ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 1

Lecture 4-6: Vector Differentiation

Definition: Let, 𝐴⃗ be any vector and function of u and if we can write 𝐴⃗(𝑢) = 𝐴 (𝑢)𝚤̂ + 𝐴 (𝑢)𝚥̂ +
⃗( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
𝐴 (𝑢)𝑘 then the vector differentiation is = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘.

𝝏 𝝏 𝝏
 Vector differential operator ‘del’ 𝜵 = ̂ + ̂ +𝒌
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓
 Gradient of a scalar function 𝝓 therefore grad𝝓=𝜵𝝓 = ̂ + ̂ +𝒌 .
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
 Divergence of a vector 𝑨⃗ is div𝑨⃗=𝜵 • 𝑨⃗
 Curl of a vector 𝑨⃗ is curl𝑨⃗=𝜵 × 𝑨⃗
 Gradient of a vector is always undefined.

Question-1: Show that 𝛻𝜙 is a vector perpendicular to the surface 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑐 where c is constant.

Solution: Let, 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘 be the position vector to any point P(x,y,z) on the surface.
Then 𝑑𝑟⃗ = 𝑑𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑑𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑑𝑧𝑘 lies in the tangent plane to the surface at P.
𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓 𝝏𝝓
𝒅𝝓 = 𝒅𝒙 + 𝒅𝒚 + 𝒅𝒛 = 𝟎
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
or, 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 • 𝑑𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑑𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑑𝑧𝑘 = 0.
or, 𝛻𝜙 • 𝑑𝑟⃗ = 0
∴ 𝛻𝜙 is perpendicular to 𝑑𝑟⃗.
𝛻𝜙 is normal to the surface.

Question-2: Find the unit normal vector at (1, 1, 0) to the surface 𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑧 =constant.

Solution: Normal vector to the surface is 𝛻(𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑧).

Hence 𝛻(𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑧)= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 (𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑧)

= 2𝑥𝑦𝚤̂ + (𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑧)𝚥̂ + 𝑦 𝑘
at the point (1, 1, 0), 𝛻(𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑧)= 2𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 .
̂ ̂
Therefore a unit vector at (1, 1, 0) normal to the surface = = 2𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 Ans.
√ √

H.W. Question-3: Find a unit vector normal to the surface 𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 6 at 𝑃(2,0,1). Ans. 𝚤̂ + 𝑘
√

Question-4: Find the velocity and acceleration of a particle which moves along the curve 𝑥 = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡,
𝑦 = 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡, 𝑧 = 8𝑡, at any time 𝑡 > 0. Also find the magnitude of the velocity and acceleration.

Solution: Let the position vector of the particle is 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘 = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡𝚥̂ + 8𝑡𝑘.
⃗
So, velocity 𝑣⃗ = = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡𝚥̂ + 8𝑡𝑘

= 6 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 𝚤̂ − 6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡𝚥̂ + 8𝑘 Ans.

⃗
Acceleration 𝑎⃗ = = 6 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 𝚤̂ − 6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡𝚥̂ + 8𝑘

=−18 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡 𝚤̂ − 18 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡𝚥̂ Ans.

Magnitude of velocity =|𝑣⃗| = √6 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 + 6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡 + 8
=√6 + 8 = 10 Ans.
and magnitude of the acceleration |𝑎⃗| = √18 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 𝑡 + 18 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 = √18 = 18 Ans.
ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 2
Question-5: Find a unit tangent vector to any point on the curve 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔 𝑡, 𝑧 = 𝑏𝑡, where
𝑎, 𝑏, 𝜔 are constant.
Solution: Let the position vector of the point is 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘 = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔 𝑡𝚥̂ + 𝑏𝑡𝑘.
⃗
Now the tangent vector is 𝑇⃗ = = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔 𝑡𝚥̂ + 𝑏𝑡𝑘

= −𝑎𝜔 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑎𝜔 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔 𝑡𝚥̂ + 𝑏𝑘

̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
Hence unit tangent vector = = Ans.
( ) ( ) √

Question-6: A particle moves along the curve 𝑥 = 𝑡 + 1, 𝑦 = 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 2𝑡 + 5, where 𝑡 is the time. Find the
components of its velocity and acceleration at time 𝑡 = 1in the direction 2 𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ + 6𝑘

Solution: Let the position vector of the point is 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘 = (𝑡 + 1) 𝚤̂ + 𝑡 𝚥̂ + (2𝑡 + 5)𝑘.
⃗
Now, the velocity = = 3𝑡 𝚤̂ + 2𝑡𝚥̂ + 2𝑘
⃗
and the acceleration = = 6𝑡 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂
⃗
At 𝑡 = 1, the velocity = = 3 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + 2𝑘
⃗
and the acceleration = = 6 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂
̂ ̂
Unit direction vector = = 2 𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ + 6𝑘
√

Hence the required component of velocity = 3 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + 2𝑘 • 2 𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ + 6𝑘

= (6 + 6 + 12) = Ans.

and the component of acceleration = (6 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂) • 2 𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ + 6𝑘

= (12 + 6) = Ans.

Question-7: A particle moves along the curve 𝑟⃗ = (𝑡 − 4𝑡)𝚤̂ + (𝑡 + 4𝑡)𝚥̂ + (8𝑡 − 3𝑡 )𝑘 where t is the
time. Find the magnitudes of the tangential and normal components of its acceleration when t=2.
Solution: Given 𝑟⃗ = (𝑡 − 4𝑡)𝚤̂ + (𝑡 + 4𝑡)𝚥̂ + (8𝑡 − 3𝑡 )𝑘.
⃗
The velocity, 𝑣⃗ = = (3𝑡 − 4)𝚤̂ + (2𝑡 + 4)𝚥̂ + (16𝑡 − 9𝑡 )𝑘
When 𝑡 = 2, then 𝑣⃗ = 8𝚤̂ + 8𝚥̂ − 4𝑘
⃗
The acceleration, 𝑎⃗ = = 6𝑡𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + (16 − 18𝑡)𝑘
When 𝑡 = 2, then 𝑎⃗ = 12𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ − 20𝑘
∴ |𝑣⃗| = √8 + 8 + 4 = 12
⃗
Hence the required magnitude of the tangential component of its acceleration = 𝑎⃗ ∙ | ⃗|
̂ ̂
= 12𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ − 20𝑘 ∙
= =16 Ans.
⃗
The normal of its acceleration =𝑎⃗ × | ⃗|
̂ ̂
= 12𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ − 20𝑘 ×
̂ ̂
=
̂ ̂
Hence the required magnitude of the normal component of its acceleration = = 2√73 Ans.
 ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 3

H.W. Question-8: A particle moves along the curve 𝑥 = 2𝑡 , 𝑦 = 𝑡 − 4𝑡, 𝑧 = 3𝑡 − 5, where 𝑡 is the time.
Find the components of its velocity and acceleration at time 𝑡 = 1in the direction 𝚤̂ − 3𝚥̂ + 2𝑘 .
√ √
Ans. , − .
Question-9: The Position vector of a particle at time 𝑡 is 𝑟⃗ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 𝑡 − 1)𝚤̂ + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ( 𝑡 − 1)𝚥̂ + 𝛼𝑡 𝑘. Find the
condition imposed on 𝛼 by requiring that at time 𝑡 = 1, the acceleration is normal to the position vector.
Solution: Given that the position vector 𝑟⃗ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 𝑡 − 1)𝚤̂ + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ( 𝑡 − 1)𝚥̂ + 𝛼𝑡 𝑘 .
⃗
Now, the velocity = = − 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 𝑡 − 1) 𝚤̂ + 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ( 𝑡 − 1)𝚥̂ + 3𝛼𝑡 𝑘
⃗
and the acceleration = = − 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 𝑡 − 1) 𝚤̂ + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ( 𝑡 − 1)𝚥̂ + 6𝛼𝑡𝑘
⃗
At 𝑡 = 1, the acceleration = = −𝚤̂ + 6𝛼𝑘 and the position vector 𝑟⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝛼𝑘
⃗
According to the question, • 𝑟⃗ = 0
or, −𝚤̂ + 6𝛼𝑘 • 𝚤̂ + 𝛼𝑘 = 0
or, −1 + 6𝛼 = 0
or, 𝛼 = ± Ans.
√
Directional derivative: The component of 𝛻𝜙 in the direction of a vector 𝑑⃗ is equal to 𝛻𝜙 • 𝑑⃗ and it is called
the directional derivative of 𝜙 in the direction 𝑑⃗.
Question-10: The temperature at any point in a space is given by 𝑇 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥. Determine the
derivative of 𝑇 in the direction of the vector 3𝚤̂ − 4𝑘 at (1, 1, 1).

Solution: Given that 𝑇 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥.

∴ 𝛻𝑇 = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥).
=(𝑦 + 𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑥 + 𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑦 + 𝑥)𝑘
at (1, 1, 1), 𝛻𝑇 = 2𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + 2𝑘
̂
Hence the required directional derivative = 2𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + 2𝑘 •
√
= (6 − 8) = − Ans.

H.W. Question-11: Find the directional derivative of the scalar function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 at the
⎯
point A(1, -1, -1) in the direction of the line 𝐴𝐵 where B(3, 2, 1). Ans.
√

Question-12: Find the directional derivative of 𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑢⃗) at the point (1, 2, 2) in the direction of the outer
normal to the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9 for 𝑢⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘.
Solution: Here, 𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑢⃗) =𝛻 • 𝑢⃗

= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 • 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘

=4𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4𝑧
So, directional derivative, 𝛻𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑢⃗) = 𝛻(4𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4𝑧 )

= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 (4𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4𝑧 )

=12𝑥 𝚤̂ + 12𝑦 𝚥̂ + 12𝑧 𝑘

directional derivative at (1, 2, 2) =12𝚤̂ + 48𝚥̂ + 48𝑘 .
Also the outer normal of the sphere = 𝛻(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 9)
ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 4
= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 9)

=2𝑥𝚤̂ + 2𝑦𝚥̂ + 2𝑧𝑘

the outer normal of the sphere at (1, 2, 2) =2𝚤̂ + 4𝚥̂ + 4𝑘 .
Hence the required directional derivative in the direction of the outer normal to the sphere
̂ ̂
= 12𝚤̂ + 48𝚥̂ + 48𝑘 •
√

= = 68 Ans.

H.W. Question-13: Find the directional derivative of the divergence of 𝑓⃗(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥𝑦𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 at the
point (2, 1, 2) in the direction of the outer normal to the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9. Ans. .

Question-14: Show that the gradient field describing a motion is irrotational.

Solution: If the curl of a vector is equal to zero then the vector is irrotational.
Let, a field be 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)
so, gradient 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝛻𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)

= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 𝑓

= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘

Now, curl of 𝛻𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) =𝛻 × 𝛻𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)

= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 × 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘

𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘

= = 𝚤̂ − + 𝚥̂ − +𝑘 − =0

Since the curl of gradient field is equal to zero so its motion is irrotational. (Showed).

Question-15: Find the equation for the tangent plane to the surface 𝑥𝑧 + 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑧 − 1 at the point (1, -3, 2).

Solution: Let, 𝜙 = 𝑥𝑧 + 𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1
the outward normal to the plane of the surface is 𝑁⃗ = 𝛻𝜙 = 𝛻(𝑥𝑧 + 𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1).
= 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 (𝑥𝑧 + 𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1).
=(𝑧 + 2𝑥𝑦)𝚤̂ + 𝑥 𝚥̂ + (2𝑥𝑧 − 1)𝑘
=−2𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 3𝑘 at the point (1, -3, 2)
Let 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘be the position vector of the tangent plane at (x, y, z) of the surface
and the position vector of (1, -3, 2) is 𝑟⃗ = 𝚤̂ − 3𝚥̂ + 2𝑘 .
The equation of a tangent plane passing through a point whose position vector is 𝑟⃗ and which is
perpendicular to the normal 𝑁⃗ is given by (𝑟⃗ − 𝑟⃗ ) • 𝑁⃗ = 0
or, (𝑥 − 1)𝚤̂ + (𝑦 + 3)𝚥̂ + (𝑧 − 2)𝑘 • −2𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 3𝑘 = 0
or, 2𝑥 − 𝑦 − 3𝑧 + 1 = 0 Ans.
 ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 5

H. W. Question-16: Find the equation for the tangent plane to the surface 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 at the point (2, -1, 5).
Ans. 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 𝑧 = 5.
⃗
Question-17: Prove that the vector 𝐴 = 3𝑦 𝑧 𝚤̂ + 4𝑥 𝑧 𝚥̂ − 3𝑥 𝑦 𝑘 is solenoidal.
Solution: The vector 𝐴⃗ will be solenoidal if its divergent is zero. i.e, 𝛻 • 𝐴⃗ = 0.

Now, 𝛻 • 𝐴⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 • 3𝑦 𝑧 𝚤̂ + 4𝑥 𝑧 𝚥̂ − 3𝑥 𝑦 𝑘

= (3𝑦 𝑧 ) + (4𝑥 𝑧 ) + (−3𝑥 𝑦 )

=0+0+0
=0
Hence the vector 𝐴⃗ is solenoidal (Proved).
H. W. Question-18: Prove that the vector 𝐴⃗ = (2𝑥 + 8𝑥𝑦 𝑧)𝚤̂ + (3𝑥 𝑦 − 3𝑥𝑦)𝚥̂ − (4𝑦 𝑧 + 2𝑥 𝑧)𝑘 is not
solenoidal but 𝐵⃗ = 𝑥𝑦𝑧 𝐴⃗ is solenoidal.

Question-19: Show that 𝐴⃗ = (6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + (3𝑥 − 𝑧)𝚥̂ + (3𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦)𝑘 is irrotational.
Find 𝜙 such that 𝐴⃗ = 𝛻𝜙.

Solution: 1st Part: A vector 𝐴⃗ will be irrotational if 𝛻 × 𝐴⃗ = 0.

𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
Now, ∇ × 𝐴⃗ =
6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 3𝑥 − 𝑧 3𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦
=(−1 + 1)𝚤̂ + (3𝑧 − 3𝑧 )𝚥̂ + (6𝑥 − 6𝑥)𝑘
=0.
Hence the vector 𝐴⃗ is irrotational. (Proved).
2nd Part: Given that 𝛻𝜙 = 𝐴⃗

or, 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 = (6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + (3𝑥 − 𝑧)𝚥̂ − (3𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦)𝑘

Equating the coefficient of 𝚤̂, 𝚥̂, 𝑘 we get,

= 6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 or, 𝜙 = 3𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑧 + 𝑐

= 3𝑥 − 𝑧 or, 𝜙 = 3𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑐

= 3𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦 or, 𝜙 = 𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑐

Therefore 𝜙 = 3𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 +constant. Ans.

⃗
Question-20: Show that 𝐸⃗ = is irrotational.
Solution: A vector 𝐸⃗ will be irrotational if 𝛻 × 𝐸⃗ = 0.
Let 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘
∴ 𝑟 = |𝑟⃗| = 𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧
⃗ ̂ ̂
Now, 𝐸⃗ = = = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘
ME/Math 1221 (MHU) 6
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
∴ ∇ × 𝐸⃗ =

=𝚤̂ − + 𝚥̂ −

+𝑘 −

=𝚤̂ ( )
+( )
+ 𝚥̂ ( )
+( )

+𝑘 ( )
+( )

=0 + 0 + 0 =0
Hence the vector 𝐸⃗ is irrotational. (Proved).
Question-21: If 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗are irrotational then prove that 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ is solenoidal.
Solution: Since 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗are irrotational so, 𝛻 × 𝐴⃗ = 0 and 𝛻 × 𝐵⃗ = 0 .
The vector 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ will be solenoidal if its divergent is zero. i.e, 𝛻 • 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 0.

Now, 𝛻 • 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 𝐵⃗ • 𝛻 × 𝐴⃗ − 𝐴⃗ • 𝛻 × 𝐵⃗

=𝐵⃗ • 0 − 𝐴⃗ • 0
=0
Hence 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ is solenoidal (Proved).
̂ ̂
Question-22: Show that the vector field 𝑉⃗ = is a sink field.

Solution: The vector field 𝑉⃗ will be sink field if its divergence is negative. i.e, 𝛻 • 𝑉⃗ = −ve expresion.
̂ ̂
Given 𝑉⃗ = =− 𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂

∇ • 𝑉⃗ = (𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ +𝑘 )• − 𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂

=− −

=− 𝑥. (𝑥 + 𝑦 ) − 𝑦. (𝑥 + 𝑦 )

= − + −
( ) ( )

=− which is negative.

Hence the vector field 𝑉⃗ is a sink field. (Proved).

H. W. Question-23: Prove that 𝑣⃗ = 𝜔⃗ × 𝑟⃗ where, 𝜔⃗ = angular velocity, 𝑣⃗ =linear velocity, 𝑟⃗ = radius.

H. W. Question-24: If 𝑣⃗ = 𝜔⃗ × 𝑟⃗ then prove that 𝜔⃗ = 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑣⃗