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Engineering Mathematics -I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram UNIT – V Vector

Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl

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Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl

1.01 Introduction

1.02 Vector Differentiation

1.03 Problems Exercise and solutions

1.04 Directional derivative, Gradient of a scalar function and conservative field

1.05 Divergence

1.06 Curl

1.07 Related properties of Gradient, Divergence and curl of sums

1.08 second order differential operator

1.09 Curvilinear coordinates: Cylindrical and spherical coordinates

1.10 Summary
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 1

1.1 Introduction

In this section, vector differential calculus is considered, which extends the

basic concepts of ordinary differential calculus to vector functions, by
introducing derivative of a vector function and the new concepts of gradient,
divergence and curl.
1.2 Vector Differentiation

1.2.1 Definition: Scalar function. Is a function of a scalar variable t is a

function F  F(t) which uniquely associate a scalar F(t) for every value of the
scalar t in an interval [a, b.

1.2.2 Definition: Scalar field. Is a region in space such that for every point P
in this region, the scalar function f assoiates a scalar f(P).

1.2.3. Definition: Scalar function. Scalar function of a vector variable u is a

function F  F( u ) which uniquely associates a scalar F( u ) for every vector u .

1.2.4 Definition: Vector function. Vector function of a scalar variable t is a

function F  F (t) which uniquely associates a vector F for each scalar t.

1.2.5 Definition: Vector field. Is a region in space such that with every point
P in that region, the vector function V associates a vector V (P).

1.2.6 Definition: Derivative. Derivative of a function F (u) w.r.t. a scalar

dF F (u  u )  F (u )
variable u is denoted by and is defined as  Lim .
du u  0 u
Let i , j , k be three mutually orthogonal unit vectors in the direction of the x,
y, z – coordinate axes such that i , j ,k from a right handed triad that is
i. I  1, i.j  0, i.k  0, i.j  1….. etc.

1.2.7 Definition: Derivative in the component form.

Let F (u)  F1(u) i  F2(u) j  F3(u) k in the component form with F1(u), F2(u),
F3(u) as components of F in the x,y, and z – ordinate axes.
dF d F1 d F2 d F3
Then  i  j  k .
du du du du
Thus the derivative of a vector function F w.r.t. a scalar variable u is the
vector whose components are the derivatives of the components F1, F2, F3 of
F w.r.t. u.
1.2.8 Results : Most of the basic rules of differentiation that are true for a
scalar function of a scalar variable hold good for vector function of a scalar
variable, provided the order of factors in vector products is maintained.

dc
1.2.8.1  0 where c is a constant vector
du

1.2.8.2
d
du

F (u )  G (u ) 
dF
du
dG
du

1.2.8.3
d
du
 
 (u ) F (u )  F (u)
dF
du
 F
d
du

1.2.8.4
d
du
 
F (u ) . G (u ) 
dF
du
.G  F .
dG
du

1.2.8.5
d
du
 
F (u )  G (u )  F 
dG d F
du

du
G

1.2.8.6
d
du
 
A(u ) . B (u )  C (u )  A . B 
dC
du
A.
dB
du
C 
dA
du
.B  C

 dC  dB 
1.2.8.7
d
 
A  B  C  A   B    A 
   C  C 

dA

. B  C 
du  du   du  du

1.2.9 Definition: Velocity and Acceleration.

Let r be the position vector of a point P(x(t), y(t), z(t)) in space where t is the
scalar time. Then r In the component form is r  r (t)  x(t) i  y(t) j  z(t) k .

Derivative of r denoted by r is defined as

r (t  t )  r (t ) dx
..
dr dy dz
 r  Lim  i j k r and r denote the velocity
du t 0 t dt dt dt
and acceleration of a particle with position vector r .
1.2.10 Definition: Unit tangent vector. Let s be the arc length reckoned or
measured from a fixed point M0 of a space curve c whose equation is r  r (s).
dr dx dy dz
Then the unit tangent vector of c is  i j k such that
ds ds ds ds
2 2 2
dr  dx   dy   dz 
          1.
ds  ds   ds   ds 

1.2.11 Definition: Partial derivatives of a vector function F .

Partial derivatives of a vector function F which depends on more than one

scalar variables u, v, w. the partial derivate of F w. r. t. u is

F F (u  u )  F (u, v, w)
 Lim .
u t 0 u

In the component form, if F (u, v, w)  F 1 (u, v, w) i  F 2 (u, v, w) j  F3 (u, v, w) k .

Then the partial derivative of F w. r. t. say u is obtained by taking the partial
derivatives of the components F1 , F2 , F3 of F w. r. t. u i.e.,

F  F1 F  F3
 i 2 j k .
u u u u

Higher order partial derivatives can be obtained similarly.

Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 2

1.3 Problems Vs Solutions

dA
Problem 1.3.01: Prove that A.  0 if A is a constant vector.
dt

Solution: For any vector A , A . A  A 2

On differentiation w.r.t. t
d
dt
 
A .A  A .
dA
dt

dA
dt
. A  2A
dA
dt
and 2A
dA
dt
 2A.
dA
dt
dA dA
If A is a vector of constant magnitude  0 so that A .  0 is required
dt dt
solution.

A A
Problem 1.3.02: If A  Cos xy i  (3xy – 2x2) j (3x  2y) k then find , ,
 x y
2 A 2 A 2 A
, , .
x 2 y 2 xy

Solution: Given A  Cos xy i  (3xy – 2x2) j (3x  2y) k

A
   y Sin xy i  (3y – 4x) j  3 k
x
A
   x Sin xy i  3x j  2 k
y
2 A
   y2 Cos xy i - 4 j
x 2
2 A
   x2Cos xy i
y 2
2 A
  ( Sin xy  xy Cos xy ) i  3 j is required solution.
x y
Problem 1.3.03: If A  t2 i -t j (2t  1) k , B  ( 2t – 3 ) i  j - t k find (a)

 A. B 
t

(b)

 A B
(c)

AB   (d)

A
B 
 at t  1.
t t t  t 


Solution: (a) To find


 A. B 
t
Let A.B  t2( 2t – 3 ) t  t (2t  1)

d A. B 
 6 t2  6 t – 1 – 4 t – 1 |at t  1   6
dt
i j k

(b) A  B  t 2   t (2t  1)  ( t2 2t – 1 ) i  ( t3  4 t2 – 4t – 3 ) j (3t2 – 3t) k
2t  3 1 t

d A B 
 (2t – 2 ) i  ( 3t2  8 t – 4 ) j  ( 6t – 3 ) k at t  1,
dt

d A B 
7j 3 k
dt

To find (c)

d AB 
dt
Let A  B  (t  2t – 3 ) i  (1 – t ) j (t  1) k
2

| A  B | (t  2t - 3 )  (1  t )  (1  t )  (t
2 2 2 2 4
 4t 3 - 12t  11
d | A  B  | 4t  12t  12 3 2
 at t  1 is 1.
dt 2 (t 4  4t 3 - 12t  11
 B 
(d) To find A  at t  1 for that let
t  t 

dB
 2i  0  k
dt
i j k
B
A  t
2
 t (2t  1)  t i  ( t2  4 t – 2 ) j  2t k
t
2t  3 1 t

d B 
A   i  ( 2t  4 ) j  2 k at t  1 is i  6 j  2 k is required solution.

dt  t 
Problem 1.3.04: Find the magnitude of the velocity and acceleration of a
particle which moves along the curve x  2 Sin 3t, y  2 Cos 3t, z  8t at any
time t > 0. Find unit tangent vector to the curve.

Solution: the position vector r of the particle is r (t)  x(t) i  y(t) j  z(t) k

r (t)  2 Sin 3t i  2 Cos 3t j  8t k

r
Velocity  V   6 Cos 3t i – 6 Sin 3t j  8 k
t

2 r
Acceleration  a  V   – 18 Sin 3t i – 18 Cos 3t j  0 k
t 2

|V |  36 Cos 2 3t  36 Sin 2 3t  64  36  64 10

|a |  18 2 Sin 2 3t  18 2 Cos 2 3t  18 2  18

 dr 
 
 dt 
Unit tangent vector     
1
[ 6 Cos 3t i  6 Sin 3t j  8k is required solution.
dr 10
dt
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 3

1.3 Exercise Try Urself……

Problem 1.3.05: Prove that


d A B 
 C  ( A  B ) if
dA
 C A ;
dB
 C B
dt du du

Problem 1.3.06: Find the angle between the directions of the velocity and
acceleration vectors at time t of a particle with position vector r  (t2  1) i 2t j
 (t2  1) k .

Problem 1.3.07: If a, b, w are constants show that the acceleration of a

particle with displacement vector r  a Cos t  b Sin t is always directed
towards the origin.

Problem 1.3.08: A particle moves along the curve x  2t2, y  t2 – 4t, z  3t – 5

where t is the time. Find the components of its velocity and acceleration at time
t  1 in the direction i  3 j  2 k .

Problem 1.3.09: Determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration at t  0

of a particle moving along a curve whose parametric equations are x  e- t , y 
2 Cos 3t, z  2 Sin 3t where t is the time.

Problem 1.3.10: Find the angle between the tangents to the curve r  t2 i  2 t
j t3 k at the points t   1.

Problem 1.3.11: Given the curve x  t2  2, y  4t  5, z  2t2 – 6t find unit

tangent vector at the point t  2.

dA
Problem 1.3.12: Prove that A   0 if A (t) has constant or fixed direction.
dt

Problem 1.3.13: Find


2 A  B 
at (1,0,2) if A  x2y z i  2 xz3 j  xz2 k ,
xy
B  2 z i  y j  x2 k .
Problem 1.3.14: Find
3 f A   at the point (2, - 1, 1) if f  xy2z,
x 2 y
A  xz i - xy2 j  yz2 k .

Problem 1.3.15: If A  (2x2 y – x4) i (exy – y Sin x) j  (x2 Cos y) k then find

(i)
A
(ii)
A 
(iii)
2 A
(iv)

2 A
(v)
2 A
(vi)

2 A  
x y x 2 y 2 xy yx

Problem 1.3.16: If A  Sin u i  Cos u j  u k , B  Cos u i  Sin u j  3 k

and C  2 i  3 j  k then find

d
du
 
A  ( B  C ) at u  0.

Problem 1.3.17: If A  2t i  t2 j  t3 k , B   t i  t2 k and C  t3 j  2t k

then find
d
du
 
A. B  C at t  1.

Problem 1.3.18: Find (i)

d
du

A. B (ii)
d
du

A  B (iii)d
du

A. A .  
Problem 1.3.19: If A  5t2 i  t j  t3 k , B  Sin t i  Cos t j then find (i)
d
dt
 
A. B (ii)
d
dt
 
A  B (iii)
d
dt
A. A  
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 3

1.3 Exercise Vs Answers …….

 t 2 
1.3.05: **** 1.3.06: Cos-1  
 1.3.07: ***
 2t 2
 1 

 8 14    14 
1.3.08:  ; 
 


 7   7 

1.3.09: V  - e- t i - 6 Sin 3t j  6 Cos 3t k ; a  e- t i - 18 Cos 3t j  18 Sin 3t k ;

| V | at t  0 is 37 ; | a | at t  0 is 325 .
1.3.10:   Cos -1(9/17)

 t i  2 j  (2t  3)k  2i  2 j  k
1.3.11:  ;

 5t 2
 12t  13  3

1.3.12: ****
1.3.13:  4 i  8 j

1.3.14: 4y2z i - 2 y4 j ; 4 i - 2 j

1.3.15: (i) (4xy – 4x3 ) i + (yexy – y cos x) j + 2x Cos y k

(ii) 2x2 i + (x exy – Sin x) j - x2 Sin y k

(iii) (4y – 12 x2) i +(y2 exy + y Sin x) j + 2 Cos y k (iv) 0 + x2 exy j - x2 Cos y k

(v), (vi) 4x i +(xy exy + exy – Cos x) j - 2 x Sin y k

1.3.16: 7 i + 6 j  6 k

1.3.17: - 12 t5 + 8 t3 – 7 t6,  11

1.3.18: 2 Sin u + 2u cos u – 4 u3; 9u2 i +(u3 Cos u + 3 u2 Sin u + 4u) j + (3 u2

Cos u + 6u Sin u ) k
1.3.19: (i) (5t2 – 1 ) Cos t + 11 t Sin t
(ii) (t3 Sin t –3 t2 Cos t ) i (t3 Cos t + 3t2 Sin t) j +(5 t2 Sin t –11t Cos t – Sin t ) k
(iii) 100 t3 + 2t + 6t3.
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 4

1.4 Directional derivative, Gradient of a scalar function and conservative field

1.4.1 Introduction.

In vector differential calculus, it is very convenient to introduce the symbolic

linear vector differential “Hamiltonian” operator del defined and equation
  
denoted as below = i +j +k …………………………………………….. (1)
x y z

this operator read as del or nabla is not a vector neither has magnitude nor
direction but combines both differential and vectorial properties analogous to
those of ordinary vectors.

1.4.2 Definition: Directional derivative. If f = f(x, y, z) the the partial

 f f  f
derivatives , , are the derivatives rates of change of f in the “direction”
 x y  z
of the co-ordinate axes OX, OY, OZ respectively. This concept can be extended
to define a derivative of f in a “given” direction PQ as shown below:

P b O G
Figure
Let P be a point in space and b be a unit vector from P in the given direction.
Let s be the arc lengths measured from P to another point Q along the ray C in
the direction of b . Now consider f(s) = f(x, y, z) = f((s), y(s), z(s)).
df f dx f dy f dz
Then = + + ……………………….………………………………. (2)
ds x ds y ds z ds
 df
The directional derivative of f at the point P in the given direction b is given
ds
df
by (2). gives the rate of change of f in the direction of b . Since
ds
dx dy dz
i+ j+ k = b = Unit Vector ……………………………………………………. (3)
ds ds ds
df
Using the del operator defined by (1) given by (2) can be written as below:
ds
df  f f f   dx dy dz 
=  i  j  k  .  i  j  k
ds  x y z   ds ds ds 

df    
=  i  j  k  f. b = f. b …………………………………………….……… (4)
ds  x y z 

Thus the directional derivative of f at P is component or dot product of  f in

the direction of unit vector b .

The directional derivative in the direction

df a
of any non-unit vector a is =f. .............................................................................. (5)
ds a

Equation (4) introducs the vector quantity, the gradient of a scalar function
f(x, y, z) or gradient f denoted by f and defined as below

     f f f 
f =  i  j  k  f =  i  j  k  = grad f = Vector
 x y z   x y z 

 f f f 
f =  , ,  .
 x y z 
1.4.3 Note: Properties of Gradient.

1.4.3.1 Projection of f in any direction is equal to the derivative of f in that

direction.

1.4.3.2 The gradient of f is in the direction of the normal to the level surface
f(x, y, z) = C = constant. So the angle between any two surfaces f(x, y, z) = C1
and g(x, y, z) = C2 is the angle between their corresponding normals given by f
and g respectively.

1.4.3.3 The gradient at P is in the direction of maximum increase of f at P.

1.4.3.4 The modulus of the gradient is equal to the largest directional

derivative at a given point P.
2
 f   f   f 
2 2
df
i.e., max at P = | f | at P =         at P .
ds  x   y   z 

These properties thus state that the vector gradient f indicates the direction
and magnitude of maximum change of scalar function f at a given point.
df
1.4.3.5 Definition: Normal derivative. = f. n where n is the unit normal
dn
to the surface f = constant.
1.4.3.6 Definition: Conservative. A vector function A is said to be a

conservative vector field if A = f i.e., A is the gradient of a scalar function f.

In this case f is known as the potential function of A .

Instead of applying or operating on a scalar function f, if del is applied to a

vector function A , we get divergence and curl.
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 5

1.4.5 Problems Vs Solutions on Directional derivative, Gradient of a scalar

function and conservative field Try Urself…..

r
1.4.5.01 Problem: Find f(r) such that f = and f(1) = 0
r5
1.4.5.02 Problem: If f = (y2 – 2xyz3 ) i +(3+2xy – x2z3) j +(6z3-3x2yz2) k
1.4.5.03 Problem: Find the constants a and b so that the surface
ax2 – b yz = (a + 2) x will be orthogonal to the surface 4x2y + z3 = 4 at the point
(1, -1, 2).
1.4.5.04 Problem: Find the values of the constants a, b, c so that the
directional derivative of f = axy2 + byz + cz2x3 at (1, 2, -1) has a maximum of
magnitude 64 in a direction parallel to the z-axis.
1.4.5.05 Problem: Find the directional derivative of f(x, y, z) = 4 e2x-y+z at the
point (1, 1, -1) in the direction towards the point (-3, 5, 6).
3
1.4.5.06 Problem: Evaluate (i)  r n (ii)  r (iii) (3 r 2 - 4r +6r-1/3) (iv)  r

(v) Log r) (vi)  r 

1

1.4.5.07 Problem: If A = 2x2 i - 3 yz j +xz2 k and f = 2z – x3y find A.  f and

(ii) A   f at the point (1, -1, 1).

Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 6

1.4.6 Exercise on Directional derivative, Gradient of a scalar function and

Conservative field Try yourself…..

f
1.4.6.01 Problem: Prove that    =
g f  f g 
g g2

f
[Hint: Use quotient formula for derivative of   .
g
1.4.6.02 Problem: (i) Determine f when  f = (zx i + xz j -xy k )/z2;

(ii) If  f = xy i + 2xy j then find f.

1.4.6.03 Problem: Find f given  f = 2x i + 4y j + 8z k

1.4.6.04 Problem: If  f = 2xyz3 i + x2z3 j + 3x2yz2 k then find f(x, y, z) if

f(1, -2, 2) = 4.
1.4.6.05 Problem: Calculate the angle between the normals to the surface
2x2 + 3y2 = 5z at the points (2, -2, 4) and (-1, -1, 1).
1.4.6.06 Problem: Determine the angle between the normals to the surface
xy = z2 at the points (4, 1, 2) and (3, 3, -3).
1.4.6.07 Problem: Find the angle of intersection of the spheres x2 + y2 + z2 =
29 and x2 + y2 + z2 + 4x – 6y – 8z = 47 at (4, -3, 2).
1.4.6.08 Problem: Find the angle between the surfaces x2 + y2 + z2 = 9 and z =
x2 + y2 – 3 at the point (2, 1, -2).
1.4.6.09 Problem: In what direction from (3, 1, -2) is the directional derivative
of f = x2 y2 z4 maximum. Find also the magnitude of the maximum.
1.4.6.10 Problem: Find the direction in which temperature changes most
rapidly with distance from the points (1, 1, 1) and determine the maximum rate
of change if the temperature at any point is given by f(x, y, z) = xy + yz + zx.
1.4.6.11 Problem: (i) In what direction from the point (2, 1, -1) is the
directional derivative of f = x2yz3 a maximum? (ii) what is the magnitude of this
maximum?
1.4.6.12 Problem: Find the maximal directional derivative of x3y2z at (1, -2, 3).
1.4.6.13 Problem: Determine the directional derivative of f = xy2 + yz3 at the
point (2, -1, 1) in the direction of the vector i + 2 j + 2 k .
1.4.6.14 Problem: Determine the directional derivative of f = xy + yz + zx at the
point (1, 2, 0) in the direction of the vector i + 2 j + 2 k .
1.4.6.15 Problem: Determine the directional derivative of f = x2 yz + 4xz2 at the
point (1, -2, -1) in the direction of the vector 2 i  j  2 k .
1.4.6.16 Problem: What is the the directional derivative of f = xy2 + yz3 at the
point (2, -1, 1) in the direction of the normal to the surface x Log z – y2 =  4 at
point (-1, 2, 1).
1.4.6.17 Problem: Determine a unit vector normal to the surface xy3z2 = 4 at
the point (-1, -1, 2).
1.4.6.18 Problem: Find the unit outward drawn normal to the surface (x – 1)2
+ y2 + (z + 2)2 = 9 at the point (3, 1, -4).
1.4.6.19 Problem: Find a unit normal to the surface x2y + 2xz = 4 at the point
(2, -2, 3).
1.4.6.20 Problem: If U = 3x2 y, V = xz2 – 2y evaluate [U.V]

1.4.6.21 Problem: Find  f when f = (x2 + y2 + z2) e x  y  z

2 2 2

1.4.6.22 Problem: If f = 2xz4 – x2y, find  f and | f | at (2, -2, -1).

1.4.6.23 Problem: If f(x, y, z) = 3x2y – y3z2, find  f and | f | at (1, -2, -1).
1.4.6.24 Problem: Find  f if f = Log (x2 + y2 + z2).
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 7

1.05.1 Divergence

1.05.1.1 Definition: Divergence. Divergence of a vector function A (x, y, z) is

written as divergence of A or div of A and denoted by . A is defined as

   
. A =  i  j  k  ( A ) .
 x y z 

   
If A =A1 i + A2 j + A3 k , . A =  i  j  k  (A1 i + A2 j + A3 k )=  A1  A2  A3 
 x z 
 x y z   y

. A = is a scalar quantity.

1.05.1.2 Note: . A  A . because L.H.S. . A is a scalar quantity whereas

   
the R.H.S. A . =  A1  A2  A3  is a scalar differential operator.
 x y z 

1.05.1.3 Note: The divergence of A at a point P constitutes the volume density

of the flux of A at P i.e., divergence measures outflow minus inflow.

1.05.1.4 Definition: Source or sink. A point P in a vector field A is said to be

source (or sink) if divergence A i.e. A > (or <) 0.

1.05.1.5 Definition: Solenoidal function. A is said to be solenoidal if

divergence A = 0 at all points of function.
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 8

1.05.2 Problems Vs Solutions on Divergence

r
1.05.2.1 Problem: Find (. A ) where A = .
r
1.05.2.2 Problem: if f and g are solutions of the Laplace equation show that
. ( f g  g f ) = 0.

1.05.2.3 Problem: Find the directional derivative of . U at the point (4, 4, 2)

in the direction of the corresponding outer normal of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 =
36 where U = x4 i + y4 j + z4 k .

1.05.2.4 Problem: .( r 3 r )

1.05.2.5 Problem: Determine the constant b such that A = (x + 3y) i + (y – 2z)

j + (x + bz) k is solenoidal.

1.05.2.6 Problem: Evaluate divergence of (2 x2z i x y2z j +3y z2 k ) at the

point (1, 1, 1).
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Gradient, Divergence and Curl Class 9

1.05.3 Exercise Problems on Divergence ….Try your self

1.05.3.01 Problem: Prove that . r = 3
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus - Curl Class 10

1.06 Curl:
1.06.01 Definition: Curl. Curl of A , denoted by  A also known as rotation

V or not of V is defined as Curl of A =  A

   
=  i  j  k  (A1 i + A2 j + A3 k )
 x y z 

i j k
  
=
x y z
A1 A2 A3

 A A   A A   A2 A1 
= i  3  2  + j  1  3  + k   
 y z   z x   x y 

 A = is a vector quantity.

1.06.01 Definition: Irrotational field. A vector point function A is said to be

Irrotational, if curl of A is zero at every point where A is defined. Otherwise it
is said to be rotational. The curl of any vector point function. In general, gives
the measure of the angular velocity at any point of the vector field.
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Properties Class 11

1.7 Related Properties of Gradient, Divergence and Curl of sums:

1.08 second order differential operator

1.7.01 Definition: The gradient, divergence and curl are distributive w.r.t. the
sum and difference of functions.
01. (f  g) = f  g

02. ( A  B ) = (. A )  ( . B )

03. ( A  B ) = ( A )  (  B )

The above results follow, since derivative of sum or difference of scalars or
vectors is sum or difference of the derivatives of scalars or vectors.

1.7.02 Example:.( A  B ) = .( A1  B1 ) ) i  .( A2  B2 ) j  .( A3  B3 ) k

  
= ( A1  B1 ) + ( A2  B2 ) + ( A3  B3 )
x y z

 A A A   B B B 
=  1  2  3    1  2  3 
 x y z   x y z 

= . A  . B
1.7.03 Gradient, Divergence and Curl of products.
1.7.03.1 Note: (f g) = fg  gf

1.7.03.2 Note: .(f A ) = (f). A  (f). A

1.7.03.3 Note: (f A ) = (f) A  (f) A

1.7.03.4 Note: ( A . B ) = ( B .) A  ( A .) B + B ( A )  A ( B )

1.7.03.5 Note: .( A  B ) = B .( A )  A .( B )

1.7.03.6 Note: ( A  B ) = ( B . ) A  B (. A )( A .) B + A (. B )

1.7.03.7 Note: (f A ) =(f ( A1 i  A2 j  A3 k ))=(f A1 i  f A2 j  f A3 k )

i j k
    fA3 fA2   fA3 fA1   fA2 fA1 
= = i     j   +k   
x y z  y z   x z   x y 
fA1 fA2 fA3

Expanding the product of the derivatives and rearranging the terms, we get

  fA3 fA2   fA3 fA1   fA2 fA1 

=f i     j   k    +
  y z   x z   x y 

 f f   f f   f f 
i  A3  A2   j  A3  A1  + k  A2  A1 
 y z   x z   x y 

=(f A ) = (f) A  (f) A

1.7.03.08 Problem: Prove that .( A  B ) = B .( A )  A .( B )

1.7.03.09 Problem: P.T ( A  B ) = ( B . ) A  B (. A )( A .) B + A (. B )

1.7.03.10 Problem: P.T ( A . B )= A  ( B )+ B ( A ) +( A .) B +( B . ) A

Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Second Order Differential Operator Class 12

1.8 second order differential operator

If it is a two-fold application of the operator  to function.

1.8.1 Definition: Laplacian operator 2
 f f f    f    f     f 
Div grad f = (f ) =   i  j  k  =  +   +  
 x y z   x  x  y  y   z   z 

 2 f   2 f   2 f 
=  2  +  2  +  2 
 x   y   z 

 2 2 2 

=  2  2  2  f
 x y z 
= 2f = f
 Div grad f = (f ) =2f = f.
Thus the scalar differential operator read as “nabla squared” or “delta”.
 2 2 2 
2 =  =  2  2  2  is known as Laplacian operator.
 x y z 

 2 f 2 f 2 f 
1.8.2 Note: f = div grad f = 2f = f =  2  2  2 
 x y z 
1.8.3 Note: f = curl grad f = 0

1.8.4 Note: ( A ) = div curl A = 0

1.8.5 Note:  ( A ) =curl curl A = ( A ) - 2 A

1.8.6 Note:  ( A ) =grad div A =  ( A ) + 2 A

1.8.6 Note: Table for the possible combinations of second order differential
operators are tabulated below:

Operator Scalar field Vector Field

Grad Div curl
Grad *** Grad div A ***

Div Div grad f = f *** Div curl A

Curl Curl grad f = 0 *** Curl curl A =

Grad div A =   A

1.8.7 Example: Prove that  f = 0 for any scalar function f.

1.8.8 Example: Prove that (f  g  g  f ) = 0

1.8.9 Example: P.T  (f g) = f  g =  (g  f ) and deduce that  (f f).

1.8.10 Example: Show that  ( A ) =  ( A ) - 2 A .

1.8.11 Example: Prove that  ( A ) = 0 for any vector function A .

1.8.12 Example: Prove that  (f A ) = f  ( A ) for any vector function A .
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Second Order Differential Operator Class 13

1.8.13 Problems on 2nd order differential operator – Laplacian 2.

1.8.13.1 Problem: Show that f is both solenoidal and Irrotational if 2f = 0

1.8.13.2 Problem: If F = ra r prove that 2 F = a (a + 3) rn-2 F

1.8.13.3 Problem: Find 2f when f = 4x2 + 9y2 + z2
1.8.13.4 Problem: Find 2f at the point (2, 3, 1) when f = xy/z
 2 f 2 f 2 f 
1.8.13.5 Problem: Show that .(f) =  2  2  2 
 x y z 

  r 
1.8.13.6 Problem: Evaluate 2 . 2 
  r 

1.8.13.7 Problem: Find the directional derivative of (f) at the point (1, -2, 1)
in the direction of the normal to the surface xy2z = 3x + z2 where f = 2x3y2z4.
1.8.13.8 Problem: Prove that 2(fg) = f 2g + 2g.f + g2f
1.8.13.9 Problem: Prove that (i) 2rn = n(n+1)rn-2 where n is a constant (ii) 2r2
1  1 
= 6 (iii) 2   = 0 (iv) 2( Log r) =  2  (v) 2(gh) = g2(h) + h2(g)
r r 

 d 2 f 2 df 
1.8.13.10 Problem: Prove that (i) 2 f(r) =  2   (ii) Find f(r) such that
 dr r dr 
2 f(r) = 0.
1.8.13.11 Problem: Calculate 2f when f = 3x2z – y2z3 + 4x3y + 2x – 3y -5 at
the point (1, 1, 0).
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Curvilinear co-ordinates Class 14

1.9 Curvilinear coordinates: Cylindrical and spherical coordinates

1.9.1 Definition: Curvilinear co-ordinates.

It is more convenient in many problems to define the position of a point P in

space by three numbers (q1, q2, q3 ) instead of the three Cartesian co-ordinates

(x, y, z). Then q1, q2, q3 are known as curvilinear co-ordinates of the point P.

1.9.2 Definition: co-ordinate surfaces. The three surfaces q1 = c1, q2 = c2,

q3 = c3 where c1, c2, c3 are constants are known as co-ordinate surfaces of the

system of curvilinear co-ordinates. On these co-ordinates surfaces, say q1 = c1

one of the co-ordinates, here q1, remains constant.

1.9.3 Note: The co-ordinate curves or lines or axis are the curves or lines of

intersection of any two co-ordinate surfaces. Thus on the co-ordinate curve say

which is the intersection of q2 = c2 and q3 = c3 , only q1 varies, while q2 and q3

remain constant.

1.9.4 Note: suppose the rectangular co-ordinates (x, y, z) of any point P in

space be expressed as functions of (q1, q2, q3) so that

x = x(q1, q2, q3), y = y(q1, q2, q3) and z = z(q1, q2, q3) …………………………… (1)

on solving (1) for q1, q2, q3 in terms of x, y, z we get

q1 = q1(x, y, z) , q2 = q2 (x, y, z) and q3 = q3(x, y, z)…………………………….. (2)

the set of equations (1) and (2) are known as “transformation of co-ordinates”.
 3

Z q3 Curve
q1 q2=c2 q1 = c1
Curve P
2

1 q3 = c3 q2
Curve

O Y

X
1.9.4 Definition: Orthogonal curvilinear system of co-ordinates. If the co-
ordinate surfaces intersect at right angles and therefore lines are at right
angles, then the curvilinear co-ordinate system is known as “orthogonal
curvilinear system of co-ordinates”.
1.9.5 Note: let e1 , e2 , e3 be unit vectors directed along the tangents to the co-

ordinates axes q1, q2, q3 at the point P in the direction of increasing q1, q2, q3
respectively, such that e1 , e2 , e3 form a right – handed trihedral (triad).

1.9.6 Example: Express the velocity v and acceleration a of a particle in

spherical co-ordinates.
1.9.7 Example: Represent the vector A = 2y i - z j + 3x k in spherical co-

ordinates and determine Ar , A , A .

1.9.8 Example: (i) Find the unit vectors e p , e0 , e in spherical co-ordinate

system in terms of i , j , k . (ii) Solve for i , j , k in terms of e p , e0 , e .

1.9.9 Example: Find the Laplacian of f(, , z) = 2 + z23 + - .
1.9.10 Example: Find all solutions of the Laplace’s equation 2f = 0 that
depend solely on the distance .
1  log   log  
1.9.11 Example: Find the potential of A = e er + e e + e e
 r Sin 
given in spherical co-ordinates.
1.9.12 Example: Show that the vector field A in spherical co-ordinates
2 Cos  Sin 
A = 3
er + e is solenoidal.
r r3

1.9.13 Example: Compute the curl of A specified in cylindrical co-ordinates

Cos 
where A = Sin  e  + e  z e z .

1.9.14 Example: Compute the gradient of the scalar field f =  + z Cos 
specified in cylindrical co-ordinates (, , z).
1.9.15 Example: A vector field is given in cylindrical co-ordinates as
A (P) =  +  e  . Find the vector lines of the field.

1.9.16 Example: Find the square of the element of arc length in cylindrical co-
ordinates and determine the corresponding scale factors.
1.9.17 Example: Prove that curl of gradient of f = 0 in any orthogonal
curvilinear co-ordinate system.
1.9.18 Example: Prove that the surface area of the given region R of the

surface r = r (u, v) is  R
EG  F 2 du dv . Use this to determine the surface area

of a sphere.
r r r
1.9.19 Example: Find , , ,q1, q2, q3 in cylindrical co-ordinates.
q1 q2 q3

 x, y , z 
1.9.20 Example: Find the Jacobian J   for (i) cylindrical (ii) spherical
 q1 , q 2 , q 3 
co-ordinates.
1.9.21 Example: Find the Jacobian of x, y, z w.r.t. the orthogonal curvilinear
co-ordinates q1, q2, q3.

1.9.22 Example: Prove that a spherical co-ordinate system is orthogonal.

1.9.23 Example: Express (i) f, (ii) . A (iii)  A and (iv) 2f in spherical
curvilinear co-ordinates.

1.9.24 Example: Express (i) f, (ii) . A (iii)  A and (iv) 2f in cylindrical co-
ordinates (r, , z).

1.9.25 Example: Express 2f in orthogonal curvilinear co-ordinates, Deduce

for Cartesian system.

1.9.26 Example: Derive an expression for  A in orthogonal curvilinear co-

ordinates. Deduce  A for Cartesian co-ordinates.

1.9.27 Example: Derive an expression for . A in orthogonal curvilinear co-

ordinates. Deduce . A in rectangular co-ordinates.

1.9.28 Example: Show that e1 = h2h3q2 q3.

1.9.29 Example: Derive an expression for f in orthogonal curvilinear co-

ordinates. Deduce  in rectangular Cartesian co-ordinates.
1.9.30 Example: Spherical co-ordinates q1 = r, q2 = , q3 =  we get h1 = Hr = 1,
h2 = H = r, h3 = H = r Sin .
1.9.31 Example: In rectangular co-ordinate system (q1, q2, q3) is replaced by
(x, y, z). Here h1 = Hr = h2 = h3 =1, e1 = i , e2 = j , e3 = k .

1.9.32 Example: Spherical co-ordinates

q1 = r  0  r   ; q2 =   0    ; q3 =   0    2
the co-ordinate surfaces are
r = c1, spheres centered at 0;  = c2, circular half-angle cones with z-axis with
vertex at origin ;  = c3 half planes adjoining th z-axis through z-axis.
Co-ordinate lines are
r : rays emanating from origin 0
: meridians on a sphere
: parallel on a sphere
Z line r

=c2
 
Line 
r = c1 0

Y
O  = c2

line 
X Figure
Cartesian co-ordinates are related to spherical co-ordinates as x = r cos  sin ;
y = r sin  cos ; z = r cos .
Engineering Mathematics - I Semester – 1 By Dr N V Nagendram

UNIT – V Vector Differential Calculus Class 15

1.10 Summary.

1.10.1 Note: Vector differential calculus extends the differential calculus of

scalar functions to the vector functions, with all the basic rules and formulas
quite similar.
1.10.2 Note: Derivative of a vector function in component form is obtained by
taking derivatives of the components i.e., F  F1 i  F2 j  F3 k .

d F d F1 d F2 d F3
1.10.3 Note: Then  i j k.
du du du du
1.10.4 Note: A similar definition for partial derivative is obtained by taking the
partial derivatives of the components w.r.t the corresponding independent

 F  F1 F F
variable  i 2 j 3 k.
u u u u
  
1.10.5 Note: The del or nabla operator is = i +j +k
x y z

1.10.6 Note: Gradient of a scalar function f is a vector grad f = f =

f f f
i +j +k
x y z

= vector gives the direction of maximum increase of f.

1.10.7 Note: f is the normal to the surface f(x, y, z) = ‘c’ directional derivative
df a
of f at point p in the direction of a vector a is  f . .
ds a

1.10.8 Note: Divergence of a vector function A is a scalar div A = . A =

A1 A2 A3
  = scalar
x y z
 1.10.9 Note: when . A =0 the vector field A is solenoidal. Curl of a vector

i j k
  
function A is a vector curl A =  A = = vector
x y z
A1 A2 A3

1.10.10 Note: related properties of sums, difference and products of gradient,

divergence and curl are quite similar to the differential calculus properties,
keeping the order intact.
1.10.11 Note: In the second order differential operators 2f = .f =
2 f 2 f 2 f
  and curl (f) = 0 ; div(curl A ) = 0
x 2 y 2 z 2
1.10.12 Note: Expressions for grad, div, curl and Laplacian in curvilinear,
cylindrical and spherical co-ordinates can be presented as per our convenience.

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