ) I + (2 y − y 2 − y1 ) J + (2z − z 2 − z1 )K = (V1 + V2 )
(iii) Since curl (V1 × V2 ) = V1[∇.V2 ] − V2 [∇.V1 ] + (V2 .∇ )V1 − (V1.∇ )V2
= 3V1 − 3V2 + V2 − V1 = 2(V1 − V2 )
2
Q.No.14.: Show that (i) ∇ 2f (r ) = f ′′ (r ) + f ′ (r ) ,
r
(ii) ∇.(φ∇ψ − ψ∇φ) = φ∇2ψ − ψ∇2φ .
∂2 ∂2 ∂2
Sol.: Since ∇ 2 [f (r )] = 2
f (r ) + 2
f (r ) + f (r )
∂x ∂y ∂z 2
r 2 = x 2 + y2 + z 2
Differentiating partially w. r. t. x, we get
∂r ∂r x
2r = 2x ⇒ =
∂x ∂x r
∂
∴ {f (r )} = f ′ (r ) ∂r = f ′ (r ) x
∂x ∂x r
 ∂r 
2  r − .x   x2   r2 − x2 
∂  ∂r  x ∂  ∂r x 
[f (r )] = f (r ) . + f (r )
′′ ′  x  = f (r ) 2 . + f (r )
′′   ′ 
∴ ∂x = r 
∂x 2  ∂x  r  r2  r   r3   
     
 
 x2   1 x2 
= f ′′ (r ) 2 . + f ′ (r ) − 3  (ii)
r  r r 
   
∂2  2   2 
Similarly 2
[f (r )] = f ′′ (r ) x2 . + f ′ (r ) 1 − y3  (iii)
∂y r  r r 
∂2  2   2 
2
[f (r )] = f ′′ (r ) z2 . + f ′ (r ) 1 − z3  (iv)
∂z r  r r 
Adding (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get
 x 2 + y2 + z2   3 x 2 + y2 + z2 
∇ [f (r )] = f ′′ (r )
2   + f ′ (r ) −  = f ′′ (r ) + 2 f ′ (r ) = R. H. S.
 2   3 
 r  r r  r
(ii) ∇.(φ∇ψ − ψ∇φ) = φ∇2ψ − ψ∇2φ

L.H.S. = ∇.(φ∇ψ − ψ∇φ) = ∇(φ∇ψ ) − ∇(ψ∇φ) = (∇φ.∇ψ + φ∇.∇ψ ) − (∇ψ.∇φ + ψ∇.∇φ)
= φ∇2ψ − ψ∇2φ = R. H. S.
∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.15.: If A is a constant vector and R = x I + y J + z K , prove that
(i) grad (A.R ) = A , (ii) div (A × R ) = 0 , (iii) curl (A × R ) = 2 A ,
(iv) grad[ (A.R )R ] = A × R
Sol.: (i) To Show: grad (A.R ) = A
∧ ∧ ∧
Now since A = constant vector = A1 I + A 2 J + A 3 K
∧ ∧ ∧
and R = x I + y J + z K
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∴ L. H. S. = ∇ (A.R ) = ∑ I
∂
(A.R ) = ∑ I ∂ A.R + ∑ I  A. ∂R  = ∑ I  A.. I 
∂x ∂x  ∂x   
∧ ∧ ∧
= A1 I + A 2 J + A 3 K = A. = R. H. S.
(ii) To Show: div (A × R ) = 0

L. H. S. = div (A × R ) = R.(∇ × A ) − A(∇ × R )
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
I J K I J K
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
Now ∇ × A = = 0 and ∇ × R = =0
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
A1 A2 A3 x y z
Hence div (A × R ) = 0 − 0 = 0
(iii) To Show: curl (A × R ) = 2 A
L. H. S. = ∇ × (A × R ) = A(∇.R ) − R (∇.A + R∇A − A.∇R ) = 3A − A = 2 A .= R. H. S.
(iv) To Show: grad[ (A.R )R ] = A × R
L. H. S. = ∇ × [ (A.R )R ] = ∇(A.R ) × R + A.R (∇ × R ) = A × R + A.R × 0 = A × R . =R. H.S.
Q.No.16.: Prove that (i) ∇A2 = 2(A.∇)A + 2A × (∇ × A)

(ii) ∇ × (R × U ) = R (∇.U ) − 2U − (R.∇ )U
Sol.: (i) ∇A2 = ∇(A.A) = (A.∇ )A + (A.∇ )A + A × (∇ × A ) + A × (∇ × A )

= 2(A.∇ )A + 2 A × (∇ × A )
⇒ ∇A2 = 2(A.∇)A + 2A × (∇ × A)
(ii) ∇ × (R × U ) = R∇.U − (R.∇ )U + (U.∇ )R − U∇.R
∵ (U.∇ ) = 0
= R (∇.U ) − (R.∇ )U + U − 3U ∇.R = 3 
 
= R (∇.U ) − (R.∇ )U − 2U
∇ × (R × U ) = R (∇.U ) − 2U − (R.∇ )U . Ans.
(
Q.No.17: (a) If f = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−n
, find div grad f and determine n if div grad f = 0.
( )
(b) Show that div grad r n = n(n + 1)r n −2 , where r 2 = x 2 + y2 + z2 .
(
Sol.: (a) Given f = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−n
, r 2 = x 2 + y2 + z 2
( )
∴ f = r2
−n
= r −2n
Now div grad f = ∇.∇f = ∇ 2 f
∂2 2 2
⇒ ∇ 2f = ∇ 2 r − 2 n = ( ) ∂x 2
(r ) + ∂∂y (r )+ ∂∂z (r ).
− 2n
2
−2n
2
− 2n
Now
∂ − 2n
∂x
r ( )
= −2n (r )− 2n −1
∂r
∂x
x
= −2n (r )− 2 n −1 = −2nr −2 n − 2 x
r
∂2
∴
∂x 2
(r ) = −2n r
− 2n − 2n − 2
+ (− 2n − 2)r − 2n −3
∂r 
∂x 
[
.x  = −2n r −2n −2 + (− 2n − 2)r −2n −4x 2 ]
(ii)
∂2
Similarly
∂y 2
(r ) = −2n[r
− 2n − 2n − 2
+ (− 2n − 2)r − 2 n − 4 y 2 ] (iii)
∂2
∂z 2
(r ) = −2n[r
− 2n − 2n − 2
+ (− 2n − 2)r − 2n − 4 z 2 ] (iv)
( ) [( )
∇2 r −2n = −2n 3 r −2n −2 + (− 2n − 2)r −2n −4 x 2 + y2 + z2 ( )]
= −2n(− 2n − 2 + 3).r −2n −2 = −2n(− 2n + 1).r −2(n +1) = −2n(2n − 1).r −2(n +1)
2n (2n − 1) 2n (2n − 1)
= = (n +1)
r 2(n +1) ( x 2 + y2 + z 2 )
2n (2n − 1)
( )
If ∇2 r −2n = 0 ⇒
2 (n +1)
= 0 ⇒ 2n (2n − 1) = 0
(2 2
x +y +z )
1
∴n = . Ans.
2
∂2 ∂2 ∂2
2 n
(b) ∇ r = div grad r ( n
)⇒ ∇ r 2 n
=
∂x 2
n
r +
∂y 2
n
r +
∂z 2
rn
∂2 ∂r x
Now 2
r n = nr n −1 = nr n −1 = nr n − 2 .x
∂x ∂x r
∂2  ∂r   x 
r n = n r n − 2 + (n − 2)r n −3 x  = n r n − 2 + (n − 2 )r n −3 x 
2
∂x  ∂x   r 
[
= n r n −2 + (n − 2)r n −4x 2 ] (ii)
∂2
Similarly
∂y 2
(r ) = n[r
n n −2
+ (n − 2)r n − 4 y 2 ] (iii)
∂2
∂z 2
(r ) = n[r
n n −2
+ (n − 2)r n − 4 z 2 ] (iv)
( ) [ ( )] [
∇2 r n = n 3r n −2 + (n − 2)r n −4 x 2 + y2 + z2 = n 3r n −2 + (n − 2)r n −4r 2 ]
= n(n − 2 + 3)r n −2 = n(n + 1)r n −2 .
Hence, this proves the result.
Q.No.18: For a solenoidal vector F, show that curl curl curl curl F = ∇ 4F .
Sol.: Since F is a solenoidal vector, then ∇.F = 0 .
R. H. S. = ∇ × ∇ × ∇ × ∇ × F = ∇ × ∇ × [∇(∇ × F ) − F(∇.∇ )]
[ ]
= ∇ × ∇ × − ∇2.F [∵ ∇.F = 0]
= ∇ × [∇ × (− ∇ F)] = ∇(∇.∇ F) + ∇ F(∇.∇)
2 2 2
= ∇ × 0 + ∇ 2F ∇ 2 = ∇ 4 F = L. H. S.
Hence this proves the result.
Q.No.19: If u = x 2 y2 , v = xy − 3z 2 , find (i) ∇(∇u.∇v ) ,

(ii) ∇.(∇u × ∇v ) .
Sol.: Given u = x 2 y2 , v = xy − 3z 2
∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ ∇u = u I + u J + u K = 2xyz I + x 2z J + x 2 y K (i)
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧
∇v =
∂x
v I + v J+ v K =
∂y ∂z
∂
∂x
xy − 3z 2 I +
∂y
(
xy − 3z 2 J +
∂z
)
xy − 3z 2 K ( ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= y I + x J − 6z K .
 ∧  ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
(
(i)∴ (∇u.∇v ) =  2 xyz I + x 2 z J + x 2 y K . y I + x J − 6z K  = 2xy2z + x3z − 6x 2yz . ) (ii)
  
∂ ∧ ∧ ∧
∇(∇u.∇v ) = (∇u.∇v ) I + ∂ (∇u.∇v )J + ∂ (∇u.∇v )K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∂ ∧
=
∂
∂x
(
2xy2 z + x 5z − 6x 2 yz I +
∂y
)
2xy2z + x 3z − 6x 2 yz J( )
∧
+
∂
∂z
(
2xy2 z + x 3z − 6x 2 yz K )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( ) ( )
= 2 y 2 z + 3x 2 z − 12xyz I + 4xyz − 6x 2z J + 2x 2 y 2 + x 3 − 6x 2 y K
∧ ∧ ∧
= (2 y + 3x − 12xy ).z. I + (4xy − 6x ).z. J + (2x y + x − 6x y )K
2 2 2 2 2 3 2
∧ ∧ ∧
∇(∇u.∇v ) = (2 y + 3x − 12xy)I + (4xy − 6x )J + (2x y + x − 6x y )K
2 2 2 2 2 3 2
(ii) Find ∇.(∇u × ∇v )
Given u = x 2 y2 , v = xy − 3z 2
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∴ ∇u = 2xy2z I + 2x 2 yz J + x 2 y 2 K and ∇v = y I + x J − 6z K
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∴ ∇u × ∇v = 2xy 2 z 2x 2 yz x 2 y 2
y x − 6z
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( ) ( )
= I − 12x 2 yz2 − x 3 y 2 − J − 12xy2 z 2 − x 2 y3 + K 2x 2 y 2 z − 2x 2 y 2 z
∇.(∇u × ∇v ) =
∂
∂x
(
− 12 x 2 yz 2 − x y ) − (− 12 xy z − x y ) + (2 x y z − 2 x y z )
3 2 ∂
∂y
∂
∂z
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2
( )(
= − 24xyz2 − 3x 2 y2 − 24xyz2 − 3x 2 y2 + 0 = 0 . )
Q.No.20: Find directional derivative of ∇.(∇φ) at the point (1, − 2, 1) in the directional of
the normal to the surface xy2z = 3x + z2 , where φ = 2x3y2z4 .
 ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧
Sol.: f = ∇.(∇φ) ⇒ ∇φ =  I + J + K  2 x 3 y 2z 4 ( )
 ∂x ∂y ∂z 
∧ ∧ ∧
= 6x 2 y 2z 4 I + 4x 2 yz4 J + 8x 3 y 2 z3 K .
∇.∇φ = 12xy2z4 + 4x3z4 + 24x3y2z2

∧ ∧
(
∇(∇.∇φ) = 12 y 2 z 2 + 12x 2z 4 + 72x 2 y 2 z 2 I + 24xyz4 + 48x 3 yz2 J ) ( )
∧
(
+ 48xy 2z3 + 16x 3z3 + 48x 3 y 2z K . )
∧ ∧ ∧
At (1, − 2, 1) , ∇f = (48 + 12 + 288) I + (− 48 − 96) J + (192 + 16 + 192)K
∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ ∇f = 348 I − 144 J + 400 K .
Normal to surface xy2z = 3x + z2 at (1, − 2, 1) is ∇ xy2z = 3x + z2 ( )

∧ ∧ ∧
( )
= y 2z − 3 I + 2xyz J + xy2 − 22 K . ( )
At (1, − 2, 1) ,
∧ ∧ ∧
= I − 4 J+ 2 K .
Directional derivative at f in the direction of normal to surface
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
I − 4 J + 2 K 1724
= 348 I − 144 J + 400 K = . Ans.
1 + 16 + 4 21
Q.No.21: If r is the distance of a point (x, y, z) from the origin, prove that
∧ 1 ∧ 1 ∧
curl  K× grad  + grad K .grad  = 0 , where K is a unit vector in the
 r  r
direction of OZ.
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol.: Let the position vector of point (x, y, z) is R = x I + y J + z K
(
So r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
1/ 2 1
(
, ∴ = x 2 + y2 + z2
r
) −1 / 2
.
∧ ∧ ∧
1
(
grad = x 2 + y 2 + z 2
r
) −3 / 2
(− x ) I + (x 2 + y2 + z 2 )
−3 / 2
(− y ) J + (x 2 + y2 + z 2 )
−3 / 2
(− z )K .
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ 1
Now K× grad = 0 0 1
r
(
− x x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) 3/ 2
−
(
− y x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) 3/ 2
−
(
− z x 2 + y2 + z2 ) 3/ 2
−
−3 / 2 ∧ −3 / 2 ∧
(
= y x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) (
I − x x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) J
∧ ∧ ∧
I J K
∧ 1 ∂ ∂ ∂
Now curl K× grad  =
 r ∂x ∂y ∂z
(
y x 2 + y2 + z2 )
−3 / 2
(
− x x 2 + y2 + z2 )
−3 / 2
0
−3 / 2  ∧ −3 / 2  ∧
=
∂  2
∂z 
(
x x + y2 + z2 ) I +
∂  2 2
 ∂z  y x + y + z
(
2
)  J
∂ 2  ∧
− x + y2 + z2( )
−3 / 2
(x ) + ∂ 2
(
x + y2 + z2 )−3 / 2
(y) K
 ∂x ∂y 
∧ ∧
 3  3
(
= x −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2
 2
−5 / 2
)
× 2z I + y −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2
 2
−5 / 2
× 2z J ( )
 2  3 
(
x +y +z
2 2 −3 / 2
)
+ x −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2
 2
−5 / 2
.2x 
∧
( )
− K
  3 
2
(
2
+ x + y + z
2 −3 / 2
)
+ y −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2
 2
−5 / 2
.2 y ( )
 
∧ ∧ ∧
[ ] [ ] [
= I − 3xzr −5 + J − 3yzr−5 − K r −3 − 3x 2r −5 + r −3 − 3y 2 r −5 ]

) .
∧ ∧ ∧
= r −5 − 3xz I − 3yz J + K 3x 2 + 3y 2 − 2r −3 (
 
∧
 1
(
Also K . grad  = −z x 2 + y 2 + z 2
 r
) −3 / 2
.
∧ 1 ∂  −3 / 2  ∧ −3 / 2  ∧
∴ grad K .grad  = 
r  ∂x 
− z x 2 + y2 + z 2 ( ) ∂  2 2
(
 I + ∂y − z x + y + z
2
)  J

−3 / 2  ∧
+
∂ 

∂z 
(
− z x 2 + y2 + z2 )  K
  3 ∧   3 ∧
(
=  − z −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) −5 / 2
.2x  I + − z −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ( )
−5 / 2
.2 y J
  2    2 
  3 −3 / 2  ∧
+  − z −  x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ( ) −5 / 2
(
× 2z − x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) K
  2 
 ∧ ∧ ∧
( )
= r −5 3xz I + 3yz J + 3z 2 − r −3 K  .
 
∧ 1 ∧ 1
curl  K× grad  + grad K .grad 
 r  r
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
[ ( ) ]
= −3xzr −5 I − 3yzr−5 J + 3xzr −5 I + 3yzr−5 J + 3r −5 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2r −3 − r −3 K = 0 .
1 ∂H
Q.No.22: In electromagnetic theory, we have ∇.D = ρ , ∇.H = 0 , ∇ × D = − ,
c ∂t
1 ∂D 
∇ × H =  ρV + .
c ∂t 
1 ∂ 2D 1 ∂ 1 ∂ 2H 1
Prove that ∇ H − 2
= ∇ρ + 2 (ρV ) and ∇ H −
2
= − ∇ × (ρV )
c 2 ∂t 2 c ∂t c ∂t 2 c
Sol.: Consider ∇ × (∇ × D) = ∇(∇D) − ∇2D = ∇ρ − ∇2D
⇒ ∇2D + ∇ × (∇ × D) = ∇ρ .
1 ∂H
Now ∇ × D = − (Given)
c ∂t
 1 ∂H 
∴ ∇ 2D + ∇ ×  −  = ∇ρ
 c ∂t 
1  ∂ 1  ∂D 
⇒ ∇ 2 D −    ρV +  = ∇ρ
c  ∂t  c  ∂t 
1 ∂ 1 ∂ 2D
⇒ ∇ 2D − (ρV ) − = ∇ρ
c 2 ∂t c 2 ∂t 2
1 ∂ 2D 1 ∂
2
⇒ ∇ D− 2 2
= ∇ρ + (ρV ) .
c ∂t c 2 ∂t
Hence this proves the result.
Now consider ∇ × (∇ × H) = ∇(∇.H) − ∇2H
1 1 ∂D   1 ∂D 
 = ∇(0 ) − ∇ H ,
2
⇒ ∇ ×  ρV + ∵ ∇ × H = c  ρV + ∂t 
 c c ∂t    
 1   1 ∂D  2
⇒  ∇ × ρV  +  ∇ ×  = −∇ H
 c   c ∂t 
 1 ∂(∇ × D) 
⇒
c ∂t 
( 1
c
)
 + ∇ H = − ∇ × (ρV )
2
1 ∂ 2H 1  1 ∂H 
⇒ ∇2H − = − ∇ × (ρV ) .  ∇ × H = −
c ∂t 
∵
c 2 ∂t 2 c 
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5 Topic: Vector Calculus

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5 Topic: Vector Calculus

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5th Topic

Del applied to vector point function:

This means ∇.F is a scalar function.

where ea is the unit vector inn direction a, the divergence is

Its plot looks like this:

Simply by visual inspection, we can see that the field is rotating.

A more involved example

Physical interpretation of divergence: (div V)

Physical interpretation of curl:

Taking curl on both sides, we get

Del Applied Twice to Point Function:

(4) curl curl F = grad div F − ∇ 2F i.e. ∇ × (∇ × F) = ∇(∇.F) − ∇2F

(5) grad div F = curl curl F + ∇ 2F i.e. ∇ ( ∇.F ) = ∇× ( ∇× F ) + ∇ F

(2) Prove that curl grad f = ∇ × ∇f = 0 .

(4). Prove that curl curl F = grad div F − ∇ 2F i. e. ∇ × (∇ × F) = ∇(∇.F) − ∇2F .

(6). ∇ × ( F × G ) = F ( ∇.G ) − G ( ∇.F ) + ( G .∇ ) F − ( F.∇ ) G

(4). To prove that ∇(F.G ) = (F.∇ )G + (G.∇ )F + F × (∇ × G ) + G × (∇ × F ) .

Substituting in (i) from (ii) and (iii), we get

Q.No.2.: Find div F and curl F , where F = grad x3 + y3 + z3 − 3xyz .( )

Sol.: We have f (x, y, z ) = r n = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ( )

= n[(∇r ).R + r (∇.R)]

Otherwise, we can evaluate this as follow:

= r −n (3A − A) − nr−(n + 2)R × (A × R)

Q.No.10.: Show that each of the following vectors are solenoidal

(iii) ∇u × ∇v , where u and v are scalar functions.

If ∇.(∇u × ∇v ) = 0 , then ∇u × ∇v is solenoidal.

(ii) ∇.(φ∇ψ − ψ∇φ) = φ∇2ψ − ψ∇2φ .

(ii) ∇.(φ∇ψ − ψ∇φ) = φ∇2ψ − ψ∇2φ

(ii) To Show: div (A × R ) = 0

Q.No.16.: Prove that (i) ∇A2 = 2(A.∇)A + 2A × (∇ × A)

Sol.: (i) ∇A2 = ∇(A.A) = (A.∇ )A + (A.∇ )A + A × (∇ × A ) + A × (∇ × A )

Now div grad f = ∇.∇f = ∇ 2 f

Adding (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get

Adding (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get

Q.No.19: If u = x 2 y2 , v = xy − 3z 2 , find (i) ∇(∇u.∇v ) ,

(ii) Find ∇.(∇u × ∇v )

the normal to the surface xy2z = 3x + z2 , where φ = 2x3y2z4 .

∇.∇φ = 12xy2z4 + 4x3z4 + 24x3y2z2

Normal to surface xy2z = 3x + z2 at (1, − 2, 1) is ∇ xy2z = 3x + z2 ( )

Sol.: Consider ∇ × (∇ × D) = ∇(∇D) − ∇2D = ∇ρ − ∇2D

Now consider ∇ × (∇ × H) = ∇(∇.H) − ∇2H

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