Tutorial 6

Problem 1. Divergence and curl of vector fields:

Consider a force(vector) field given by

F~ = (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n (xî + y ĵ + z k̂)

FindR
(a) V (∇~ · F~ )dV , where V is the volume of the sphere of radius R.
(b) ∇~ × F~
(c) a scalar field φ(x, y, z) such that F~ = −∇φ.
~
(d) For what value of the exponent n does the scalar field diverge at both the origin as well as
infinity?
Solution:
Part (a):
F~ = (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n (xî + y ĵ + z k̂)
F~ = r2n~r
~ · F~ = ∂ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n x] + ∂ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n y] + ∂ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n z]
∇
∂x ∂y ∂z
~ · F~ = 3(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n + 2n(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n−1 (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )
∇
~ · F~ = r2n (3 + 2n)
∇
V is the volume of sphere of radius R.
Z Z
~ ~
(∇ · F )dV = r2n (3 + 2n)r2 sin θdθdφdr
V V
Z 2n+3
~ · F~ )dV = (2n + 3)4π R
(∇
V (2n + 3)
Z
~ · F~ )dV = 4πR2n+3
(∇
V

Part (b):

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 ~ × F~ = x̂[ ∂ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n z] − ∂ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n y]]
∇
∂y ∂z
∂ ∂
− ŷ[ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n z] − [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n x]]
∂x ∂z
∂ ∂
+ ẑ[ [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n y] − [(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )n x]]
∂x ∂y

~ × F~ = 0
∇

~ × F~ = 0 so F~ = −∇φ.
Part (c) and (d): As ∇ ~
Z Z
~ ~ ~
φ = − F · dr = − r2n~r · dr

(r2n+2 )
φ=− +C
2n + 2
2n+2
φ = − r2n+2 [Taking C=0]
For n = −1 the scalar field φ diverges at both the origin as well as at infinity.
So, for n = −1, φ will be Z
1
φ=− dr = − ln r + C
r
φ = − ln r [Taking C=0]
So,
2n+2
φ = − r2n+2 for n 6= −1

φ = − ln r for n = −1

Problem 2. Divergence theorem

(a) If φ is a any scalar field and the surface integral is performed over the closed surface S
which is the boundary of volume V , then using ’divergence theorem’ show that
Z I
~
∇φdV = ~
φdS
V S

[Hint: Take the vector in ’divergence theorem’ to be of the special form A ~ = Cφ,
~ where C ~ is
~
a constant, but arbitrary vector. Note that A and φ are vector and scalar field respectively]

~ = 0 for any closed surface. Now, if n̂ · dS

~ is
H H
(b) Using ’divergence theorem’ show that dS
the total surface area of the closed surface what should be n̂?

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Solution:
~ = Cφ
Part (a): Let A ~ where C
~ is a constant but arbitrary vector. Using the divergence
theorem, Z I
~ ~
(∇ · A)dV = A ~
~ · dS
V S
Z I
~ · (Cφ)dV
∇ ~ = ~
~ · dS
A
V S
Z I
~ · C)
[φ(∇ ~ +C
~ · (∇φ)]dV
~ = ~
~ · dS
A
V S

~ is a constant vector, so ∇
As C ~ ·C
~ = 0. So,
Z I
~ ~ ~ ~
C · ( (∇φ)dV ) = C · ( φdS)
V S
Z I
~
(∇φ)dV = ~
φdS
V S
Hence proved.

Part (b): For a constant vector ~a, its divergence is zero. Using Gauss’ divergence theorem we
have Z I
~
(∇ · ~a)dV = ~a · dS ~ =0
V S

where S is the closed surface of the finite volume V . As ~a 6= 0 is arbitrary we have

I
~ =0
dS
S

for any closed surface.

~ = n̂0 dS where n̂0 is the outward unit normal to the surface dS.
dS
I I I
~ 0
n̂ · dS = n̂ · n̂ dS = cos αdS

To get the total surface area from this integral cos α should be 1. Then
I I
~
n̂ · dS = dS = S

~ In other words, n̂ is the outward normal to the

So n̂ has to be a unit vector parallel to dS.
surface.

Problem 3. Stokes theorem

Using stokes theorem prove the following identities

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(a) If φ is a any scalar field and the line integral is performed over the closed line C which is
the boundary of surface S, then show that
Z I
~ × ∇φ
dS ~ = ~
φdl
S C

(Same hint as problem 2(a) can be useful here as well.)

~ =∇~ × A,
~ then B ~ · dS~ = 0, for any closed surface
H
(b) Using stokes theorem argue that, if B S
S. Can you arrive at the same conclusion using the divergence theorem?
Solution:
Part (a): Let A~ = Dφ
~ where D ~ is a constant but arbitrary vector.
Z Z
~ × A)
(∇ ~ · dS~ = (∇ ~ × (Dφ))
~ ~
· dS
S S
I Z
A ~ =
~ · dl ~ × D)
[φ(∇ ~ −D
~ × (∇φ)]
~ ~
· dS
C S

~ ×D
Now since ∇ ~ = 0 and using scalar triple product formula [A
~ · (B
~ × C)
~ = −B
~ · (A
~ × C)]
~
we have Z I
~ ~ ~
D · (dS × ∇φ) = D · ~ ~
φdl
S C
Z I
~ × ∇φ
dS ~ = ~
φdl
S C
Hence proved.

Part (b):

We cover the closed surface by small(in general curved) adjacent rectangles Si whose circum-
ference are formed by four lines Li each. Then Stokes theorem gives
I I
~ ~
B · dS = (∇ ~ × A) ~
~ · dS
S S

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 I XZ XI
B ~ =
~ · dS ~ × A)
(∇ ~ =
~ · dS ~ =0
~ · dl
A
S i Si i Li

because all line integrals cancel each other.

I Z
B ~ =
~ · dS ~ · B)dV
(∇ ~
S V

~ =
~ · dS ~ · (∇
~ × A))dV
~ ~ · (∇
~ × A)
~ =0
H R
S
B V
(∇ = 0; since ∇
So
~ =0
~ · dS
H
S
B
Thus the same conclusion can be arrived at using the divergence theorem.

Problem 4. (a) Let us denote the unit vectors along the x, y and z-axis to be î, ĵ and k̂
respectively. Consider the vector ~v = yz î + xz ĵ + yxk̂. Now consider a cube of side unit length
and one of its corners placed at the origin as shown in the fig.1. Now compute the two quantities

~ B= ~
R R
A= S1
~v · dS, S2
~v · dS.
Here S1 is the surface which consists of 5 sides of the cube (i)-(v) and S2 is the surface which
consists of the 6th side of the cube (vi) as shown in fig.1. How does A compare with B? If you
notice any relation between A and B can you provide a mathematical justification for your
observation. For this problem use the direction of the surface elements following the arrows
shown in fig.1.

(b) Consider the vector ~v = xy î + 2yz ĵ + 3zxk̂. Now compute the two quantities

~ B=
~ × ~v ) · dS, ~
R H
A= S
(∇ ~v · dl.

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Here S is the surface of the shaded square as shown in fig.2. While the line integral is to be
performed over the boundary line of surface S in the direction as denoted by the arrows in
~ to be the direction of positive x-axis.
fig.2. Consider the direction of dS

Solution:
Part (a):Given
~v = yz î + xz ĵ + yxk̂
where Z
A= ~
~v · dS
S1
(i) (ii)
A=A +A + A(iii) + A(iv) + A(v)
Now, let us calculate A’s: Z 1 Z 1
(i) 1
A = yzdydz =
0 0 4
Z 1 Z 1
1
A(ii) = − yzdydz = −
0 0 4
(iii) (iv)
Similarly, A and A will also cancel out.
Now, Z 1 Z 1
(v) 1
A = yxdxdy =
0 0 4
(v)
Since all the other terms except A will cancel out, so A will be
1
A = A(v) =
4
and Z Z 1 Z 1
~ =− 1
B= ~v · dS yxdxdy = −
S2 0 0 4
Therefore, the relation between A and B is A = −B.

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Since,
~ · ~v = ∂ (yz) + ∂ (xz) + ∂ (yx) = 0
∇
∂x ∂y ∂z
Using divergence theorem we can write,
Z I Z Z
~ =
~ · ~v )dV = ~v · dS
(∇ ~ +
~v · dS ~ =0
~v · dS
V S S1 S2
Z Z
~ =−
~v · dS ~
~v · dS
S1 S2

A = −B
This is the mathematical justification from divergence theorem.

Part (b):
~v = xy î + 2yz ĵ + 3zxk̂
Z
A = (∇ ~
~ × ~v ) · dS
S

î ĵ k̂
~ × ~v =
∇ ∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z
xy 2yz 3zx
~ × ~v = −(2y î + 3z ĵ + xk̂)
∇
Therefore A will be
Z 1 Z 1
A=− (2y î + 3z ĵ + xk̂) · (îdydz) = −1
0 0

and I
B= ~
~v · dl

Z 1 0 Z 1
* *0 Z 0
 Z 0 *0

  
B = 2yzdy
 + 3zxdz
 
+ 2yzdy + 3zxdz
 
0 0 1 1
B = −1
As it should be owing to the Stokes theorem.

Problem 5. Find the magnitude and direction of the Poynting vector at the surface of a long
straight wire of circular cross-section carrying a direct current I. The radius of the wire is r,
and the resistance per unit length is R.
Solution:

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Let the axis of the wire be along the z axis.
The electric field is parallel to the wire and is given as,
0
E~ = k̂ V = k̂ IR = k̂IR
L L
R is the resistance per unit length. The magnetic field on the surface is tangential to the
curved surface of the wire and is given by Ampere’s Law as,
B(2πr) = µ0 I
~ = µ0 I θ̂
B
2πr
θ̂ is the unit vector tangential to the surface. Accordingly, the magnitude of the Poynting
vector is,
~ = 1 (E
S ~ × B)~
µ0
2
~ = − RI r̂
S
2πr
r̂ is the unit vector outward normal to the surface of the wire. So, the Poynting vector points
radially inward.
Problem 6. A charged particle in an EM field experiences the Lorentz force, F~ = q(E ~ +~v × B)
~
where q is the charge and ~v the velocity of the particle. Show that an EM wave in free space
acts on a charged particle primarily through it’s electric field, the magnetic interaction being
smaller by at least |v|
c
.
Solution: We consider a sinusoidal plane wave traveling in the +z direction in vacuum.
~ = E~0 ei(ωt−kz)
E
where E~0 = x̂E0x + ŷE0y + ẑE0z Associated with the E-field
~ ~
wave there is a B-field traveling
wave of the form
~ = B~0 ei(ωt−kz)
B
where B~0 = x̂B0x + ŷB0y + ẑB0z . From the two divergence equations

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 ~ ·E
∇ ~ = 0 and ∇
~ ·B
~ =0

we get
E0z = 0 ; B0z = 0
From the curl equations
~ = − ∂ B~ and ∇
~ ×E
∇ ~ = µ0 0 ∂ E~
~ ×B
∂t ∂t

We are able to relate the electric and magnetic field components

E0x = cB0y

E0y = −cB0x
Now a charged particle in an electromagnetic field experiences the Lorentz force

F~ = q(E
~ + ~v × B)
~

The electrical interaction of the electromagnetic wave with the charged particle is

F~e = q E
~ = q(E0x x̂ + E0y ŷ)

Now,
~v = vx x̂ + vy ŷ + vz ẑ
The magnetic interaction will be
F~m = q(~v × B)
~

F~m = q[−x̂vz B0y + ŷvz B0x + ẑ(vx B0y − B0x vy )]

E0x E0y vx E0x E0y vy
F~m = q[−x̂vz − ŷvz + ẑ( + )]
c c c c
~
Now if we align the x axis with the E-field ~
of the plane wave, then the B-field necessarily lies
in the y direction. So,
E0y = 0 and B0x = 0
Then the magnetic interaction becomes

~ = q[−x̂vz E0x + ẑvx E0x ]

F~m = q(~v × B)
c c
and the electric interaction becomes

F~e = q E
~ = qE0x x̂

So, we can see that the component vy of velocity does not appear in the magnetic interaction
term. Then we can take vy to be equal to zero. That does not affect the magnetic interaction
term because the field itself points only in the y direction. So,

~v = vx x̂ + vz ẑ

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The magnitude of magnetic interaction
r
vz2 2 vx2 2
|F~m | = |q(~v × B)|
~ =q E + E
c2 0x c2 0x
q
|F~m | = E0x vz2 + vx2
p
c
|v|
|F~m | = qE0x
c
The electrical interaction was qE0x . So, we can see that the electromagnetic wave acts on the
charged particle primarily through it’s electrical field as the magnetic interaction is smaller by
|v|
c
.

~ · (φA)
Problem 7. Show that, ∇ ~ = ∇φ
~ ·A~ + φ(∇~ · A),
~ where φ is a scalar field and A
~ is a
vector field.
Solution:
~ = ∂ (φAx ) + ∂ (φAy ) + ∂ (φAz )
~ · (φA)
∇
∂x ∂y ∂z
~ = ( ∂φ Ax + φ ∂Ax ) + ( ∂φ Ay + φ ∂Ay ) + ( ∂φ Az + φ ∂Az )
~ · (φA)
∇
∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂z ∂z
~ = ( ∂φ Ax + ∂φ Ay + ∂φ Az ) + φ( ∂Ax + ∂Ay + ∂Az )
~ · (φA)
∇
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
~ · (φA)
∇ ~ = (∇φ
~ · A)
~ + φ(∇
~ · A)
~

Hence proved.

Problem 8. Obtain the EM wave equation, using Maxwell equation, in an isotropic dielectric
medium and show that the speed of wave is less than it’s speed in vacuum.
Solution: Maxwell’s equation in an isotropic dielectric medium are:
~ ·E
∇ ~ =0 (1)

~ ·H
∇ ~ =0 (2)

~
∇ ~ = −µ ∂ H
~ ×E (3)
∂t
~
~ ×H
∇ ~ =  ∂E (4)
∂t
Taking curl of equation (3) and using equation (4)

~ × (∇
∇ ~ × E)
~ = ∇(
~ ∇~ · E)
~ − ∇2 E
~

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 2~
~ × (∇
∇ ~ = −µ ∂ (∇
~ × E) ~ = −µ ∂ E
~ × H)
∂t ∂t2
~ ·E
Now ∇ ~ = 0, so
~
∂ 2E
~ − µ
∇2 E =0
∂t2
Similarly,
~ × (∇
∇ ~ × H)
~ = ∇(
~ ∇~ · H)
~ − ∇2 H
~

∂ ~ ~
∂ 2H
~ ~ ~ ~
∇ × (∇ × H) =  (∇ × E) = −µ 2
∂t ∂t
~ ·H
Since ∇ ~ = 0. So,
~
∂ 2H
~ − µ
∇2 H =0
∂t2
The speed of the waves are
1 c
v=√ =
µ n
q
µ
where n = is the index of refraction of the medium and c = √1 is the speed of the
0 µ0 0 µ0
waves in vacuum. As n > 1 the speed of the waves in an isotropic dielectric medium is less
than it’s speed in vacuum.

Problem 9. A signal station transmits a 10-kW signal at a frequency of 100 MHz. For
simplicity, assume that it radiates at a point source. Calculate the amplitudes of the electric
and magnetic field strengths at a distance of 1 km from the source point.
Solution: Average power transmitted= 10kW. Since the station radiates as a point source
the energy will spread over a sphere of radius r=1 km.

Average power E02

Sav = =
4πr2 2µ0 c
So, E0 can be written as p
E0 = 2Sav µ0 c
where
10, 000
Sav = W/m2
4π(1000)2
s
10, 000 × 2 × 4π × 10−7 × 3 × 108
E0 = V /m
4π × (1000)2
E0 = 0.775V /m
E0
B0 = = 2.58 × 10−9 T
c

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Problem 10. An electromagnetic wave has an electric field with a peak value 250 N/C. What
is the average energy delivered to a surface with an area 75 m2 by this wave in one hour?
Solution: The intensity of the EM wave is
1
I = 0 E02 c
2
. Therefore, the average energy delivered to the surface is

U =I ×A×t

where A is the area A = 75m2 and t is time duration t = 1hr.

1
U = 0 E02 c × A × t
2
1
U= × 8.85 × 10−12 × (250)2 × 3 × 108 × 75 × 3600J
2
U = 2.24 × 107 J

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