Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

Chapter - 6
Gradient, Divergence and Curl
1. The Gradient Vector: grad

Consider a room in which the temperature is given by a scalar field, 𝑇(𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) at each
point (𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) (assume that the temperature does not change over time.). At each point in the
room, the gradient of 𝑇 at that point will show the direction in which the temperature rises most
quickly. The magnitude of the gradient will determine how fast the temperature rises in that
direction.

A vector field, called the gradient, written: gradT or 𝛁 T, where 𝛁 is called ‘del’, can be associated
with a scalar field 𝑇.

At every point, the direction of the vector field (𝛁 T) is

▪ orthogonal to the scalar field contour (𝐶) and

▪ in the direction of the maximum rate of change of 𝑇.𝑢̂3

The gradient of a scalar function 𝑇(𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) is given by

𝑢̂1 𝜕𝑇 𝑢̂2 𝜕𝑇 û3 𝜕𝑇

gradT = 𝛁 T = + + ∙
ℎ1 𝜕𝑢1 ℎ2 𝜕𝑢2 ℎ3 𝜕𝑢3

where ℎ𝑖 are scale factors and 𝑢̂𝑖 are the unit vectors along 𝑢𝑖 , (𝑖 = 1, 2, 3). For cartesian
coordinates 𝑢1 = 𝑥, 𝑢2 = 𝑦, 𝑢3 = 𝑧, ℎ1 = ℎ2 = ℎ3 = 1, for cylindrical coordinates 𝑢1 = 𝑟, 𝑢2 =
𝜑, 𝑢3 = 𝑧, ℎ1 = ℎ3 = 1 and ℎ2 = 𝑟 and for spherical coordinates 𝑢1 = 𝑅, 𝑢2 = 𝜃, 𝑢3 = 𝜑, ℎ1 =
1, ℎ2 = 𝑅& ℎ3 = 𝑅 sin 𝜃.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

Example 1.1. Find the gradient of the following scalar functions:

𝑥𝑦𝑧
(a) 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = (𝑥 2+𝑦 2+𝑧 2) at the point (1, 1,1).
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
For Cartesian coordinates, gradT = 𝛁 𝑇 = x̂ 𝜕𝑥 + ŷ 𝜕𝑦 + ẑ 𝜕𝑧 ∙

𝜕 𝑥𝑦𝑧 𝜕 𝑥𝑦𝑧 𝜕 𝑥𝑦𝑧

= x̂ ( 2 ) + y
̂ ( ) + z
̂ ( )
𝜕𝑥 (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 ) 𝜕𝑦 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ) 𝜕𝑧 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )

(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )𝑦𝑧 − 2𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )𝑥𝑧 − 2𝑦 2 𝑥𝑧 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑧 2 𝑥𝑦

= x̂ + y
̂ + z
̂
(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )2

1
At the point (1, 1,1), 𝛁 𝑇 = 9 (x̂ + ŷ + ẑ) ∙
𝑧 cos ϕ
(b) 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) = (1+𝑟 2) , at the point (1, 𝜋, 2)
r̂ 𝜕𝑇 ̂ 𝜕𝑇
ϕ ẑ 𝜕𝑇
For cylindrical coordinates, gradT = 𝛁 𝑇 = 1 𝜕𝑟 + 𝑟 𝜕ϕ + 1 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝑧 cos ϕ 1 𝜕 𝑧 cos ϕ 𝜕 𝑧 cos ϕ

= r̂ ( )+ϕ ̂ ( ) + ẑ ( )
2
𝜕𝑟 (1 + 𝑟 ) 2
r 𝜕ϕ (1 + 𝑟 ) 𝜕𝑧 (1 + 𝑟 2 )
2𝑧𝑟 cos ϕ 1 𝑧 sin ϕ cos ϕ
= −r̂ ̂
−ϕ + ẑ ∙
2
(1 + 𝑟 ) 2 r (1 + 𝑟 )2 (1 + 𝑟 2 )
1
At the point (1, 𝜋, 2), 𝛁 𝑇 = r̂ − ẑ 2 ∙
𝜋 𝜋
(c) 𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, ϕ) = 𝑅 cos 𝜃 sin ϕ , at the point (2, 2 , 4 ) ∙
̂ 𝜕𝑇
R ̂ 𝜕𝑇
θ ̂
ϕ 𝜕𝑇
For cylindrical coordinates, gradT = 𝛁 𝑇 = + 𝑅 𝜕θ + 𝑅 sin θ 𝜕ϕ
1 𝜕𝑅

𝜕 θ̂ 𝜕 ̂
ϕ 𝜕
̂
=R (𝑅 cos 𝜃 sin ϕ) + (𝑅 cos 𝜃 sin ϕ) + (𝑅 cos 𝜃 sin ϕ)
𝜕𝑅 𝑅 𝜕θ 𝑅 sin θ 𝜕ϕ
̂
ϕ
̂ cos 𝜃 sin ϕ − θ̂ sin 𝜃 sin ϕ +
=R 𝑅 cos 𝜃 cos ϕ.
𝑅 sin θ

𝜋 𝜋 1
At the point (2, 2 , 4 ) , 𝛁 𝑇 = −θ̂ .
√2

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

2. Directional Derivatives:

Consider the temperature 𝑇 at various points of a heated metal plate. Some contours for 𝑇 are

shown in the following diagram.

We are interested in how 𝑇 changes from one point to another. The rate of change of 𝑇 in the
direction specified by 𝐴𝐵 is given by (20 − 15)/𝐴𝐵 = 5/𝐴𝐵, examples of directional
derivative.

In general, for a given function 𝑇 = 𝑇(𝑢1 , 𝑢2 ), the directional derivative in the direction of a
unit vector is the gradient vector at a point 𝐴

▪ magnitude = the largest directional derivative, and

▪ pointing in the direction in which this largest directional derivative occurs, is known as
the gradient vector.

Hence, the component of 𝛁 𝑇 in the direction of a vector𝐝 is equal to𝛁 𝑇 ∙ 𝐝 and it is called the
directional derivative of 𝑇 in the direction of 𝐝.

Example 2.1 Find the directional derivative of 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 at the point (1, −1, 4 )in the
direction 𝐝 = x̂ − ŷ + 4 ẑ .
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Solution: 𝛁 T = x̂ 𝜕𝑥 (𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 ) + ŷ 𝜕𝑦 (𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 ) + ẑ 𝜕𝑧 (𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 )

= x̂ 𝑦 2 + ŷ 2𝑥𝑦 + ẑ(−2𝑧)
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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

At the point (1, −1, 4 ), 𝛁 𝑇 = x̂ − 2 ŷ − 8 ẑ

x̂−y
̂+4 ẑ 1 1 4
Now, the unit vector in the direction of x̂ − ŷ + 4 ẑ is â = = x̂ − ŷ + ẑ
√1+1+16 √18 √18 √18
1 1 4
Then the required directional derivative is,𝛁 𝑇 ∙ â = (x̂ − 2 ŷ − 8 ẑ) ∙ ( x̂ − ŷ + ẑ)
√18 √18 √18

1 2 32 29
= + − =− .
√18 √18 √18 √18

𝑟
1 𝜋
Example 2.2 Find the directional derivative of 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) = 2 𝑒 −5 cos ϕ at the point (2, 4 , 3) in

the direction r̂.

𝜕 1
̂ 1 𝜕 (1 𝑒 −𝑟/5 cos ϕ) + ẑ 𝜕 (1 𝑒 −𝑟/5 cos ϕ)
Solution: 𝛁 𝑇 = r̂ 𝜕𝑟 (2 𝑒 −𝑟/5 cos ϕ) + ϕ r 𝜕ϕ 2 𝜕𝑧 2

1 −𝑟/5 1
= −r̂ 𝑒 ̂ 𝑒 −𝑟/5 sin ϕ
cos ϕ − ϕ
10 2r
𝜋 1 1
̂
At the point (2, 4 , 3 ), 𝛁 𝑇 = −r̂ 10√2 𝑒 −2/5 − ϕ 𝑒 −2/5
4√2
1
Then the required directional derivative is, 𝛁 𝑇 ∙ r̂ = − 10√2 𝑒 −2/5 .

1 𝜋 𝜋
Example 2.3 Find the directional derivative of 𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, ϕ) = 𝑅 sin2 𝜃 at the point (5, 4 , 2 ) in the
̂.
direction R
𝜕 1 ̂ 𝜕
θ 1 ̂
ϕ 𝜕 1
̂ ( sin2 𝜃) +
Solution: 𝛁 𝑇 = R ( sin2 𝜃) + 𝑅 sin θ 𝜕ϕ (𝑅 sin2 𝜃)
𝜕𝑅 𝑅 𝑅 𝜕θ 𝑅

1 1
̂
= −R 2
sin2 𝜃 + θ̂ 2 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
𝑅 𝑅
𝜋 𝜋
̂ 1 + θ̂ 1
At the point (5, 4 , 2 ), 𝛁 𝑇 = −R 50 25

̂ = − 1.
Then the required directional derivative is, 𝛁 𝑇 ∙ R 50

3. The divergence and curl of a vector function

Consider air as it is heated or cooled. The velocity of the air at each point defines a vector field.
While air is heated in a region, it expands in all directions, and thus the velocity field points
outward from that region. The divergence of the velocity field in that region would thus have a
positive value. While the air is cooled and thus contracting, the divergence of the velocity has a
negative value.
The divergence of a vector field is relatively easy to understand intuitively. Imagine that the vector
field A pictured below gives the velocity of some fluid flow. It appears that the fluid is exploding
outward from the origin.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

𝛁∙𝐀>0
This expansion of fluid flowing with velocity field 𝑨 is captured by the divergence of 𝑨, which we
denote div 𝑨 or mathematically 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀. The divergence of the above vector field is positive since
the flow is expanding.
In contrast, the below vector field represents fluid flowing so that it compresses as it moves toward
the origin. Since this compression of fluid is the opposite of expansion, the divergence of this
vector field is negative.

𝛁∙𝐀<0
Lastly, a solenoidal vector field (also known as an incompressible vector field, a divergence-
free vector field) is a vector field 𝑨 with divergence zero at all points in the field. That is
𝛁∙𝐀=𝟎

Hence the illustration of the divergence of a vector field at any point 𝑃 is given below:

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

The curl of a vector field captures the idea of how a flow may rotate. Imagine that the below
vector field F represents fluid flow. The vector field indicates that the fluid is circulating around
a central axis. This rotation of fluid flowing with velocity field 𝑨 is captured by the curl of 𝑨,
which we denote curl𝐀 or mathematically 𝛁 × 𝐀.

If curl𝐀 = 0 then 𝐀 is called conservative or irrotational.

Now, let 𝐀 = û1 𝐴1 (𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) + û2 𝐴2 (𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) + û3 𝐴3 (𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) is a vector. The
divergence and the curl is given by

1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
div𝐀 = 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 = [ (𝐴1 ℎ2 ℎ3 ) + (ℎ1 𝐴2 ℎ3 ) + (ℎ ℎ 𝐴 )] ∙
ℎ1 ℎ2 ℎ3 𝜕𝑢1 𝜕𝑢2 𝜕𝑢3 1 2 3

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

û1 ℎ1 û2 ℎ2 𝑢̂3 ℎ3

1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
and curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = ℎ | 𝜕𝑢1 𝜕𝑢2 𝜕𝑢3
|,
1 ℎ2 ℎ3
ℎ1 𝐴1 ℎ2 𝐴2 ℎ3 𝐴3

• The derivation can be found in advanced calculus books.

Example 3.1 Determine divergence and curl. Also check each of the following vector fields
solenoidal, conservative or both.

(a) 𝐀 = x̂𝑥 2 + ŷ 2𝑥𝑦

𝜕 2 𝜕
div𝐀 = 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 = [ (𝑥 ) + (2𝑥𝑦)] = 2𝑥 + 2𝑥 = 4𝑥.
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

x̂ ŷ ẑ
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = | 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
| = ẑ 2𝑦.
𝑥2 2𝑥𝑦 0

∴ 𝐀 is not solenoidal or conservative.

sin ϕ cos ϕ
(b) 𝐀 = r̂ ̂
+ϕ
𝑟2 𝑟2

1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
div𝐀 = 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 = [ (𝐴1 ℎ2 ℎ3 ) + (ℎ1 𝐴2 ℎ3 ) + (ℎ ℎ 𝐴 )]
ℎ1 ℎ2 ℎ3 𝜕𝑢1 𝜕𝑢2 𝜕𝑢3 1 2 3

1 𝜕 sin ϕ 𝜕 cos ϕ 𝜕 sin ϕ sin ϕ 2sin ϕ

= [ ( 2 𝑟) + ( 2 ) + (0 ∙ 𝑟)] = − 3 − 3 = − .
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝑟 𝜕𝑧 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟3

r̂ ̂r
ϕ ẑ
û1 ℎ1 û2 ℎ2 û3 ℎ3
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 1| | 2cos ϕ
curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = | |= 𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧 = −ẑ .
ℎ1 ℎ2 ℎ3 𝜕𝑢1 𝜕𝑢2 𝜕𝑢3 𝑟| | 𝑟2
sin ϕ cos ϕ
ℎ1 𝐴1 ℎ2 𝐴2 ℎ3 𝐴3 𝑟 0
𝑟2 𝑟2
∴ 𝐀 is not solenoidal or conservative.

̂ (𝑅𝑒 −𝑅 )
(c) 𝐀 = R
1 𝜕 −𝑅 2
𝜕 𝜕
div𝐀 = 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 = [ (𝑅𝑒 ∙ 𝑅 sin 𝜃) + (0 ∙ 𝑅 sin 𝜃) + (0 ∙ 𝑅)] = 𝑒 −𝑅 (3 − 𝑅).
𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝜃 𝜕ϕ

̂
R θ̂ 𝑅 ̂ 𝑅 sin 𝜃
ϕ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝑅2 sin 𝜃 | | = 0. ∴ 𝐀 is conservative but not solenoidal.
𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝜃 𝜕ϕ
−𝑅
𝑅𝑒 𝑅 ∙ 0 𝑅 sin 𝜃 ∙ 0
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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

Example 3.2 Test whether 𝐀 = x̂(𝑦 2 cos 𝑥 + 𝑧 3 ) + ŷ(2𝑦 sin 𝑥 − 𝑦 ) + ẑ(3𝑥𝑧 2 + 2)is a
conservative force field. If conservative, find the scalar potential 𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇. Hence find
𝜋
the work done in moving an object in this field from (0, 1, −1) to ( 2 , −1, 2) ∙

Solution: We know for conservative force field curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 0

x̂ ŷ ẑ
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁 × 𝐀 = || || = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑦 cos 𝑥 + 𝑧 3
2
2𝑦 sin 𝑥 − 𝑦 3𝑥𝑧 2 + 2
Hence 𝐀 is conservative force field.
Let 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)be a scalar potential of 𝐀, i.e. 𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇 ∙∴ 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥

= ∫[x̂(𝑦 2 cos 𝑥 + 𝑧 3 ) + ŷ(2𝑦 sin 𝑥 − 𝑦 ) + ẑ(3𝑥𝑧 2 + 2)]. [x̂ 𝑑𝑥 + ŷ 𝑑𝑦 + ẑ𝑑𝑧]

= ∫[(𝑦 2 cos 𝑥 + 𝑧 3 )𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑦 sin 𝑥 − 𝑦 )𝑑𝑦 + (3𝑥𝑧 2 + 2)𝑑𝑧]

𝑦2 𝑦2
= ∫ 𝑑 (𝑥𝑧 3 + 𝑦 2 sin 𝑥 + 2𝑧 − ) = 𝑥𝑧 3 + 𝑦 2 sin 𝑥 + 2𝑧 − + 𝑐, 𝑐 is a constant.
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
( ,−1,2) ( ,−1,2)
2 3 2 𝑦2 2
Now, work done, = ∫(0,1,−1) 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = [𝑥𝑧 + 𝑦 sin 𝑥 + 2𝑧 − ] = 4𝜋 + 7 ∙
2 (0,1,−1)

Example 3.3 Test whether 𝐀 = r̂(cos ϕ) + ϕ ̂ (− sin ϕ)is a conservative force field. If
conservative, find the scalar potential 𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇. Hence find the work done in moving
an object in this field from (0, 𝜋, −1) to (1,2𝜋, 2) ∙
Solution: We know for conservative force field curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 0
̂r ̂r
ϕ ẑ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁 × 𝐀 = || || = 0
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧
cos ϕ – 𝑟 sin ϕ 0
Hence 𝐀 is conservative force field.
Let 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) be a scalar potential of 𝐀, i.e.𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇 ∙∴ 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) = ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥

̂ (– sin ϕ)]. [r̂ 𝑑𝑟 + ϕ

= ∫[r̂(cos ϕ) + ϕ ̂ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ + ẑ𝑑𝑧]

= ∫[cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 − rsin ϕ 𝑑ϕ]

= ∫ 𝑑(𝑟 cos ϕ) = 𝑟 cos ϕ + 𝑐, 𝑐 is a constant.

Now, work done,

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

(1,2𝜋,2)
(1,2𝜋,2)
∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = [𝑟 cos ϕ](0,𝜋,−1) = 1 ∙
(0,𝜋,−1)

Example 3.4 Test whether 𝐀 = R ̂ (sin 𝜃 cos ϕ) + 𝜃̂(cos 𝜃 cos ϕ) + ϕ

̂ (− sin ϕ)is a conservative
force field. If conservative, find the scalar potential𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇. Hence find the work
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
done in moving an object in this field from (0, 4 , 3 ) to (1, 2 , 𝜋) ∙

Solution: We know for conservative force field curl𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 0

̂
R θ̂ R ϕ̂ R sin θ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁×𝐀 = 2 || || = 0
𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝜃 𝜕ϕ
sin 𝜃 cos ϕ R cos 𝜃 cos ϕ − R sin θ sin ϕ
Hence𝐀 is conservative force field.
Let𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, ϕ)be a scalar potential of 𝐀, i.e.𝐀 = 𝛁 𝑇 ∙∴ 𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, ϕ) = ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥

̂ (sin 𝜃 cos ϕ) + 𝜃̂(cos 𝜃 cos ϕ) + ϕ

= ∫[R ̂ (− sin ϕ)]. [R
̂ 𝑑𝑅 + 𝜃̂ 𝑅 𝑑𝜃 + ϕ
̂ R sin θ 𝑑ϕ]

= ∫[(sin 𝜃 cos ϕ)𝑑𝑅 + (cos 𝜃 cos ϕ)𝑅 𝑑𝜃 + (− sin ϕ)R sin θ 𝑑ϕ]

= ∫ 𝑑(𝑅 sin 𝜃 cos ϕ) = 𝑅 sin 𝜃 cos ϕ + 𝑐, 𝑐 is a constant.

𝜋 𝜋
(1, ,𝜋) (1, ,𝜋)
2 2
Now, work done, ∫ 𝜋𝜋 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = [𝑅 sin 𝜃 cos ϕ] 𝜋𝜋 = −1 ∙
(0, , ) (0, , )
43 43

4. Laplacian operator
The Laplacian of a scalar function is defined as the divergence of the gradient of that function.

The differential operator 𝛁 𝟐 = 𝛁 ∙ 𝛁 is called Laplacian operator, and

𝛁 ∙ (𝛁T) = 𝛁 𝟐 𝑇(𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 ) = 0 is called Laplace Equation.

The Laplacian of a scalar function 𝑇 in different coordinate system are defined as follows:
𝜕2𝑇 𝜕2𝑇 𝜕2 𝑇
In Cartesian coordinates 𝛁 𝟐 𝑇 = 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 + 𝜕𝑧 2 ,

1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕2 𝑇 𝜕2𝑇
in cylindrical coordinates 𝛁 𝟐 𝑇 = 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 (𝑟 𝜕𝑟 ) + 𝑟 2 𝜕ϕ2 + 𝜕𝑧 2 and

1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕2 𝑇
in Spherical coordinates 𝛁 𝟐 𝑇 = 𝑅2 𝜕𝑅 (𝑅 2 𝜕𝑅) + 𝑅2 sin 𝜃 𝜕θ (sin 𝜃 𝜕θ) + 𝑅2 sin2 𝜃 (𝜕ϕ2 ) ∙

9
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

3
Example 4.1 Find the Laplacian of the scalar function T = .
x2 +y2

Solution: In Cartesian co-ordinates we know the Laplacian is

𝟐
𝜕 2𝑇 𝜕 2𝑇 𝜕 2𝑇
𝛁 𝑇= 2+ 2+ 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= ( (3(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−1 )) + ( (3(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−1 )) + ( (3(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−1 ))
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧

𝜕 𝜕
= (−3(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−2 . 2𝑥) + (−3(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−2 . 2𝑦) + 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

= 24𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−3 − 6(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−2 + 24𝑦 2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−3 − 6(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )−2

12
=
(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )2

Example 4.2 Find the Laplacian of the scalar function T = 5e−r cosϕ.

Solution: In Cylindrical coordinates we know the Laplacian is

1𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕 2𝑇 𝜕 2𝑇
𝛁𝟐𝑇 = (𝑟 ) + 2 2 + 2
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧

1 𝜕 𝜕 1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= (𝑟 (5e−r cosϕ)) + 2 ( (5e−r cosϕ)) + ( (5e−r cosϕ))
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕ϕ 𝜕z 𝜕z

5cosϕ 𝜕 5e−r 𝜕
= (−𝑟 𝑒 −𝑟 ) + 2 (−𝑠𝑖𝑛ϕ) + 0
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ

5cosϕ −𝑟 −𝑟 ]
5e−r
=− [−𝑒 −𝑟𝑒 − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠ϕ
𝑟 𝑟
−5𝑒 −𝑟 cosϕ 5e−r
= + 5e−r cosϕ − 𝑐𝑜𝑠ϕ.
𝑟 𝑟2

Example 4.3 Find the Laplacian of the scalar function T = 10e−R sinθ.

Solution: In Spherical coordinates we know the Laplacian is,

1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕 𝜕𝑇 1 𝜕 2𝑇
𝛁𝟐 𝑇 = (𝑅 2
) + (sin 𝜃 ) + ( )∙
𝑅 2 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝑅 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝜕θ 𝜕θ 𝑅 2 sin2 𝜃 𝜕ϕ2

10
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

1 𝜕 𝜕 1 𝜕 𝜕
= 2
(𝑅 2 (10e−R sinθ)) + 2 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (10e−R sinθ))
𝑅 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝑅 𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝜃 𝜕𝜃
1 𝜕 𝜕
+ 2 2
( (10e−R sinθ))
𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕ϕ 𝜕ϕ

10sinθ 𝜕 2 −𝑅
10e−R 𝜕
= (−𝑅 𝑒 ) + (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) + 0
𝑅 2 𝜕𝑅 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝜃
10sinθ 𝜕 2 −𝑅
10e−R 𝜕
=− (−𝑅 𝑒 ) + 2 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) + 0
𝑅 2 𝜕𝑅 𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝜃
10sinθ −𝑅 2 −𝑅
10e−R 𝜕
=− [2𝑅𝑒 − 𝑅 𝑒 ] − 2 (𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃)
𝑅2 2𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝜃
10sinθ −𝑅 2 −𝑅 ]
10e−R
=− [2𝑅𝑒 − 𝑅 𝑒 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃.
𝑅2 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃

Sample exercise - 6.1

1. Find the gradient of the following scalar functions at the indicated point:

(a) 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 4𝑥 2 𝑒 −𝑧 + y 3 at the point (1, −1, 0).

5𝜋
(b) 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) = 𝑟 2 cos 2 𝜙 , at the point (2, , 2) ∙
3
cos 2𝜃
(c) 𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, 𝜙) = , at the point (2,0, 𝜋) ∙
𝑅
2. (a) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦𝑧 3 at the point (2, 1, 1 )in the
direction 𝐝 = 𝟐𝑥̂ − 𝑦̂ + 2 𝑧̂ .
𝜋
(b) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of 𝑇(𝑟, ϕ, 𝑧) = 𝑟 2 sin 2𝜙 at the point (2, 6 , 1) in the
direction 𝑟̂ .
𝜋 5𝜋
(c) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of 𝑇(𝑅, 𝜃, 𝜙) = 𝑅 2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜙 at the point (2, 6 , ) in
3

̂.
̂ − 2𝜃
the direction R
3. Determine divergence and curl. Also check whether each of the following vector fields
solenoidal, conservative or both.

(a) 𝐀 = x̂𝑒 5𝑥 + ŷ 2 cos(𝑦) + ẑ 2 sin 𝑧

̂ 𝑟 2 cos ϕ + ẑ 𝑟𝑒 −5𝑧
(b) 𝐀 = r̂ 𝑟 sin ϕ + ϕ
5
̂ 2 sin 𝜃 + 𝜃̂ 𝑟 cot 𝜃 + ϕ
(c) 𝐀 = R ̂ 𝑅 sin 𝜃 cos ϕ
𝑅

11
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

4. (a) Test whether 𝐀 = x̂ (𝑧 3 + 2𝑥𝑦) + ŷ 𝑥 2 + ẑ 3𝑥𝑧 2 is a conservative force field. If

conservative, find the scalar potential 𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 T. Hence find the work done in moving
an object in this field from (1, −2, 1) to (3,1, 4) ∙
(b) Test whether 𝐀 = r̂ (3𝑟 2 𝑧 + sin ϕ) + ϕ ̂ (𝑟 cos ϕ) + ẑ (𝑟 3 )is a conservative force field. If
conservative, find the scalar potential 𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 T. Hence find the work done in moving
an object in this field from (1, 0, −1) to (1, 𝜋, 0) ∙
(c) Test whether 𝐀 = R̂ (cos 𝜃) + 𝜃̂(−sin 𝜃) is a conservative force field. If conservative, find the
scalar potential 𝑇such that 𝐀 = 𝛁 T. Hence find the work done in moving an object in this field
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
from (0, 4 , 3 ) to (1, 2 , 0) ∙

5. Find the Laplacian of the following scalar functions:

(a) T = 2𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 2 ∙
4
(b) T = 𝑦 2+𝑧 2 ∙

(c) T = 3𝑒 −𝑟 cos𝜙 ∙

(d) T = 𝑒 −𝑅 sin𝜃cos𝜙 ∙

MATLAB for Gradient, divergence and curl

Find the gradient of the following scalar >>syms x y z

3 >>gradient(3/(x^2 + z^2), [x, y, z])
functions 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = (𝑥 2 +𝑧 2) ∙

Determine divergence of 𝐀 = x̂ 𝑥 2 + ŷ 2𝑥𝑦 >>syms x y z

>>divergence([x^2, 2*y^2, 0], [x, y, z])

Determine curl of 𝐀 = x̂ 𝑥 + ŷ 2𝑦 2 + ẑ 3𝑧 3 >>syms x y z

>>curl([x, 2*y^2, 3*z^3], [x, y, z])

Find the Laplacian of T = 4xy 2 z 3 . >> syms x y z

>> laplacian(4*x*y^2*z^3)

12
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 23-24

Gauss’s-Divergence Theorem and Stoke’s Theorem

1. Some Prerequisite Example

Example 1.1. For a vector function 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 + ẑ 2𝑧, find surface integral for the circular
cylindrical region enclosed by 𝑟 = 5, 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 = 4.

Solution
⬚ ⬚ ⬚ ⬚

∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 + ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 + ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬
𝑠 top bottom walls
face face face

i. Top face: 𝑧 = 4, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 + ẑ 8and 𝑑𝐬 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 5

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 8 ∫ ∫ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = 200𝜋.
top 0 0
face
⬚
ii. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 and 𝑑𝒔 = −ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ ∫bottom 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0
face

iii. Walls face: 𝑟 = 5, 𝐀 = r̂ 25 + ẑ2𝑧 and 𝑑𝒔 = r̂ 𝑟𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 4

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 25 ∫ ∫ 5𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ = 1000𝜋.
walls 0 0
face
⬚
Total, ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 1200𝜋

13
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

⬚
Example 1.2. Evaluate ∭𝐸 16 𝑧 𝑑𝑉 where E is the upper half of the sphere
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 1.

Solution
Since we are taking the upper half of the sphere the limits for the variables are,

0≤𝑅≤1
𝜋
0≤𝜃≤
2
0 ≤ 𝜑 ≤ 2𝜋
The integral is then,
𝜋
⬚ 2𝜋 2 1

∭ 16𝑧 𝑑𝑉 = ∫ ∫ ∫ 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃(16𝑅 cos 𝜃 ) 𝑑𝑅𝑑𝜑 𝑑𝜃

𝐸 0 0 0
𝜋
2 2𝜋 1

= ∫ ∫ ∫ 8𝑅 3 sin 2𝜃 𝑑𝑅 𝑑𝜑𝑑𝜃
0 0 0
𝜋
2 2𝜋

= ∫ ∫ 2 sin 2𝜃𝑑𝜑 𝑑𝜃
0 0
𝜋
2

= ∫ 4𝜋 sin 2𝜃 𝑑𝜃
0
𝜋
= −2𝜋 cos 2𝜃 2 = 4𝜋.
0

2. Gauss’s divergence theorem

Statement: The surface integral of the normal component of a vector function 𝐀 taken arround a
closed surfce 𝑆 is equal to the integral of the divergence of 𝐀 taken over the volume 𝑉 enclosed
by the surface 𝑆.
Mathematically, ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬

Example 2.1. For the vector field 𝐀 = x̂ 𝑥𝑧 − ŷ 𝑦𝑧 2 − ẑ 𝑥𝑦, verify the divergence theorem by
computing (a) the total outward flux flowing through the surface of a cube centered at the origin
and with sides equal to 2 units each and parallel to the Cartesian axes, (b) the integral of 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 over
the cube’s volume.

14
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Solution
We first evaluate the surface integral over the six faces.
⬚ 2 2
i. Front face: 𝑥 = 2, 𝑑𝐬 = x̂ 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 ∴ ∫front 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫0 𝑥𝑧𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 8.
face
⬚
ii. Back face: 𝑥 = 0, 𝑑𝐬 = −x̂ 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 ∴ ∫back 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face
⬚ 2 2 32
iii. Right face: 𝑦 = 2, 𝑑𝐬 = ŷ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧 ∴ ∫right 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫0 −𝑦𝑧 2 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧 = − .
3
face
⬚
iv. Left face: 𝑦 = 0, 𝑑𝐬 = −ŷ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧 ∴ ∫left 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face
⬚ 2 2
v. Top face: 𝑧 = 2, 𝑑𝐬 = ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 ∴ ∫top 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫0 −𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = −4.
face
⬚ 2 2
vi. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝑑𝐬 = −ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 ∴ ∫bottom 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫0 𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = 4.
face
⬚ 32 8
Adding the above six values, we have∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 8 + 0 − + 0 − 4 + 4 = −3 ∙
3
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now the divergence of 𝐀 is 𝜕𝑥 (𝑥𝑧) + 𝜕𝑦 (−𝑦𝑧 2 ) + 𝜕𝑧 (−𝑥𝑦) = 𝑧 − 𝑧 2 .
⬚ 2 2 2 8
Hence ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 (𝑧 − 𝑧 2 )𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 = − 3 ∙
which is the same as the result of the closed surface integral. The divergence theorem is therefore
verified.

Example 2.2. Given 𝐴 = x̂ 𝑥 2 + ŷ 𝑥𝑦 + ẑ 𝑦𝑧,verify the divergence theorem over a cubeone unit
on each side. The cube is situated in the first octant of the Cartesian coordinate system with one
corner at the origin.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Solution
We first evaluate the surface integral over the six faces.

i. Front face: 𝑥 = 1, 𝑑𝐬 = x̂ 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 iv. Left face: 𝑦 = 0, 𝑑𝐬 = −ŷ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧

⬚ 1 1 ⬚

∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ ∫ 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 1. ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
front 0 0 left
face face

ii. Back face: 𝑥 = 0, 𝑑𝒔 = −x̂ 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 v. Top face: 𝑧 = 1, 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦

⬚ ⬚ 1 1
1
∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0. ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = .
2
back top 0 0
face face
iii. Right face: 𝑦 = 1, 𝑑𝒔 = ŷ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧 vi. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝑑𝒔 = −ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
⬚ 1 1 ⬚
1
∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑧 = . ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0
2
right 0 0 bottom
face face

⬚ 1 1
Adding the above six values, we have∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 1 + 0 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 2.
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now the divergence of 𝐀 is 𝜕𝑥 (𝑥 2 ) + 𝜕𝑦 (𝑥𝑦) + 𝜕𝑧 (𝑦𝑧) = 3𝑥 + 𝑦.
⬚ 1 1 1
Hence ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 (3𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 = 2.
which is the same as the result of the closed surface integral. The divergence theorem is therefore
verified.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Example 2.3. For a vector function 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 + ẑ 2𝑧, verify for the circular cylindrical region
enclosed by 𝑟 = 5, 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 = 4.

Solution
1𝜕 1 𝜕 1 𝜕
𝛁∙𝐀= (𝑟𝐴𝑟 ) + (𝐴ϕ ) + (𝑟𝐴𝑧 )
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝑟 𝜕𝑧
1𝜕 1 𝜕 1𝜕 3
= (𝑟𝑟 2 ) + 0 + (𝑟2𝑧) = (𝑟 ) + 2 = (3𝑟 + 2)
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑧 𝑟 𝜕𝑟
⬚ 4 2𝜋 5

∫ 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫ ∫ ∫(3𝑟 + 2) 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = 1200𝜋.

𝑉 𝑧=0 𝜑=0 𝑟=0

⬚ ⬚ ⬚ ⬚

∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 + ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 + ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬
𝑠 top bottom walls
face face face

i. Top face: 𝑧 = 4, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 + ẑ 8and 𝑑𝐬 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 5

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 8 ∫ ∫ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = 200𝜋.
top 0 0
face
⬚
ii. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 2 and 𝑑𝒔 = −ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ ∫bottom 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face

iii. Walls face: 𝑟 = 5, 𝐀 = r̂ 25 + ẑ2𝑧 and 𝑑𝒔 = r̂ 𝑟𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ

2𝜋 4

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 25 ∫ ∫ 5𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ = 1000𝜋.
walls 0 0
face

Total, ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 1200𝜋 = ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 (verified).

17
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Example 2.4 A vector field 𝐀 = r̂ 10𝑒 −𝑟 − ẑ 3𝑧, verify the divergence theorem for the cylindrical
region enclosed by 𝑟 = 2, 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = 4.

Solution
1𝜕 1 𝜕 1 𝜕
𝛁∙𝐀= (𝑟𝐴𝑟 ) + (𝐴ϕ ) + (𝑟𝐴𝑧 )
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝑟 𝜕𝑧
1 𝜕 1 𝜕 1
= 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 (𝑟10𝑒 −𝑟 ) + 0 − 𝑟 𝜕𝑧 (3𝑧𝑟) = 𝑟 10𝑒 −𝑟 (1 − 𝑟) − 3.

⬚ 4 2𝜋 2
1
∫ 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀𝑑𝑣 = ∫ ∫ ∫ ( 10𝑒 −𝑟 (1 − 𝑟) − 3) 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧
𝑟
𝑉 0 0 0
4 2𝜋 2 4 2𝜋 2
−𝑟 (1
160𝜋
= 10 ∫ ∫ ∫ 𝑒 − 𝑟)𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 − 3 ∫ ∫ ∫ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = − 48𝜋.
𝑒2
0 0 0 0 0 0

i. Top face: 𝑧 = 4, 𝐀 = r̂ 10𝑒 −𝑟 − ẑ 12 and 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 2

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = −12 ∫ ∫ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = −48𝜋.

top 0 0
face
⬚
ii. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝐀 = r̂ 10𝑒 −𝑟 and 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ ∫bottom 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face
−2
iii. Walls face: 𝑟 = 2, 𝐀 = r̂ 10𝑒 − ẑ 3𝑧 and and 𝑑𝐬 = r̂ 𝑟𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ
⬚ 2𝜋 4
160𝜋
∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 20 ∫ ∫ 𝑒 −2 𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ = .
𝑒2
walls 0 0
face

160𝜋 160𝜋
Total = + 0 − 48𝜋 = − 48𝜋.
𝑒2 𝑒2

18
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Example 2.5 A vector field 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 3 exists in the region between two concentric cylindrical
surfaces defined by 𝑟 = 1 and 𝑟 = 2, with both cylinders extending between 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = 5.
⬚ ⬚
Verify the divergence theorem by evaluating the following:(a) ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 and (b) ∫𝑣 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀𝑑𝑣.

Solution:
1𝜕 1 𝜕 1 𝜕
𝛁∙𝐀= (𝑟𝐴𝑟 ) + (𝐴ϕ ) + (𝑟𝐴𝑧 )
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝑟 𝜕𝑧
1 𝜕 1 𝜕 1 𝜕
= 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 (𝑟𝑟 3 ) + 0 + 𝑟 𝜕ϕ (0) = 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 (𝑟 4 ) = 4𝑟 2 .

⬚ 5 2𝜋 2 5 2𝜋 2 5 2𝜋
∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀𝑑𝑣 = ∫0 ∫0 ∫1 4𝑟 2 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜑𝑑𝑧 = ∫0 ∫0 ∫1 4𝑟 3 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = ∫0 ∫0 [𝑟 4 ]12 𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = 150𝜋.

⬚
i. Top face: 𝑧 = 5, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 3and 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ ∫top 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face
⬚
ii. Bottom face: 𝑧 = 0, 𝐀 = r̂𝑟 3 and 𝑑𝒔 = −ẑ𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ ∫bottom 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 0.
face

iii. Outside surface: 𝑟 = 2, 𝐀 = r̂ 8 and 𝑑𝒔 = r̂𝑟𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 5

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 16 ∫ ∫ 𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ = 160𝜋.
outside 0 0

iv. Inside surface: 𝑟 = 1, 𝐀 = r̂ and 𝑑𝒔 = −r̂𝑟𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ

⬚ 2𝜋 5

∴ ∫ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = − ∫ ∫ 𝑑𝑧𝑑ϕ = −10𝜋.
intside 0 0

Adding all surface, 160𝜋 − 10𝜋 = 150𝜋.

19
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

̂ 3𝑅 2 , evalute both sides the divergence theorem for the

Example 2.6 For the vector field 𝐴 = R
region enclosed between spharical shells defined by 𝑅 = 1 and 𝑅 = 2.

Solution

̂ (𝑅2 )2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ and we get 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 3(𝑅2 )4 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ

At the outer surface 𝑑𝐬 = R
⬚ 2𝜋 𝜋
∴ ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫𝜑=0 ∫𝜃=0 3 × 24 × sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑ϕ = 192𝜋 .
̂ (𝑅2 )2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ and we get 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 3(𝑅2 )4 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ
At the inner surface 𝑑𝐬 = −R
⬚ 2𝜋 𝜋
∴ ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = − ∫𝜑=0 ∫𝜃=0 3 × 14 × sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑ϕ = −12𝜋.

Total = 192𝜋 − 12𝜋 = 180𝜋.

Again,
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁∙𝐀= [ (3𝑅 2 ∙ 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃) + (0 ∙ 𝑅 sin 𝜃) + (0 ∙ 𝑅)] = 12𝑅
𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝜃 𝜕ϕ
⬚ ⬚
Now, Outer sphere: ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫𝑉 12𝑅 𝑑𝑣 =
𝜋 2𝜋 2

∫ ∫ ∫ 12 𝑅 3 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑅 𝑑ϕ 𝑑𝜃 = 192𝜋
𝜃=0 𝜑=0 𝑅=0
⬚ ⬚
Inner sphere: ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫𝑉 12𝑅 𝑑𝑣 =
𝜋 2𝜋 1

∫ ∫ ∫ 12 𝑅 3 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑅 𝑑ϕ 𝑑𝜃 = 12𝜋
𝜃=0 𝜑=0 𝑅=0

Total = 192𝜋 − 12𝜋 = 180𝜋.

20
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

⬚
Example 2.7 Find ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over the surface of a hemispherical region that is the top half of a
sphere of radius 3 centered at (0, 0, 0) with its flat base coinciding with the 𝑥𝑦 plane. Also verify
divergence theorem where 𝐀 = ẑ 𝑧.

Solution

Given that 𝑨 = ẑ 𝑅 cos 𝜃 (0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋).

̂ 𝑅 cos2 𝜃 − θ̂ R cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
In spherical coordinates 𝐀 = R
̂ 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ and we get 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = 𝑅 3 cos 2 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃𝑑ϕ
Over the hemisphere surface 𝑑𝐬 = R
𝜋
⬚ 2𝜋 2
∴ ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫𝜑=0 ∫𝜃=0
2 𝑅 3 cos2 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑ϕ = 3 𝜋𝑅 3 = 18𝜋. (𝑅 = 3)
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now,𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 = 𝑅2 sin 𝜃 [𝜕𝑅 (𝑅 cos2 𝜃 ∙ 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃) + 𝜕𝜃 (−R cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 ∙ 𝑅 sin 𝜃) + 𝜕ϕ (0 ∙ 𝑅)]
1
[3𝑅 2 cos 2 𝜃 sin 𝜃 − 𝑅 2 (2 sin 𝜃 cos 2 𝜃 − sin3 𝜃)] = 3cos2 𝜃 − 2 cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 = 1
𝑅 2 sin 𝜃
and 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑑𝑙𝑅 𝑑𝑙𝜃 𝑑𝑙𝜑 = 𝑑𝑅(𝑅)𝑑𝜃(𝑅 sin 𝜃)𝑑ϕ
𝜋
⬚ ⬚ 2𝜋 3 2 ⬚
So, ∫𝑉 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣 = ∫𝑉 𝑑𝑣 = ∫𝜃=0
2
∫𝜑=0 ∫𝑅=0 𝑅 2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑅 𝑑ϕ 𝑑𝜃 = 3 𝜋33 = 18𝜋 = ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 ∙

21
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Sample exercise - 6.2

1. For the vector field 𝑨 = 𝑥̂ 4𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦̂ 𝑦 2 + 𝑧̂ 𝑦𝑧 , verify the divergence theorem by

computing (a) the total outward flux flowing through the surface of a cube centered at the
origin and with sides equal to 1 units each and parallel to the Cartesian axes, (b) the integral
of 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 over the cube’s volume.

2. For a vector function 𝑨 = r̂𝑟 2 + ẑ 3𝑧, verify the divergence theorem for the circular
cylindrical region enclosed by 𝑟 = 1, 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 = 4. Ans: 20𝜋

3. A vector field 𝐀 = r̂ 𝑟 2 exists in the region between two concentric cylindrical surfaces
defined by 𝑟 = 2 and 𝑟 = 3, with both cylinders extending between 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = 3.
⬚
Verify the divergence theorem by evaluating the following: (a) ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 and (b)
⬚
∫𝑣 𝛁 ∙ 𝐀 𝑑𝑣. Ans: 114𝜋

⬚
4. Find ∮𝑠 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over the surface of a hemispherical region that is the top half of a sphere of
radius 4 centered at (0, 0, 0) with its flat base coinciding with the 𝑥𝑦 plane. Also verify
divergence theorem. where 𝐀 = R ̂ 𝑅 cos 𝜃. Ans: 64𝜋

̂ 2𝑅 3 , evaluate both sides of the divergence theorem for the

5. For the vector field 𝐴 = R
region enclosed between spherical shells defined by 𝑅 = 2 and 𝑅 = 3. Ans: 1688𝜋

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

3. Stokes’s Theorem:
Let 𝑆 be the open surface (two-sided) and 𝐶 be the closed boundary of 𝑆, the vector field 𝐀 is
continuous on 𝑆. Then
⬚ ⬚

∫ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 .
𝑠 𝑐

⬚
Example 3.1. Assume that a vector field 𝐀 = x̂(2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ) + ŷ(𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 ), (a) find ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥
⬚
around the triangular contour, (b) find ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over triangular arc, (c) verify Stokes’s
theorem and (d) can 𝐀 be expressed as gradient of a scalar? Explain.

Solution

(a) 𝑑𝒍 = x̂ 𝑑𝑥 + ŷ 𝑑𝑦 ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = (2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦

⬚ 0 8
Path 𝑐1; 𝑥 = 0, 𝑑𝑥 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = − ∫2 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = 3 ∙
1

⬚ 2 16
Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑦 = 0, 𝑑𝑦 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = ∙
2 3

Path 𝑐3 ; 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥, 𝑑𝑦 = −𝑑𝑥,
⬚ 0
28
∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫[{2𝑥 2 + (2 − 𝑥)2 } − {𝑥(2 − 𝑥) − (2 − 𝑥)2 }]𝑑𝑥 = − ∙
3
𝑐3 2
⬚ 4
Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = − ∙
3
⬚ 2 2−𝑥 4
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = −ẑ 𝑦, 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 ∴ ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = − ∫0 ∫0 𝑦𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = − 3 ∙

(c) Stokes’s theorem is verified. (d) No, ∵ 𝛁 × 𝐀 ≠ 0.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

⬚
Example 3.2. Assume that a vector field 𝐀 = x̂ 𝑥𝑦 − ŷ(𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ), (a) find ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 around the
⬚
triangular contour, (b) find ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over triangular arc.

Solution

(a) 𝑑𝐥 = x̂ 𝑑𝑥 + ŷ 𝑑𝑦 ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦
⬚ 1
Path 𝑐1; 𝑦 = 0, 𝑑𝑦 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 = 0 ∙
1

⬚ 1
Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑥 = 1, 𝑑𝑥 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦
2
1
5
= ∫ −(1 + 2𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = − ∙
3
0

Path 𝑐3 ; 𝑦 = 𝑥, 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑑𝑥,
⬚ 0 0
2
∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫ 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2)
𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 − (𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 = ∙
3
𝑐3 1 1
⬚ 5 2
Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = − 3 + 3 = −1 ∙
𝑥̂ 𝑦̂ 𝑧̂
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = | 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
| = −3𝑥 ẑ, 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝑥𝑦 −(𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 0
⬚ 1 𝑥

∴ ∫ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = − ∫ ∫ 3𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = −1 ∙
𝑠 0 0

Stokes’s theorem is verified.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Example 3.3. Repeat Ex3.2. for the contour shown below.

Solution
(a) 𝑑𝒍 = x̂ 𝑑𝑥 + ŷ 𝑑𝑦 ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦
⬚ 2
Path 𝑐1; 𝑦 = 0, 𝑑𝑦 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 = 0 ∙
1

Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥, 𝑑𝑦 = −𝑑𝑥,
⬚ 1 1
11
∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫ 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2)
𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑥(2 − 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 + 2(2 − 𝑥)2 ) 𝑑𝑥 = − ∙
3
𝑐3 0 2

Path 𝑐3 ; 𝑦 = 𝑥, 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑑𝑥,
⬚ 0 0
2
∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫ 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 − (𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 =
3
𝑐3 1 1
⬚ 11 2
Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = − + 3 = −3 ∙
3
𝑥̂ 𝑦̂ 𝑧̂
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = | 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
| = −3𝑥 ẑ, 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝑥𝑦 −(𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 ) 0
⬚ 1 2−𝑦

∴ ∫ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = − ∫ ∫ 3𝑥 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 = −3 ∙
𝑠 0 𝑦

Stokes’s theorem is verified.

cosϕ
Example 3.4. For vector field 𝐀 = ẑ 𝑟 , verify Stokes’s theorem for a segment of a cylindrical
surface defined by 𝑟 = 2, 𝜋/3 ≤ ϕ ≤ 𝜋/2, and 0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 3.

Solution
⬚ ⬚
Stokes’s theorem states that ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝒔 = ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥

25
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

cos ϕ
LHS: With 𝐀 having only a component 𝐴𝑧 = ,use of the expression for 𝛁 × 𝐀 in cylindrical
𝑟
coordinates,
1 𝜕𝐴𝑧 𝜕𝐴ϕ 𝜕𝐴 𝜕𝐴 1 𝜕(𝑟𝐴ϕ ) 𝜕𝐴𝑟
𝛁 × 𝐀 = r̂ ( − ̂ ( 𝑟 − 𝑧 ) + ẑ (
)+ϕ − )
𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ
cos ϕ cos ϕ
1𝜕( 𝑟 ) 𝜕( 𝑟 ) sin ϕ cos ϕ
= r̂ ̂
−ϕ ̂(
= −r̂ ( 2 ) + ϕ )
𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝑟2
The integral of 𝛁 × 𝐀 over the specified surface S is
⬚ 3 𝜋/2 3 𝜋/2
sin ϕ cos ϕ sin ϕ 3
̂(
∫ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝒔 = ∫ ∫ [−r̂ ( 2 ) + ϕ )] ∙ r̂ 𝑟𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = − ∫ ∫ 𝑑ϕ𝑑𝑧 = − ∙
𝑟 𝑟 2 𝑟 4
𝑠 0 𝜋/3 0 𝜋/3

RHS: The surface S is bounded by contour 𝑐 = 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑇 shown in figure above. The direction of
𝑐 is chosen so that it is compatible with the surface normal r̂ by the right-hand rule. Hence,

⬚ 𝑄 𝑅 𝑇 𝑃

∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫ 𝐀 𝑃𝑄 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 + ∫ 𝐀 𝑄𝑅 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 + ∫ 𝐀 𝑅𝑇 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 + ∫ 𝐀 𝑇𝑃 ∙ 𝑑𝐥
𝑐 𝑃 𝑄 𝑅 𝑇

where 𝑨𝑃𝑄 , 𝑨𝑄𝑅 , 𝑨𝑅𝑇 and 𝑨𝑇𝑃 are the field 𝑨 along segments 𝑃𝑄, 𝑄𝑅, 𝑅𝑇 and 𝑇 𝑃respectively.
𝑐𝑜𝑠ϕ
Over segment 𝑃𝑄 the dot product of 𝑨𝑃𝑄 = ẑ ̂ 𝑟𝑑ϕ is zero, and the same is true for
and 𝑑𝐥 = ϕ
𝑟
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜋/2
segment 𝑅𝑇 . Over segment 𝑄𝑅 , ϕ = 𝜋/2; hence, 𝐀 𝑄𝑅 = ẑ = 0. For the last segment,
2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜋/3
𝐀 𝑇𝑃 = ẑ 2
= ẑ/4 and 𝑑𝐥 = ẑ𝑑𝑧. Hence,

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

⬚ 𝑃 0
1 1 3
∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫ (ẑ ∙ ) 𝑧̂ 𝑑𝑧 = ∫ 𝑑𝑧 = − ∙
4 4 4
𝑐 𝑇 3

which is the same as the result obtained by evaluating the left-hand side of Stokes’s equation.

⬚
̂ sin ϕ, (a) find ∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 over the
Example 3.5. Assume that a vector field 𝐀 = r̂ 𝑟 cos ϕ + ϕ 𝑐
⬚
semicircular contour, and (b) find ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over the surface of the semicircle.

Solution
̂ 𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 + sin ϕ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ
(a) 𝑑𝐥 = r̂ 𝑑𝑟 + ϕ
⬚ 2
Path 𝑐1; ϕ = 0, 𝑑ϕ = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 = 2.
1

⬚ 𝜋
Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑟 = 2, 𝑑𝑟 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 sin ϕ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ = 4.
2

Path 𝑐3 ; ϕ = 𝜋, 𝑑ϕ = 0,
⬚ 0 0 ⬚
∮𝑐3 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫2 𝑟 cos 𝜑 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = 2 ∙ Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 2 + 4 + 2 = 8 ∙

r̂ ̂
𝑟ϕ ẑ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 1
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝑟 | | = ẑ 𝑟 (sin ϕ + 𝑟 sin ϕ), 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑟 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ
𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧
𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑟 sin ϕ 0
⬚ 𝜋 2
∴ ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫0 (sin ϕ + 𝑟 sin ϕ) 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = 8 ∙ Stokes’s theorem is verified.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Example 3.6. Repeat Ex3.5. for the contour shown below.

Solution
̂ 𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 + sin ϕ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ
(a) 𝑑𝐥 = r̂ 𝑑𝑟 + ϕ
2 3
Path 𝑐1; ϕ = 0, 𝑑ϕ = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫1 𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 = 2.
1
𝜋
Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑟 = 2, 𝑑𝑟 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫02 sin ϕ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ = 2.
2
𝜋 1
Path 𝑐3 ; ϕ = 2 , 𝑑ϕ = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫2 𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 = 0 ∙
3
0
Path 𝑐4 ; 𝑟 = 1, 𝑑𝑟 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫𝜋 sin ϕ 𝑟 𝑑ϕ = −1.
2 2
3 5
Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 2 + 0 + 2 − 1 = 2 ∙

r̂ ̂
𝑟ϕ ẑ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 1
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝑟 | | = ẑ 𝑟 (sin ϕ + 𝑟 sin ϕ), 𝑑𝒔 = ẑ 𝑟 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ
𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧
𝑟 cos ϕ 𝑟 sin ϕ 0
𝜋/2 2 5
∴ ∫𝑠(𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫0 ∫1 (sin ϕ + 𝑟 sin ϕ) 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = 2 ∙ Stokes’s theorem is verified.

Example 3.7. Assume that a vector field 𝐀 = r̂ cos ϕ + ϕ ̂ sin ϕ, (a) find ∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 over the path
𝑐
comprising a quarter section of a circle, and (b) find ∫𝑠(𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over the surface of the quarter
section.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Solution
̂ 𝑟𝑑ϕ ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 + sin ϕ 𝑟𝑑ϕ
(a) 𝑑𝐥 = r̂ 𝑑𝑟 + ϕ
𝜋 ⬚ 3 3 𝜋
Path 𝑐1; ϕ = 2 , 𝑑ϕ = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 = ∫0 cos 2 𝑑𝑟 = 0.
1

⬚ 𝜋
Path 𝑐2 ; 𝑟 = 3, 𝑑𝑟 = 0, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫𝜋/2 sin ϕ 𝑟𝑑ϕ = 3.
2

⬚ 0 0
Path 𝑐3 ; ϕ = 𝜋, 𝑑ϕ = 0, ∴ ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫3 cos ϕ 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫3 𝑑𝑟 = 3 ∙
3

⬚
Total, ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 0 + 3 + 3 = 6 ∙
r̂ ̂
𝑟ϕ ẑ
1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 1
Now, 𝛁 × 𝐀 = 𝛁 × 𝐀 = | | = ẑ 2sin ϕ , 𝑑𝐬 = ẑ 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ
𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕ϕ 𝜕𝑧 r
cos ϕ 𝑟 sin ϕ 0
⬚ 𝜋 3
∴ ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫𝜋/2 ∫0 2sin ϕ 𝑑𝑟𝑑ϕ = 6 ∙∴ Stokes’s theorem is verified.

̂ sin 𝜃 by evaluating it
̂ cos 𝜃 + ϕ
Example 3.8. Verify Stokes’s theorem for the vector field, 𝐀 = R
on the hemisphere of unit radius.
Solution
̂
R 𝑅 θ̂ 𝑅 sin 𝜃 ϕ̂
𝟏 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁×𝐀= 2 | |
𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝜕𝑅 𝜕𝜃 𝜕ϕ
cos 𝜃 𝑅 ∙ 0 𝑅 sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
̂ 𝑅 sin2 𝜃+ϕ
̂ 2Rsin 𝜃 cos 𝜃−θ
R ̂ 𝑅 sin2 𝜃
= ∙
𝑅 2 sin 𝜃

and 𝑑𝐬 = ̂ (𝑅𝑑𝜃)(𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝑑ϕ) ∴ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 =

R
2R sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑ϕ , (𝑅 = 1).
⬚ 𝜋/2 2𝜋

∫ (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 = ∫ ∫ 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑ϕ𝑑𝜃

𝑠 𝜃=0 𝜑=0
𝜋/2 1

= 4𝜋 ∫ sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 4𝜋 ∫ 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = 2𝜋.

0 0
̂ 𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝑑ϕ ∴ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = 𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝑑ϕ = 𝑑ϕ, (𝑅 = 1 & 𝜃 = 𝜋/2).
Again, 𝑑𝐥 = ϕ 2

⬚ 2𝜋
∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 = ∫0 𝑑ϕ = 2𝜋. ∴ Stokes’s theorem is verified.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Summer 2023-24

Sample exercise – 6.3

̂ 3sin ϕ by evaluating it on the

1. Verify Stokes’s theorem for the vector field 𝐀 = ϕ 2
hemisphere of radius 2. Ans: 24

2. For vector field 𝐀 = ẑ cos 𝜑, verify Stokes’s theorem for a segment of a cylindrical
surface defined by 𝑟 = 5, 𝜋/4 ≤ 𝜑 ≤ 𝜋/2, and 0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 4. Ans: −2√2

⬚
3. Assume that a vector field 𝐀 = x̂(𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 ) + ŷ(𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦), (a) find ∮𝑐 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 around the
⬚
rectangular contour, (b) find ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over rectangular arc, (c) verify Stokes’s
theorem and (d) can 𝐀 be expressed as gradient of a scalar? Explain. Ans: 12

⬚
̂ cos ϕ , (a) find ∮ 𝐀 ∙ 𝑑𝐥 over the
4. Assume that a vector field, 𝐀 = r̂ 𝑟 sin ϕ + ϕ 𝑐
⬚
semicircular contour shown below, and (b) find ∫𝑠 (𝛁 × 𝐀) ∙ 𝑑𝐬 over the surface of the
semicircles. Ans: 0

Book: Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics (6th Edition)

Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Eric Michielssen, Umberto Ravaioli

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