Vector Differentiation

Chapter 3 Vector Differentiation

Introduction: Principal application of vector functions is the analysis of motion in space. The
gradient defines the normal to the tangent plane, the directional derivatives gives the rate of
change in any given direction. If F is the velocity field of a fluid flow, then divergence of F at a
point P(x, y, z) (flux density) is the rate at which fluid is (diverging) piped in or drained away at
P and the curlF (or circulation density) is the vector of greatest circulation in flow. We express
grad, div and curl in general curvilinear coordinates which are useful in engineering, physics or
geometry involving in a cylinder or cone or a sphere.

In this chapter 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.

Basic Definitions

Scalar: Scalar has magnitude only.

Vector: A vector has magnitude as well as direction.

Position Vector: If P(x, y, z) be any point in the space then position vector of P is given by

r = x i + y j + z k and its magnitude is given by

r= r = x2 + y2 + z2

Scalar product or dot product of two vectors:

Let, A = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k and B = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k then the dot product of A and B is given by

A. B = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k . (b1 i + b2 j + b3 k)

A. B = a1 b1 + a2 b2 + a3 b3

Properties of dot product:

(a) i. i = j. j = k. k = 1 (b) i. j = j. k = k. i = 0

Vector product or cross product of two vectors:

Let, A = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k and B = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k then the cross product of A and B is given

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Vector Differentiation

i j k
A × B = a1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3

Properties of cross product:

(a) i × i = j × j = k × k = 0 (b) i × j = k, j × k = i, k × i = j

(c) A × A = 0

Formulae of Differentiation:

If F and G be any two vectors then

d dF dG
(a)dt F + G = +
dt dt

d dF dɸ
(b) dt F. ɸ = . ɸ + F. dt
dt

d dG dF
(c) dt F. G = F. dt + dt . G

d dG dF
(d) dt F × G = F × + dt × G
dt

The order of the functions F,G is not to be changed.

Velocity and acceleration: If r be the position vector then

dr
Velocity= v = dt

dv
Acceleration= a = dt

Magnitude of velocity= |v|

Magnitude of Acceleration= |a|

Unit vector: If d be the given vector then the unit vector is given by

d
d=
|d|

Component of velocity and acceleration in the direction of vector d:

Component of velocity= v. d

Where v =velocity

Component of acceleration= a. d

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Vector Differentiation

Where a =acceleration

Tangent vector and unit tangent vector:

dr
Tangent vector ( T )= dt

T
Unit tangent vector ( T )= |T|

T1 T2
Angle between two tangents is given by cosθ = T1 T2

Normal and unit normal vector:

1 dT
Normal vector ( N )= |T| dt

N
Unit normal vector ( N )= |N|

Ex1.Find the velocity and acceleration of a particle moving along the curve x = 2 sin3t,

y = 2cos3t, z = 8t and also their magnitudes.

Sol. Let r be the position vector

r = xi + yj + zk

r = 2sin3t i + 2cos3t j + 8t k
dr d
Velocity (v) = = dt [ 2sin3t i + 2cos3t j + 8t k]
dt

v = 6 cos3t i − 6sin3t j + 8 k
dv d
Acceleration (a)= = dt [6 cos3t i − 6sin3t j + 8 k ]
dt

a = −18sin3t i − 18cos3t j

Now, Magnitude of velocity = v

= 6cos3t 2 + −6sin3t 2 + (8) 2

= 36 cos 2 3t + 36 sin 2 3t + 64

= 36 (cos 2 3t + sin 2 3t) + 64

= 36 + 64

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Vector Differentiation

= 100 = 10

Magnitude of acceleration = |a|

= −18sin3t 2 + −18cos3t 2

= 324sin 2 3t + 324cos 2 3t

= 324(sin 2 3t + cos 2 3t)

= 324

= 18

Ex2.A particle moves along the curve x = t 3 + 1, y = t 2 and z = 2t + 5 where t is the

time.Find component of its velocity and acceleration at time t = 1in the direction 2i + 3j + 6k

Sol. Given x = t 3 + 1, y = t 2 , z = 2t + 5

r = xi + yj + zk

r = t 3 + 1 i + t 2 j + 2t + 5 k
dr d
Velocity v = = dt t 3 + 1 i + t 2 j + 2t + 5 k
dt

Velocity v = 3t 2 i + 2tj + 2k

At t = 1

Velocity v = 3i + 2j + 2k
dv d
Acceleration a = = dt (3t 2 i + 2tj + 2k)
dt

Acceleration a = 6ti + 2j

At t = 1

Acceleration a = 6i + 2j

Here d = 2i + 3j + 6k

d = 4 + 9 + 36 = 49 = 7

d 1
d= = 7 (2i + 3j + 6k)
|d|

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Vector Differentiation

Component of velocity= v. d
1
= 3i + 2j + 2k . 7 (2i + 3j + 6k)

6+6+12 24
= =
7 7

Component of acceleration= a. d
1
= (6i + 2j) 7 (2i + 3j + 6k)

12+6 18
= =
7 7

Ex3.At any point of the curve x = 3cost, y = 3sint, z = 4t Find

(i)Tangent vector (ii) Unit tangent vector (iii) Normal vector (iv) Unit normal vector

Sol. Given x = 3cost, y = 3sint, z = 4t

Let, r be the position vector

r = 3costi + 3sintj + 4tk

dr d
(i)Tangent vector (T)= = dt 3costi + 3sintj + 4tk
dt

T = −3sinti + 3costj + 4k

∴T = −3sint 2 + 3cost 2 + (4) 2

= 9sin 2 t + 9cos 2 t + 16 = 9(sin 2 t + cos 2 t) + 16

T = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5

T −3sinti +3costj +4k

(ii) Unit tangent vector T = =
|T| 5

1 dT
(iii) Normal vector N = |T| dt

1 d −3sinti +3costj +4k

=5 dt 5

1 d
= 25 [−3sinti + 3costj + 4k]
dt

1
= 25 [−3costi − 3sintj]

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Vector Differentiation

3
= − 25 [costi + sintj]

3 3
N = 25 cos 2 t + sin 2 t = 25

N
(iv) Unit normal vector N = |N|

25 3
= − 25 [costi + sintj]
3

= −(costi + sintj)

Ex4.Find the angle between the tangents to the curve x = t 2 , y = 2t, z = −t 3 at t = ±1

Sol. Given, x = t 2 , y = 2t, z = −t 3

Let, r be the position vector

r = xi + yj + zk

r = t 2 i + 2tj − t 3 k
dr d
Tangent vector T = = dt (t 2 i + 2tj − t 3 k)
dt

T = 2ti + 2j − 3t 2 k

At t = ±1

i.e. at t = 1

T1 = 2i + 2j − 3k

At t = −1

T2 = −2i + 2j − 3k

Now, T1 = 4 + 4 + 9 = 17

T2 = 4 + 4 + 9 = 17
T 1 .T 2
cosθ = T 1 |T 2 |

2i+2j−3k (−2i+2j−3k) −4+4+9 9

cosθ = = = 17
17 17 17

9
θ = cos −1 17

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Vector Differentiation

TANGENTIAL AND NORMAL COMPONENT OF ACCELERATION

We know that
dr
Velocity = =r
dt

dv d 2r
Acceleration= = =r
dt dt 2

r r
(a)Tangential component of acceleration at = | r |

(b) Normal component of acceleration an = a 2 − (at ) 2

Where a =acceleration

Ex1. A particle moves along the curve r = t 3 − 4t i + t 2 + 4t j + 8t 2 − 3t 3 k

Find tangential and normal component of acceleration at t = 2.

Sol. Given r = t 3 − 4t i + t 2 + 4t j + 8t 2 − 3t 3 k
dr
= r = 3t 2 − 4 i + 2t + 4 j + (16t − 9t 2 )k
dt

d 2r
= r = 6ti + +2j + 16 − 18t k
dt 2

At t = 2

r = 8i + 8j − 4k

r = 12i + 2j − 20k

Now, r = 64 + 64 + 16 = 144 = 12

r = a = 144 + 4 + 400 = 548

r r
∴ Tangential component of acceleration at = | r |

8i+8j−4k 12i+2j−20k 96+16+80 192

at = = = = 16 units
12 12 12

Normal component of acceleration an = a 2 − (at ) 2

an = 548 − (16) 2

an = 548 − 256 = 292 = 17.088 units

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Vector Differentiation

SCALAR AND VECTOR POINT FUNCTIONS

(i) Field: If a function is defined in any region of space, for every point of the region, then this
region is known as field.

(ii) Scalar point function: A function ɸ(x, y, z) is called a scalar point function if it associates a
scalar with every point in space.

Examples: The temperature distribution in a heated body, density of a body and potential due to
gravity are the examples of scalar point function.

(iii) Vector point function: If a function F(x, y, z) defines a vector at every point of a region,
then F(x, y, z) is called a vector point function.

Examples: The velocity of a moving fluid, gravitational force are the examples of vector point
function.

Vector Differential operator Del i.e. 𝛁

The vector differential operator is denoted by ∇. It is defined as

∂ ∂ ∂
∇= i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

Gradient of scalar point function:

The gradient of scalar point function ɸ x, y, z is denoted by ∇ɸ and is written as gradɸ

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
gradɸ = ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x ∂x

Normal: If ɸ x, y, z = c represents a family of surfaces for different values of constant c then

∇ɸ is called a vector normal to the surface ɸ x, y, z = c.

Note: (1) Gradɸ is a vector quantity.

(2) ∇ɸ is a normal vector, as ɸ(x, y, z) is a function of x, y and z i.e. a scalar point function.
∇ɸ
(3) Unit normal vector= |∇ɸ| as ɸ(x, y, z) is a function of x, y and z i.e. a scalar point function

(4) r = xi + yj + zk OR R = xi + yj + zk

dr = dxi + dyj + dzk

r= r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) 1/2

r n = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) n/2

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Vector Differentiation

(4) ɸ x, y, z is a function of three independent variables and its total differentiation dɸ is given
as below
∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
dɸ = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z (dxi + dyj + dzk)
∂x

= ∇ɸ . dr

Properties of gradient (𝛁):

If f(x, y, z) and g(x, y, z) are two scalar point functions then,

If f(x, y, z) and g(x, y, z) are two scalar point functions then,

(a)∇ f ± g = ∇f ± ∇g

(b) ∇ fg = f ∇g + g (∇f)
f g ∇f −f (∇g)
(c) ∇ =
g g2

(d) gradf = 0 iff f is constant.

(e) gradf u = f ′ u gradu

(g) ∇. A × B = B. ∇ × A − A. ∇ × B

(h) ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F

(i) gradf r × r = 0 OR ∇f r × r = 0

Ex1. If ɸ x, y, z = 3x 2 y − y 3 z 2 find gradɸ at the point 1, −2, −1 . also find |gradɸ|

Sol. We have ɸ x, y, z = 3x 2 y − y 3 z 2

We know that gradɸ = ∇ɸ

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
gradɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
gradɸ = i (3x 2 y − y 3 z 2 ) + j ∂y (3x 2 y − y 3 z 2 ) + k ∂z (3x 2 y − y 3 z 2 )
∂x

gradɸ = i 6xy + j(3x 2 − 3y 2 z 2 ) + k(0 − 2y 3 z)

gradɸ = i 6xy + j(3x 2 − 3y 2 z 2 ) + k(−2y 3 z)

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Vector Differentiation

At 1, −2, −1 = (x, y, z)
2 2
gradɸ = i[6 1 −2 ] + j[3 1 − 3 −2 −1 2 ] + k[−2 −2 3
−1 ]

gradɸ = i[−12] + j[3 − 12] + k[−16]

gradɸ = −12i − 9j − 16k

∴ gradɸ = −12 2 + −9 2 + (−16) 2

gradɸ = 144 + 81 + 256 = 481

Ex2. Evaluate ∇ɸ if ɸ = Log(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )

Sol. We have ɸ = Log(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i Log x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + j ∂y Log x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + k ∂z Log(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
∂x

2x 2y 2z
∇ɸ = i + j x 2 +y 2 +z 2 + k x 2 +y 2 +z 2
x 2 +y 2 +z 2

2xi +2uj +2zk 2(xi +yj +zk )

∇ɸ = =
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

Ex3. Find a unit vector normal to the surface xy 3 z 2 = 4 at the point (−1, −1, 2)

Sol. Given surface is xy 3 z 2 = 4

Let, ɸ x, y, z = xy 3 z 2

Then ∇ɸ is a normal vector.

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
∴ ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i xy 3 z 2 + j ∂y xy 3 z 2 + k ∂z (xy 3 z 2 )
∂x

∇ɸ = i (y 3 z 2 ) + j(3xy 2 z 2 ) + k(2xy 3 z )

At the point −1, −1, 2 ≡ (x, y, z)

3 2 2
∇ɸ = i [ −1 2 ] + j[3(−1) −1 2 2 ] + k(2(−1) −1 3 (2))

∇ɸ = −4i − 12j + 4k

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Vector Differentiation

∴ ∇ɸ = −4 2 + −12 2 + (4) 2 = 16 + 144 + 16 = 176 = 4 11

∇ɸ −4i−12j+4k 4(−i−3j+k) −i−3j+k
∴ Unit normal vector= |∇ɸ| = = =
4 11 4 11 11

Ex4. If A = 2x 2 i − 3yzj + xz 2 k and f = 2z − x 3 y find A. ∇f at P(1, −1, 1)

Sol. We have given A = 2x 2 i − 3yzj + xz 2 k and f = 2z − x 3 y

First we need to find out ∇f

∂f ∂f ∂f
∴ ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇f = i (2z − x 3 y ) + j ∂y (2z − x 3 y ) + k ∂z (2z − x 3 y)
∂x

∇f = i (0 − 3x 2 y ) + j(0 − x 3 ) + k(2 − 0)

∇f = −3x 2 yi − x 3 j + 2k

At the point 1, −1, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇f = −3 1 2 (−1)i − (1)3 j + 2k

∇f = 3i − j + 2k ……. (1)

Also, A = 2x 2 i − 3yzj + xz 2 k

At the point 1, −1, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

A = 2(1)2 i − 3 −1 1 j + (1)(1)2 k

A = 2i + 3j + k …….. (2)

∴ A. ∇f = 2i + 3j + k . (3i − j + 2k ) [ ∵By (1) and (2)]

A. ∇f = 2 3 + 3 −1 + 1 2 = 6 − 3 + 2 = 5

Ex5. Evaluate:
1
(i)∇r n (ii)∇r iii ∇(r −1 ) (iv) ∇|r | 3 (v) ∇(3r 2 − 4 r + 6 r −3 ) (vi) ∇(logr)(vii) ∇r

Sol. (i) We know that

r = xi + yj + zk

r = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) 1/2

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Vector Differentiation

r n = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) n/2
∂r n ∂r n ∂r n
∇r n = i +j +k …….. (1)
∂x ∂y ∂z

n n
∂r n ∂ n −1
Now, = ∂x x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 = 2 x2 + y2 + z2 2 (2x)
∂x

∂r n
= nx x 2 + y 2 + z 2 n/2
x2 + y2 + z2 −1
∂x

∂r n x 2 +y 2 +z 2 n /2 rn
= nx = nx r 2 = nx r n−2
∂x x 2 +y 2 +z 2

∂r n ∂r n
Similarly, = ny r n−2 , = nz r n−2
∂y ∂z

∴ (1) becomes

∇r n = i (nx r n−2 ) + j(ny r n−2 ) + k(nz r n−2 )

∇r n = nr n−2 xi + yj + zk = nr n−2 r

∇r n = nr n−2 r

(ii) we know that ∇r n = nr n−2 r

Put n = 1
r
∇r = 1 r1−2 r = r −1 r = r

(iii) Put n = −1 in ∇r n = nr n−2 r

∇ r −1 = −1 r −1−2 r = −r −3 r

(iv) we know that ∇r n = nr n−2 r

∇|r | 3 = ∇r 3 = 3 r 3−2 r = 3r r

(v) we know that ∇r n = nr n−2 r

1
∇ 3r 2 − 4 r + 6 r −3 = 3∇r 2 − 4∇ r + 6∇r −1/3

1
∇ 3r 2 − 4 r + 6 r −3 = 3∇r 2 − 4∇r1/2 + 6∇r −1/3

1 1
= 3 2 r0r−4 r −3/2 r + 6 − 3 r −7/2 r
2

= 6r − 2r −3/2 r − 2r −7/2 r

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Vector Differentiation

3 7
= 6 − 2r −2 − 2r −2 r

(vi) we know that gradf u = f ′ u grad u

OR ∇f u = f ′ u ∇(u)

It follows that
1 1 r r
∇ logr = ∇r = = r2
r r r

r
Ex6. Find f(r) such that ∇f = and f 1 = 0
r5

r
Sol. Given ∇f = r 5 ….. (1)

∂f ∂f ∂f
We know that ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z and r = xi + yj + zk
∂x

(1) becomes
∂f ∂f ∂f xi +yj +zk
i + j ∂y + k ∂z =
∂x r5

∂f ∂f ∂f x y z
i +j +k = i+ j+ k
∂x ∂y ∂z r5 r5 r5

∂f x ∂f y ∂f z
This gives ∂x = r 5 , ∂y = r 5 , ∂z = r 5

We know that
∂f ∂f ∂f
df = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

x y z
df = dx + r 5 dy + r 5 dz
r5

1 r dr
df = xdx + ydy + zdz = = r −4 dr
r5 r5

df = r −4 dr

Integrating both sides we get

df = r −4 dr

r −3
f= +c
−3

r −3
i.e. f(r) = − + c ….. (1)
3

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Vector Differentiation

Given f 1 = 0

Put r = 1 in (1)
1
f(1) = − +c
3

1
0=− +c
3

1
c=3

∴ (1) becomes

r −3 1
f(r) = − +3
3

Exercise
1 r
1. If r = xi + yj + zk prove that grad R = − R 3 where R = |r|
2. Find a unit normal vector to the surface z 2 = x 2 + y 2 at the point 1 , 0 , −1
1
Ans: (i + k)
2
3. Find a unit normal vector to the surface z = 2xy at the point 2, 1, 4
1
Ans: (2i + 4j − k)
21
1 1
4. Find unit normal to the surface x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1 at the point , ,0
2 2
1
Ans: (i + k)
2
5. Find a unit vector normal to the surface x 3 + y 3 + 3xyz = 3 at the point (1, 2, −1)
−i+3j+2k
Ans: 14
6. If f = 2xz 4 − x 2 y find ∇f and |∇f| at (2, −2, −1)
Ans: ∇f = 10i − 4j − 16k , ∇f = 2 93
x 2 +y 2 +z 2
7. Find ∇f when f = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 e−
Ans: 2 − r e−r r
1 r 1 nr
8. Find: (i) ∇ (ii) ∇f r = f ′ r (iii) ∇ r n = − r n +2
r r

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Vector Differentiation

DIRECTIONAL DERIVATIVE

The component of ∇ɸ in the direction of a vector d is equal to ∇ɸ. d and is called the directional
derivative of ɸ in the direction of d .

Thus Directional Derivative = ∇ɸ. d

Where ɸ = ɸ x, y, z i.e. function of x,y and z.

d
d= (Unit vector)
|d|

dr
Note: (1) Vector tangent to the curve= dt

(2) Vector Normal to the surface= ∇ɸ

(3) Maximum magnitude= |∇ɸ|

∇ɸ1 ∇ɸ2
(4) Angle between two surfaces ɸ1 and ɸ2 is given by cosθ = ∇ɸ1 |∇ɸ2 |

(5) Vector in the direction of the line AB = B − A

Ex1. The temperature at any point in space is given by T = xy + yz + zx . Determine the

derivative of T in the direction of the vector 3i − 4k at any point(1, 1, 1).

Sol. Given T = xy + yz + zx

We know that directional derivative of T in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇T. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂T ∂T ∂T
Now, ∇T = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇T = i xy + yz + zx + j ∂y xy + yz + zx + k ∂z (xy + yz + zx)
∂x

∇T = i y + z + j x + z + k (y + x)

At the point 1, 1, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇T = 2i + 2j + 2k ……… (3)

d = 3i − 4k

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Vector Differentiation

|d| = 3 2 + −4 2 = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5

∴ Equation (2) becomes

d 3i−4k
d= = …… (4)
|d| 5

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(3i−4k)
Directional Derivative= (2i + 2j + 2k ). 5

2 3 − 2 0 + 2 (−4) 6−8 2
Directional Derivative= = = −5
5 5

Ex2. Find the directional derivative of the scalar function f x, y, z = x 2 + xy + z 2 at the point

A(1, −1, −1) in the direction of the line AB where B has coordinates (3, 2, 1).

Sol. Given f x, y, z = x 2 + xy + z 2

We know that directional derivative of f in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇f. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂f ∂f ∂f
Now, ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇f = i (x 2 + xy + z 2 ) + j ∂y (x 2 + xy + z 2 ) + k ∂z (x 2 + xy + z 2 )
∂x

∇f = i (2x + y) + xj + 2zk

At the point 1, −1, −1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇f = i + j − 2k …….. (3)

d =Vector in the direction of the line AB

d = AB = B − A

d = 3i + 2j + k − (i − j − k)

d = 2i + 3j + 2k

|d| = 2 2 + 3 2 + 2 2 = 4 + 9 + 4 = 17

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Vector Differentiation

Equation (2) becomes

d 2i+3j+2k
d= = ……. (4)
|d| 17

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(2i+3j+2k)
Directional Derivative= i + j − 2k 17

1 2 + 1 3 + −2 (2) 1
Directional Derivative= =
17 17

Ex3. Find the directional derivative of V 2 where V = xy 2 i + zy 2 j + xz 2 k at the point 2,0,3 in

the direction of the outward normal to the sphere x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 14 at the point 3,2,1

Sol. We have given V = xy 2 i + zy 2 j + xz 2 k

Now, V 2 = V. V = xy 2 i + zy 2 j + xz 2 k . (xy 2 i + zy 2 j + xz 2 k)

V2 = x2 y4 + z2 y4 + x2 z4

∴ Directional derivative of V 2 in the direction of vectord is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇V 2 . d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂V 2 ∂V 2 ∂V 2
Now, ∇V 2 = i +j +k
∂x ∂y ∂z

∂ ∂ ∂
∇V 2 = i ∂x x 2 y 4 + z 2 y 4 + x 2 z 4 + j ∂y x 2 y 4 + z 2 y 4 + x 2 z 4 + k ∂z (x 2 y 4 + z 2 y 4 + x 2 z 4

∇V 2 = i 2xy 4 + 2xz 4 + j 4x 2 y 3 + 4z 2 y 3 + k(2z y 4 + 4 x 2 z 3 )

At the point 2,0,3 ≡ x, y, z

∇V 2 = i 2 2 0 + 2 2 3 4
+j 4 2 2
0 3
+4 3 2
0 3
+ k[2 3 0 4
+4 2 2
3 3
]

∇V 2 = 324i + 0j + 432k ……… (3)

d =Vector in the direction of normal to the surface x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 14 at the point 3,2,1

d = ∇f [where f = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 14 ]
∂f ∂f ∂f
d=i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

228
Vector Differentiation

∂ ∂ ∂
d=i x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 14 + j ∂y x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 14 + k ∂z (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 14)
∂x

d = 2xi + 2yj + 2zk

At the point 3,2,1 ≡ (x, y, z)

d = 6i + 4j + 2k

|d| = 6 2 + 4 2 + 2 2 = 36 + 16 + 4 = 56 = 2 14

Equation (2) becomes

d 6i+4j+2k 2(3i+2j+k) 3i+2j+k

d= = = = …… (4)
|d| 2 14 2 14 14

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(3i+2j+k)
Directional Derivative= 324i + 0j + 432k . 14

324 3 + 0 2 + 432 (1) 972+432 1404

Directional Derivative= = =
14 14 14

Ex4.Find the directional derivative of the function, ɸ = x 2 y + xyz + z 3 at (1 ,2, −1)

along the normal to the surface x 2 y 3 = 4xy + y 2 z at (1 , 2, 0)

Sol: We have given ɸ = x 2 y + xyz + z 3

We know that directional derivative of ɸ in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇ɸ. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
Now, ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i x 2 y + xyz + z 3 + j ∂y x 2 y + xyz + z 3 + k ∂z x 2 y + xyz + z 3
∂x

∇ɸ = i 2xy + yz + 0 + j x 2 + xz + 0 + k 0 + xy + 3z 2

∇ɸ = i 2xy + yz + j x 2 + xz + k xy + 3z 2

At 1, 2, −1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇ɸ = i 4 − 2 + j 1 − 1 + k 2 + 3

229
Vector Differentiation

∇ɸ = i + 0j + 5k …………. (3)

d =Vector in the direction of normal to the surface x 2 y 3 = 4xy + y 2 z at (1 , 2, 0)

d = ∇f [∵ where f = x 2 y 3 − 4xy − y 2 z]
∂f ∂f ∂f
d=i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
d=i x 2 y 3 − 4xy − y 2 z + j ∂y x 2 y 3 − 4xy − y 2 z + k ∂z (x 2 y 3 − 4xy − y 2 z)
∂x

d = i 2x y 3 − 4y − 0 + j 3x 2 y 2 − 4x − 2yz + k (0 − 0 − y 2 )

d = i 2x y 3 − 4y + j 3x 2 y 2 − 4x − 2yz + k (−y 2 )

At the point (1 , 2, 0) ≡ (x, y, z)

d = i 16 − 8 + j 12 − 4 − 0 + k (−4)

d = 8i + 8j − 4k

|d| = 8 2 + 8 2 + −4 2 = 64 + 64 + 16 = 144 = 12

Equation (2) becomes

d 8i+8j−4k 4(2i+2j−k) 2i+2j−k

d= = = = ……. (4)
|d| 12 12 3

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

2i+2j−k
Directional Derivative= i + 0j + 5k 3

1 2 + 0 2 + 5 (−1) 2+0−5 3
Directional Derivative= = = − 3 = −1
3 3

Ex5. Find the directional derivative of f x, y, z = x 2 y 2 z 2 at the point (1, 1, −1) in the direction
of the tangent to the curve x = et , y = 2sint + 1 , z = t − cost at t = 0.Also calculate the
magnitude of the maximum directional derivative.

Sol. We have given f x, y, z = x 2 y 2 z 2

We know that directional derivative of f in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇f. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

230
Vector Differentiation

∂f ∂f ∂f
Now, ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇f = i (x 2 y 2 z 2 ) + j ∂y (x 2 y 2 + z 2 ) + k ∂z (x 2 y 2 z 2 )
∂x

∇f = i 2xy 2 z 2 + j 2x 2 yz 2 + k(2x 2 y 2 z)

At the point 1, 1, −1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇f = 2i + 2j − 2k ………………. (3)

d =Vector in the direction of tangent to curve x = et , y = 2sint + 1 , z = t − cost

dr
d= [Where r = xi + yj + zk = et i + 2sint + 1 j + t − cost k]
dt

d
d = dt [et i + 2sint + 1 j + t − cost k]

d = et i + 2cost j + 1 + sint k

At t = 0

d = e0 i + 2cos0 j + 1 + sin0 k

d=i+2j+k

|d| = 1 2 + 2 2 + 1 2 = 6

Equation (2) becomes

d i+2j+k
d= = …………… (4)
|d| 6

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(i+2j+k) 2 1 + 2 2 + −2 (1) 2+4−2
Directional Derivative= 2i + 2j − 2k . = =
6 6 6

4 2 2
Directional Derivative= =
6 3

Maximum value of directional derivative= ∇f = (2)2 + (2)2 + (−2)2 = 12 = 2 3

x−x 1 y−y 1 z−z 1
Note: Vector in the direction of the line = = is given by ai + bj + ck
a b c

231
Vector Differentiation

Ex6. Find the directional derivative of ɸ = 5x 2 y − 5y 2 z + 2.5z 2 x at the point P(1, 1, 1) in the
x−1 y−3
direction of the line = = z.
2 −2

Sol. We have given ɸ = 5x 2 y − 5y 2 z + 2.5z 2 x

We know that directional derivative of f in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇ɸ. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
Now, ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i (5x 2 y − 5y 2 z + 2.5z 2 x ) + j (5x 2 y − 5y 2 z + 2.5z 2 x ) + k (5x 2 y − 5y 2 z + 2.5z 2 x )
∂x ∂y ∂z

∇ɸ = i 10xy + 2.5z 2 + j 5x 2 − 10yz + k(−5y 2 + 5zx)

At 1, 1, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇ɸ = i 10 + 2.5 + j 5 − 10 + k(−5 + 5)

∇ɸ = 12.5i − 5j + 0k ……… (3)

x−1 y−3
Now, d =Vector in the direction of the line = =z
2 −2

d = 2i − 2j + k

∴|d| = 2 2 + −2 2 + 1 2 = 9=3

∴ Equation (2) becomes

d 2i−2j+k
d= = …………… (4)
|d| 3

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(2i−2j+k) 12.5 2 + −5 −2 + 0 (1)
Directional Derivative= 12.5i − 5j + 0k . =
3 3

25+10+0 35
Directional Derivative= =
3 3

1
Ex7. Find the directional derivative of f = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2 at (1, −1, 1)in the direction of

a = i + j + k.

232
Vector Differentiation

1
Sol. We have given f = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2

We know that directional derivative of f in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇f. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂f ∂f ∂f
Now, ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1
∇f = i + j ∂y (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2 + k ∂z (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2
∂x (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2

∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1
∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

1 1 1 d 1 1 d
∇f = i (2x) + j (2y) + k (2z) [ ∵ dx = f(x)]
2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 f(x) 2 f(x) dx

x y z
∇f = i +j +k
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

At the point 1, −1, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

1 1 1
∇f = i −j +k
3 3 3

1
∇f = (i − j + k) ……. (3)
3

Now, , d =Vector in the direction of a = i + j + k

d= i+j+k

∴|d| = 1 2 + 1 2 + 1 2 = 3

∴ Equation (2) becomes

d i+j+k
d= = …………… (4)
|d| 3

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

1 (i+j+k) 1 1 + −1 1 + 1 (1) 1−1+1 1
Directional Derivative= i− j+ k . = = =3
3 3 3 3

Ex8. Find the directional derivative of the scalar function ɸ = xy 2 + yz 2 at the point (2, −1, 1)

in the direction of the normal to the surface x logz − y 2 + 4 = 0 at the point (−1, 2, 1).

233
Vector Differentiation

Sol. We have given ɸ = xy 2 + yz 2

We know that directional derivative of ɸ in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇ɸ. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
Now, ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i (xy 2 + yz 2 ) + j ∂y (xy 2 + yz 2 ) + k ∂z (xy 2 + yz 2 )
∂x

∇ɸ = i y 2 + j 2xy + z 2 + k(2yz)

At the point 2, −1, 1 ≡ x, y, z

2 2
∇ɸ = i −1 + j 2 2 −1 + 1 + k 2 −1 1

∇ɸ = i − 3j − 2k ……….. (3)

Now, d =Vector in the direction of the normal to the surface x logz − y 2 + 4 = 0 at point (−1, 2, 1).

d = ∇f [where f = x logz − y 2 + 4]
∂ ∂ ∂
d=i x logz − y 2 + 4 + j ∂y x logz − y 2 + 4 + k ∂z (x logz − y 2 + 4)
∂x

x
d = i logz + −2y + k[ z ]

At the point −1, 2, 1 ≡ (x, y, z)

(−1)
d = i log1 + j −2(2) + k[ ]
1

d = 0i − 4j − k

∴|d| = 0 2 + −4 2 + −1 2 = 17

∴ Equation (2) becomes

d 0i−4j−k
d= = …………… (4)
|d| 17

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

(0i−4j−k)
Directional Derivative= (i − 3j − 2k)
17

234
Vector Differentiation

1 0 + −3 −4 + −2 (−1) 0+12+2 14
Directional Derivative= = =
17 17 17

Ex9. 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).

Sol. We have given f x, y, z = 4 e2x−y+z

We know that directional derivative of f in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇f. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂f ∂f ∂f
Now, ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇f = i 4 e2x−y+z + j ∂y 4 e2x−y+z + k ∂z (4 e2x−y+z )
∂x

∇f = 8e2x−y+z i − 4 e2x−y+z j + 4 e2x−y+z k

At the point 1, 1, −1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇f = 8e0 i − 4 e0 j + 4 e0 k

∇f = 8i − 4j + 4k …….. (3) [ ∵ e0 = 1 ]

Now, d = vector from the point (1, 1, −1) in the direction towards the point(−3, 5 , 6).

d = AB [where A ≡ 1, 1, −1 , B ≡ (−3,5,6)]

d=B−A

d = −3i + 5j + 6k − (i + j − k)

d = −4i + 4j + 7k

∴|d| = −4 2 + 4 2 + 7 2 = 16 + 16 + 49 = 81 = 9

∴ Equation (2) becomes

d −4i+4j+7k
d= = …………… (4)
|d| 9

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

235
Vector Differentiation

−4i+4j+7k 8 −4 + −4 4 + 4 (7)
Directional Derivative= 8i − 4j + 4k =
9 9

−32−16+28 20
Directional Derivative= =−
9 9

Ex10. Find the values of the constants a, b, c so that the directional derivative of

f = axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x 3 at (1, 2, −1) has maximum of magnitude 64 in the direction parallel to
the z-axis.

Sol. We have given f = axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x 3

∂f ∂f ∂f
∴ ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇f = i (axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x 3 ) + j ∂y (axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x 3 ) + k ∂z (axy 2 + byz + cz 2 x 3 )
∂x

∇f = i [ay 2 + 3cz 2 x 2 ] + j[2axy + bz] + k[by + 2czx 3 ]

At the point 1, 2, −1 ≡ x, y, z

∇f = i 4a + 3c + j 4a − b + k(2b − 2c)

Given that directional derivative is parallel to z-axis.

i.e. 4a + 3c = 0 , 4a − b = 0, 2b − 2c = 64

we have 2b − 2c = 64

b − c = 32 …… (1)

∴ b = 32 + c

Substituting b = 32 + c in 4a − b = 0

4a = b

4a = 32 + c
32 c
a= +4
4

c
a=8+4

c
Putting a = 8 + 4 in 4a + 3c = 0

c
4(8 + 4 ) + 3c = 0

236
Vector Differentiation

32 + c + 3c = 0

32 + 4c = 0

4c = −32

c = −8

Putting c = −9 in b − c = 32

b + 8 = 32

b = 32 − 8 = 24

Putting b = 24 in 4a − b = 0

4a − 24 = 0

4a = 26
26
a= =6
4

∴ a = 6, b = 24, c = −8

Ex11. In the directional derivative of ɸ = ax 2 y + by 2 z + cz 2 x at the point (1,1,1) has

x−1 y−3 z
magnitude 15 in the direction parallel to the line = = 1 find values of a, b and c.
2 −2

Sol. We have given ɸ = ax 2 y + by 2 z + cz 2 x

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
∴∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i (ax 2 y + by 2 z + cz 2 x) + j ∂y (ax 2 y + by 2 z + cz 2 x) + k ∂z (ax 2 y + by 2 z + cz 2 x
∂x

∇ɸ = i 2axy + cz 2 + j ax 2 + 2byz + k(by 2 + 2czx)

At the point 1,1,1 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇ɸ = i 2a + c + j a + 2b + k(b + 2c) …….. (1)

Given that maximum magnitude= ∇ɸ = 15 …… (2)

From the given straight line

d = 2i − 2j + k ……. (3)

237
Vector Differentiation

As ∇ɸ is parallel to d using conditions of parallel lines, we get

2a+c a+2b b+2c

= =
2 −2 1

2a+c a+2b
Consider = ,
2 −2

− 2a + c = (a + 2b)

−2a − c = a + 2b

3a + 2b + c = 0 …… (4)

a+2b b+2c
Now, =
−2 1

a + 2b = −2(b + 2c)

a + 2b = −2b − 4c

a + 4b + 4c = 0 …….. (5)

Solving (4) and (5) by cramer’s rule

a −b c
2 1 = 3 1 = 3 2
4 4 1 4 1 4

a −b c
= = 10 = λ(say)
4 11

∴ a = 4λ, b = −11λ, c = 10λ

Putting all these values in(1) we get

∇ɸ = i 8λ + 10λ + j 4λ − 22λ + k(−11λ + 20λ)

∇ɸ = 18λi − 18λj + 9λk

∴|∇ɸ| = 18λ 2 + −18λ 2 + 9λ 2

∇ɸ = 324λ2+324λ2 + 81λ2 = 729λ2 = ±27 λ

15 = ±27λ

15 5
λ = ± 27 = ± 9

238
Vector Differentiation

20 55 50
∴a=± ,b = ± ,c = ±
9 9 9

Ex12. If the directional derivative of ɸ = axy + byz + czx at (1,1,1) has maximum magnitude 4
in a direction parallel to z axis , find values of a,b,c.

Sol: We have given ɸ = axy + byz + czx

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
∴ ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ = i (axy + byz + czx) + j ∂y (axy + byz + czx) + k ∂z (axy + byz + czx)
∂x

∇ɸ = i [ay + cz] + j[ax + bz] + k[by + cx]

At the point 1, 1, 1 ≡ x, y, z

∇ɸ = i a + c + j a + b + k(b + c)

Given that directional derivative is parallel to z-axis.

i.e. a + c = 0 , a + b = 0, b + c = 4

we have b + c = 4

b = 4 − c …… (1)

Substituting b = 4 − c in a + b = 0

a+4−c=0

a=c+4

Putting a = c + 4 in a + c = 0

c+4+c=0

2c + 4 = 0

2c = −4

c = −2

Putting c = −2 in b + c = 4

b−2=4

b=4+2=6

239
Vector Differentiation

Putting b = 6 in a + b = 0

a+6=0

a = −6

∴ a = −6, b = 6, c = −2

Ex13. Find the angle between the surfaces x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 9 and z = x 2 + y 2 − 3 at the point
(2, −1, 2)

Sol. Let, ɸ1 = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 , ɸ2 = x 2 + y 2 − z − 3

We know that angle between two surfaces ɸ1 and ɸ2 is given by

∇ɸ1 ∇ɸ2
cosθ = ……………. (1)
∇ɸ1 |∇ɸ2 |

∂ɸ1 ∂ɸ1 ∂ɸ1

Now, ∇ɸ1 = i +j +k
∂x ∂y ∂z

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ1 = i (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 ) + j ∂y (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 ) + k ∂z (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 )
∂x

∇ɸ1 = 2xi + 2yj + 2zk

At the point 2, −1, 2 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇ɸ1 = 4i − 2j + 4k

∴ ∇ɸ1 = 4 2 + −2 2 + 4 2 = 16 + 4 + 16 = 36 = 6
∂ɸ2 ∂ɸ2 ∂ɸ2
Also, ∇ɸ2 = i +j +k
∂x ∂y ∂z

∂ ∂ ∂
∇ɸ2 = i (x 2 + y 2 − z − 3) + j ∂y (x 2 + y 2 − z − 3) + k ∂z (x 2 + y 2 − z − 3)
∂x

∇ɸ2 = 2xi + 2yj − k

At the point 2, −1, 2 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇ɸ2 = 4i − 2j − k

∴ ∇ɸ2 = 4 2 + −2 2 + −1 2 = 16 + 4 + 1 = 21

Equation (1) becomes

240
Vector Differentiation

4i−2j+4k . 4i−2j−k 4 4 + −2 −2 + 4 (−1) 16+4−4 16 8

cosθ = = = =6 =3
6 21 6 21 6 21 21 21

8
∴θ = cos −1 ( 3 )
21

x
Ex14.For the function ɸ x, y = x 2 +y 2 find the directional derivative along a line making an
angle 300 with the positive x-axis at 0,2 .
x
Sol. We have given ɸ x, y = x 2 +y 2

We know that directional derivative of ɸ in the direction of a vector d is given by

Directional Derivative= ∇ɸ. d ……… (1)

d
Where d = …….. (2)
|d|

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
Now, ∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ x ∂ x ∂ x
∇ɸ = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x x 2 +y 2 x 2 +y 2 x 2 +y 2

y 2 −x 2 2xy
∇ɸ = i −j
(x 2 +y 2 ) 2 (x 2 +y 2 ) 2

At the point 0,2 ≡ (x, y)

i
∇ɸ = 4 ……… (3)

Now, d =along a line making an angle 300 with the positive x-axis at 0,2 .

𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

(0, 1)

𝑥 = 𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Here θ = 300

241
Vector Differentiation

We know that in polar coordinates

x = rcosθ, y = r sinθ , r = x2 + y2

At 0,2 ≡ (x, y)

Now, r = x 2 + y 2 = 02 + 22 = 4 = 2

3
x = rcosθ = 2 cos300 = (2) = 3
2

1
y = r sinθ = 2 sin300 = (2) =1
2

Now, d =along a line making an angle 300 with the positive x-axis at 0,1 .

d = xi + yj

d= 3i+ j

2
∴|d| = 3 + 1 2 = 3+1= 4=2

Equation (2) becomes

3 i+ j 3 1
d= = i + 2 j ……… (4)
2 2

Putting (3) and (4) in (1), we get

i 3 1 3
Directional Derivative= 4 . i+2 j =
2 8

Exercise

1. Find the directional derivative of ɸ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 at the point (2,2,1) in the direction

of 3,1, −1 .
Ans: 6
2. Calculate the directional derivative of the function ɸ x, y, z = xy 2 + yz 3 at the point
1, −1, 1 in the direction of (3, 1, −1)
5
Ans: 11
3. Find the directional derivative of f = xyz at the point P(1, −1, −2) in the direction of
the vector (2i − 2j + k)
7
Ans: 3

242
Vector Differentiation

4. Find the directional derivative of the scalar function f x, y, z = xyz in the direction of
the outer normal to the surface z = xy at the point 3,1,3 .
27
Ans: 11
5. Find the directional derivative of f = 3e2x−y+z at the point A(1,1, −1) in the direction AB
where B is the point (−3, 5, 6)
5
Ans:− 3
6. If the directional derivative of f x, y, z = ax + by + cz at 1,1,1 has maximum
magnitude 4 in a direction parallel to x-axis, then find values of a, b and c.
Ans: a = 2, b = −2, c = 2
7. What is the directional derivative of f = x 2 yz + 4xz 2 at (1, −2, −1) in the direction
2i − j − 2k. [ Ans: 37/3 ]

8. Find the maximal directional derivative of x 3 y 2 z at (1, −2, 3)

Ans: 4 91

8. Find the direction in which temperature changes most rapidly with distance from the
point 1,1,1 and determine the maximum rate of change if the temperature at any point
is given by T x, y, z = xy + yz + zx.
Ans: Maximum direction is 2i + 2j + 2k, maximum: 2 3
9. In what direction from (3,1, −2) is the direction derivative of f = x 2 y 2 z 4
maximum.Find also magnitude of the maximum.
Ans: 96 i + 3j − 3k ; 96 19
10. Find the angle between the surfaces x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 9 and z = x 2 + y 2 − 3 at the point
(2, −1, 2)
8 21
Ans: cos −1 63
11. Find the angle of intersection of the spheres x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 29 and
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 4x − 6y − 8z = 47 at (4, −3, 2)
19
Ans: cos −1
29
12. Determine the angle between the normals to the surface xy = z 2 at the points (4,1,2)
and (3, 3, −3)
1
Ans: cos −1 22
y
13. For the function ɸ x, y = x 2 +y 2 find the directional derivative along a line making an
angle 300 with the positive x-axis at 0,1 .
1
Ans: − 2

243
Vector Differentiation

DIVERGENCE OF VECTOR POINT FUNCTION:

Definition: The divergence of a vector point function F is denoted by divF and is defined as
below

Let, F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k

divF = ∇. F
∂ ∂ ∂
divF = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (F1 i + F2 j + F3 k)
∂x

∂F 1 ∂F 2 ∂F 3
divF = + +
∂x ∂y ∂z

Note: It is evident that divF is scalar function.

SOLENOIDAL VECTOR FUNCTION:

A vector point function F(x, y, z) is said o be Solenoidal vector function if divF = ∇. F = 0

Ex1. Evaluate divergence of 2x 2 zi − xy 2 zj + 3yz 2 k at the point 1,1,1

Sol. Let, F = 2x 2 zi − xy 2 zj + 3yz 2 k

∴ divF = ∇. F
∂ ∂ ∂
divF = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (2x 2 zi − xy 2 zj + 3yz 2 k)
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
divF = ∂x (2x 2 z) + ∂y (−xy 2 z) + ∂z (3yz 2 )

divF = 4xz − 2xyz + 6yz

At the point 1,1,1 ≡ (x, y, z)

divF = 4 − 2 + 6 = 8

Ex2. Find ∇. A when A = (xi + yj + zk)/r where r = x2 + y2 + z2

Sol. We have given A = (xi + yj + zk)/r where r = x2 + y2 + z2

xi +yj +zk x y z
A= = i+ j+ k
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

∂ ∂ ∂ x y z
∴∇. A = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . i+ j+ k
∂x x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

244
Vector Differentiation

∂ x ∂ y ∂ z
∴∇. A = ∂x + ∂y + ∂z ………. (1)
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2 +z 2

1 x2
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 1 −x (2x) x 2 +y 2 +z 2 −
∂ x 2( x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) ( x 2 +y 2 +z 2 )
Now, ∂x = =
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 )

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

∂ y x 2 +z 2 ∂ z x 2 +y 2
Similarly ∂y = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2 , = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ∂z x 2 +y 2 +z 2

Equation (1) becomes

y 2 +z 2 x 2 +z 2 x 2 +y 2
∇. A = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2 + (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2 + (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2

2x 2 +2y 2 +2z 2 2(x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 2 2 2

∇. A = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2 = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 3/2 = (x 2 +y 2 +z 2 ) 1/2 = =
x 2 +y 2 +z 2 r

Ex3.If 𝐀 = 𝟐𝐱 𝟐 𝐢 − 𝟑𝐲𝐳 𝐣 + 𝐱𝐳 𝟐 𝐤 then 𝛁. 𝐀 = ……………

Sol: Given, A = 2x 2 i − 3yz j + xz 2 k

∂ ∂ ∂
∴ ∇. A = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . 2x 2 i − 3yz j + xz 2 k
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇. A = ∂x 2x 2 + ∂y −3yz + ∂z xz 2

∂ ∂ ∂
∇. A = 2 ∂x x 2 − 3z ∂y y + x z2
∂z

∇. A = 2 2x − 3z 1 + x (2z)

∇. A = 4x − 3z + 2xz

Ex4. If F = grad(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz) then find divF

Sol: Given, F = grad(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz)

F = ∇(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz) ∵ div = ∇

Let, ɸ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz

F = ∇ɸ
∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
F=i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

245
Vector Differentiation

∂ ∂ ∂
F=i x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz + j ∂y x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz + k ∂z x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2xyz
∂x

F = i 2x + 0 + 0 − 2yz + j 0 + 2y + 0 − 2xz + k 0 + 0 + 2z − 2xy

F = i 2x + 2yz + j 2y − 2xz + k 2z − 2xy

F = 2x + 2yz i + 2y − 2xz j + 2z − 2xy k

∴ divF = ∇. F ∵ div = ∇
∂ ∂ ∂
divF = i +j +k . 2x + 2yz i + 2y − 2xz j + 2z − 2xy k
∂x ∂y ∂z

∂ ∂ ∂
divF = ∂x 2x + 2yz + ∂y 2y − 2xz + ∂z 2z − 2xy

divF = 2 + 0 + 2 − 0 + (2 − 0)

divF = 2 + 2 + 2

divF = 6

Ex5. Prove that F = y 2 − z 2 + 3yz − 2x i + 3xz + 2xy j + 3xy − 2xz + 2z k is solenoidal.

Sol. We have given

F = y 2 − z 2 + 3yz − 2x i + 3xz + 2xy j + 3xy − 2xz + 2z k

We have to show that div F = ∇. F = 0

∴ div F = ∇. F
∂ ∂ ∂
div F = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . y 2 − z 2 + 3yz − 2x i + 3xz + 2xy j + 3xy − 2xz + 2z k
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
div F = ∂x y 2 − z 2 + 3yz − 2x + ∂y 3xz + 2xy + ∂z 3xy − 2xz + 2z

div F = −2 + +2x − 2x + 2 = 0

∴ F is solenoidal

Hence Proved.

Ex6.Find λ if F = 2x + y i + 3y − z j + x + λz k is solenoidal.

Sol: Given, F = 2x + y i + 3y − z j + x + λz k is solenoidal.

246
Vector Differentiation

i.e. divF = 0

∇. F = 0 ∵ divF = ∇. F

∂ ∂ ∂
i + j ∂y + k ∂z . 2x + y i + 3y − z j + x + λz k = 0
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
2x + y + ∂y 3y − z + ∂z x + λz = 0
∂x

2+0 + 3−0 + 0+λ = 0

2+3+λ =0

5+λ=0

∴ λ = −5

Ex7. The value of λ so that the vector F = x + 5y i + y − 3z j + λz + x k

is solenoidal is ………

Sol: Given F = x + 5y i + y − 3z j + λz + x k is solenoidal.

∴ divF = 0

∇. F = 0
∂ ∂ ∂
i + j ∂y + k ∂z . [ x + 5y i + y − 3z j + λz + x k ] = 0
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
x + 5y + ∂y y − 3z + ∂z λz + x = 0
∂x

1+0 + 1−0 + λ+0 = 0

1+1+λ =0

2+λ=0

∴ λ = −2

Ex8. Determine the constant b such that

A = bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k is solenoidal.

Sol: Given,

A = bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k is solenoidal.

247
Vector Differentiation

∴ divA = 0

∇. A = 0
∂ ∂ ∂
i + j ∂y + k ∂z . bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k = 0
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
bx + 4y 2 z + ∂y x 3 sinz − 3y + ∂z − ex + 4cosx 2 y =0
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
bx + 4y 2 z + ∂y x 3 sinz − 3y − ∂z ex + 4cosx 2 y = 0
∂x

b + 0 + 0 − 3 − (0 + 0) = 0

b−3=0

b=3

Ex9.Determine the constant b such that

A = bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k is solenoidal.

Sol. we have given A = bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k is solenoidal.

i.e. divA = ∇. A = 0

∇. A = 0
∂ ∂ ∂
i + j ∂y + k ∂z . bx + 4y 2 z i + x 3 sinz − 3y j − ex + 4cosx 2 y k = 0
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
bx + 4y 2 z + ∂y x 3 sinz − 3y + ∂z [− ex + 4cosx 2 y ] = 0
∂x

b−3+0 =0

b=3

Exercise

1. Determine the constant b such that

A = bx 2 y + yz i + xy 2 − xz 2 j + 2xyz − 2x 2 y 2 k has zero divergence
Ans: b = −2
2. Show that A = 3y 4 z 2 i + 4x 3 z 2 j − 3x 2 y 2 k is solenoidal.
3. Find ∇. [ ex sinx cosz i + e−x siny cosz j + z 2 ez k
Ans: ey cosx cosz + e−x cosy cosz + (z 2 + 2z)ez
4. Calculate ∇. (3x 2 i + 5xy 2 j + xyz 3 k) at the point (1,2,3)

248
Vector Differentiation

Ans: 80
5. If u = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 and r = xi + yj + zk then find div(ur) in terms of u.
Ans: 5u
6. Find the value of n for which the vector r n r is solenoidal.where r = xi + yj + zk
Ans: n = −3
7. Find the directional derivative of div(u) at the point (1,2,2) in the direction of the outer
normal to the sphere x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 9 for u = x 4 i + y 4 j + z 4 k
Ans: 68
8. Find the directional derivative of the divergence of f x, y, z = xyi + xy 2 j + z 2 k at the
point 2,1,2 in the direction of the outer normal to the sphere x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 9.
13
Ans: 3
9. If F = x + 3y i + y − 2z j + az + x k is Solenoidal then find the value of a.
Ans: −2
10. If F = ax + 3y + 4z i + x − 2y + 3z j + 3x + 2y − z k is Solenoidal find a
11. Find λ if F = 2x + y i + 3y − z j + x + λz k is Solenoidal.
Ans: λ= −5
12. Find divF where F = grad(x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz)
Ans: 6(x + y + z)

CURL OF VECTOR POINT FUNCTION:

The curl of vector point function F is denoted by curlF is defined as below

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = ∇ × F = ∂x ∂y ∂z
F1 F2 F3

∂ ∂ ∂
Where F = F1 i + F2 j + F3 k, ∇= i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

IRROTATIONAL VECTOR FUNCTION:

A vector point function F(x, y, z) is said o be irrotational vector function if curlF = ∇ × F = 0

Ex1.Calculate the curl of the vector xyzi + 3x 2 yj + xz 2 − y 2 z k

Sol. Let, F = xyzi + 3x 2 yj + xz 2 − y 2 z k

∴ curlF = ∇ × F

249
Vector Differentiation

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
= ∂x ∂y ∂z
2
xyz 3x y xz 2 − y 2 z

= i 0 − 2yz − 0 − j z 2 − 0 − xy + k[6xy − xz]

= −2yzi − (z 2 − xy)j + 6xy − xz k

Ex2. A vector r is defined by r = xi + yj + zk, if r = r then show that the vector r n r is

irrotational and it is solenoidal only if n = −3

Sol. We have given r = xi + yj + zk and r = r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) 1/2

n
Now, r n r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 xi + yj + zk
n n n
= x2 + y2 + z2 2 xi + x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 yj + x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 zk

curlF = ∇ × F = ∇ × r n r

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
= ∂x ∂y ∂z
n n n
x2 + y2 + z2 2 x x2 + y2 + z2 2 y x2 + y2 + z2 2 z
n 2 n n 2 n
= x + y 2 + z 2 2 −1 2yz − x + y 2 + z 2 2 −1 2yz i
2 2
n 2 n n 2 n
− x + y 2 + z 2 2 −1 2xz − x + y2 + z2 2
−1
2xz j
2 2
n 2 n n 2 n
+ x + y 2 + z 2 2 −1 2xy − x + y2 + z2 2
−1
2xy k
2 2
=0

Hence r n r is irrotational.

Now, divF = ∇. F = = ∇. r n r
n n n
∂ ∂ ∂
divF = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . [ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 xi + x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 yj + x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 zk
∂x

n n n
∂ ∂ ∂
divF = ∂x x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 x + ∂y x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 y + ∂z x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 z

n n n
−1
divF = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 + nx 2 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 + x2 + y2 + z2 2 + ny 2 x 2 + y 2 +
n n n
−1 −1
z2 2 + x2 + y2 + z2 2 + nz 2 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2

250
Vector Differentiation

n n
−1
divF = 3 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 + n(x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2

n n
divF = 3 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2 + n x2 + y2 + z2 2

n
divF = (3 + n) x 2 + y 2 + z 2 2

Here F is solenoidal i.e. divF = 0 only if n = −3

Hence r n r is irrotational and it is solenoidal only if n = −3

Ex3.If r = xi + yj + zk then (i) ∇. r = ………….. (ii) ∇ × r = …………..

OR If r = xi + yj + zk then (i) divr = ………….. (ii) curl r = …………..

Sol: Given, r = xi + yj + zk

(i) divr = ∇. r
∂ ∂ ∂
divr = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . xi + yj + zk
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
divr = ∂x x + ∂y y + ∂z z

divr = 1 + 1 + 1

divr = 3

i.e. divr = ∇. r = 3

(ii) curl r = ∇ × r

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curl r =
∂x ∂y ∂z
x y z
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
curl r = i z − ∂z y − j z − ∂z x + k y − ∂y x
∂y ∂x ∂x

curl r = i 0 − 0 − j 0 − 0 + k 0 − 0

curl r = i 0 − j 0 + k 0

curl r = 0

i.e. curl r = ∇ × r = 0

Note: divr = ∇. r = 3 , curl r = ∇ × r = 0

251
Vector Differentiation

Ex4. For a constant vector a : div a = …………. and curl a = …………

OR For a constant vector a : ∇. a = …………. and ∇ × a = …………

Sol: Given, vector a is constant.

Let, a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k

∵ div a = ∇. a
∂ ∂ ∂
div a = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . a1 i + a2 j + a3 k
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
div a = ∂x a1 + ∂y a2 + ∂z a3

div a = 0 + 0 + 0

div a = 0

Now, curl a = ∇ × a

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
=
∂x ∂y ∂z
a1 a2 a3
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
=i a3 − ∂z a2 − j z − ∂z a1 + k a2 − ∂y a1
∂y ∂x ∂x

=i 0−0 −j 0−0 +k 0−0

=i 0 −j 0 +k 0

=0

curl a = 0

Ex5. If v = exyz (i + j + k) then ∇ × v at the point 1,2,3 is ………

Sol: Given, v = exyz (i + j + k)

v = exyz i + exyz j + exyz k

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∴∇×v=
∂x ∂y ∂z
xyz xyz xyz
e e e
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
=i exyz − ∂z exyz − j exyz − ∂z exyz + k exyz − ∂y exyz
∂y ∂x ∂x

252
Vector Differentiation

∂ ∂
Using ∂x ef(x) = ef x
f(x)
∂x

∇ × v = i exyz (xz) − exyz (xy) − j exyz (yz) − exyz (xy) + k exyz (yz) − exyz (xz)

∇ × v = i xexyz z − y − jyexyz (z − x) + k zexyz (y − x)

∇ × v = exyz x z − y i − y z − x j + z y − x k

At 1,2,3 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇×v = e 1 2 3
1 3 − 2 i − 2 3 − 1 j + (3) 2 − 1 k

∇ × v = e6 1 1 i − 2 2 j + (3) 1 k

∇ × v = e6 i − 4j + 3k

Ex6. If F = ∇(x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz) then ∇ × F =………

Sol: Given

F = ∇ x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz

Let, ɸ = x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz

∴ F = ∇ɸ
∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
F=i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
F=i x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz + j ∂y x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz + k ∂z x 3 + y 3 + z 3 − 3xyz
∂x

F = i 3x 2 + 0 + 0 − 3yz + j 0 + 3y 2 + 0 − 3xz + k 0 + 0 + 3z 2 − 3xy

F = i 3x 2 − 3yz + j 3y 2 − 3xz + k 3z 2 − 3xy

F = 3x 2 − 3yz i + 3y 2 − 3xz j + 3z 2 − 3xy k

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∇×F = ∂x ∂y ∂z
3x 2 − 3yz 3y 2 − 3xz 3z 2 − 3xy
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
∇×F =i 3z 2 − 3xy − ∂z (3y 2 − 3xz) − j 3z 2 − 3xy − ∂z 3x 2 − 3yz +
∂y ∂x
∂ ∂
k (3y 2 − 3xz) − ∂y 3x 2 − 3yz
∂x

253
Vector Differentiation

∇ × F = i 0 − 3x − (0 − 3x)) − j 0 − 3y − 0 − 3y + k (0 − 3z) − 0 − 3z

∇ × F = i −3x − (−3x)) − j −3y − −3y + k (−3z) − −3z

∇ × F = i −3x + 3x − j −3y + 3y + k −3z + 3z

∇×F =i 0 −j 0 + k 0

∇×F =0

Ex7. If F = x 2 i + xyex j + sinz k then ∇. ∇ × F = ………….

Sol: Given, F = x 2 i + xyex j + sinz k

To find ∇. ∇ × F first we find ∇ × F

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∴∇×F= ∂x ∂y ∂z
2
x xyex sinz
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
=i sinz − ∂z xyex − j sinz − ∂z x 2 + k xyex − ∂y x 2
∂y ∂x ∂x

∂
= i 0 − 0 − j 0 − 0 + k y ∂x xex − 0

∂ ∂
= i 0 − 0 − j 0 − 0 + k y x ∂x ex + ex ∂x x [∵ Product Rule]

= i 0 − j 0 + k y xex + ex

= i 0 − j 0 + k yex x + 1

= 0i + 0j + yex x + 1 k
∂ ∂ ∂
∴ ∇. ∇ × F = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . 0i + 0j + yex x + 1 k
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
∇. ∇ × F = ∂x 0 + ∂y 0 + ∂z yex x + 1

∇. ∇ × F = 0 + 0 + 0

∇. ∇ × F = 0

Ex8. If F = x + y + 1 i + j − x + y k show that F . curlF = 0

Sol: Given F = x + y + 1 i + j − x + y k

254
Vector Differentiation

Now, curlF = ∇ × F

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = ∂x ∂y ∂z
x+y+1 1 −(x + y)

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = − (x + y) − 1 − j − (x + y) − x+y+1 +k 1− x+y+1
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

curlF = i − 1 + 0 − 0 − j − 1 + 0 − (0 + 0 + 0) + k 0 − (0 + 1 + 0)

curlF = i −1 − j −1 + k −1

curlF = −i + j − k

∴ F . curlF = x + y + 1 i + j − x + y k . −i + j − k

F . curlF = x + y + 1 −1 + 1 1 + − x + y (−1)

F . curlF = −x − y − 1 + 1 + x + y

F . curlF = 0

Hence Proved.

Ex9. Show that: F = y 2 cosx + z 3 i + 2ysinx − 4 j + 2xz 2 + 2 k is irrotational.

Sol: Given, F = y 2 cosx + z 3 i + 2ysinx − 4 j + 3xz 2 + 2 k

curl F = ∇ × r

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curl F = ∂x ∂y ∂z
y 2 cosx + z 3 2ysinx − 4 2
3xz + 2
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
curl F = i 2xz 2 + 2 − ∂z 2ysinx − 4 −j 3xz 2 + 2 − ∂z y 2 cosx + z 3 +
∂y ∂x
∂ ∂
k 2ysinx − 4 − ∂y y 2 cosx + z 3
∂x

curl F = i 0 + 0 − (0 − 0) − j 3z 2 + 0 − 0 + 3z 2 + k (2y cosx) − 2ycosx + 0

curl F = i 0 − j 3z 2 − 3z 2 + k 2ycosx − 2ycosx

curl F = i 0 − j 0 + k 0

255
Vector Differentiation

curl F = 0 i + 0 j + 0 k

curl F = 0

Hence F is irrotational

Ex10. If F = x + y + az i + bx + 2y − z j + x + cy + 2z k find a, b, c such that

curlF = 0

OR Find a, b, c if F = x + y + az i + bx + 2y − z j + x + cy + 2z k is irrotational.

Sol: Given, F = x + y + az i + bx + 2y − z j + x + cy + 2z k

curlF = 0 [Given]

∇×F =0

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z
=0
x + y + az bx + 2y − z x + cy + 2z
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
i x + cy + 2z − ∂z bx + 2y − z −j x + cy + 2z − ∂z x + y + az +
∂y ∂x
∂ ∂
k bx + 2y − z − ∂y x + y + az =
∂x
i 0+c+0 − 0+0−1 −j 1+0 − 0+0+a +k b+0−0 − 0+1+0 =0

i c+1 −j 1−a +k b−1 = 0

c + 1 i + 1 − a j + b − 1 k = 0i + 0j + 0k [∵ 0 = 0i + 0j + 0k]

Equating both sides, we get

c+1= 0, 1−a =0 , b−1= 0

i.e. c = −1 , a = 1 , b = 1

∴ a = 1 , b = 1 , c = −1

Ex11. A vector F = x + 2y + az i + bx − 3y − z j + 4x + cy + 2z k is

irrotational.Find a, b, c. [F.E.May/June 2008]

Sol: Given, F = x + 2y + az i + bx − 3y − z j + 4x + cy + 2z k is irrotational

256
Vector Differentiation

∴ CurlF = 0

i.e. ∇ × F = 0

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z
=0
x + 2y + az bx − 3y − z 4x + cy + 2z
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
i 4x + cy + 2z − ∂z bx − 3y − z − j 4x + cy + 2z − ∂z x + 2y + az +
∂y ∂x
∂ ∂
k bx − 3y − z − x + 2y + az =0
∂x ∂y

i 0+c+0 − 0−0−1 −j 4+0+0 − 0+0+a + k b−0−0 − 0+2+

0 =0

i c+1 −j 4−a +k b−2 = 0

c+1 i− 4−a j+ b−2 k= 0i+0j+0k

Equating both sides, we get

c + 1 = 0 ,− 4 − a = 0 , b − 2 = 0

c = −1 , −4 + a = 0 , b = 2

c = −1 , a = 4 , b = 2

a = 4 , b = 2 , c = −1

Ex12. Find the value of constant b such that

A = bxy − z 3 i + b − 2 x 2 j + 1 − b xz 2 has its curl identically equal to zero.

Sol: Given , A = bxy − z 3 i + b − 2 x 2 j + 1 − b xz 2 k has its curl identically equal to zero.

curl A = 0

∇×A =0

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z
=0
bxy − z 3 b − 2 x2 1 − b xz 2

257
Vector Differentiation

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
i 1 − b xz 2 − ∂z b − 2 x 2 − j 1 − b xz 2 − ∂z bxy − z 3 +k b − 2 x2 −
∂y ∂x ∂x
∂
bxy − z 3 =0
∂y

i 0 − 0 − j 1 − b z 2 − 0 − 3z 2 + k b − 2 2x − bx − 0 =0

0i − j 1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 + k b − 2 2x − bx = 0

0i − 1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 j + b − 2 2x − bx k = 0i + 0j + 0k

Equating both sides, we get

− 1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 = 0 , b − 2 2x − bx = 0

Now, − 1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 = 0

1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 = 0

1 − b z 2 + 3z 2 = 0

1 − b z 2 = −3z 2

1 − b = −3

−b = −3 − 1

−b = −4

∴b=4

Ex13. Show that V x, y, z = 2xyz i + x 2 z + 2y j + x 2 y k is irrotational and find a scalar

function u(x, y, z) such that V = grad(u).

Sol. We have given V x, y, z = 2xyz i + x 2 z + 2y j + x 2 y k

curlV = ∇ × V

i j k
curlV = ∂/ ∂x ∂/ ∂y ∂/ ∂z
2xyz x z + 2y x 2 y
2

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
curlV = i ∂y
x 2 y − ∂z x 2 z + 2y − j ∂x
x 2 y − ∂z 2xyz + k ∂x
x 2 z + 2y − ∂y
2xyz

curlV = i x 2 − x 2 − j 2xy − 2xy + k[2xz − 2xz]

curlV = 0

258
Vector Differentiation

Hence V is irrotational.

To find the corresponding scalar function u, consider the following relation given.

V = grad u OR V = ∇(u)

We have
∂u ∂u ∂u
du = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (i dx + j dy + k dz)
∂x

= ∇u. dr

= V. dr [ ∵ V = ∇(u)]

= 2xyz i + x 2 z + 2y j + x 2 y k . (i dx + j dy + k dz)

= 2xyz dx + x 2 z + 2y dy + x 2 y dz

= 2xyz dx + x 2 z dy + 2y dy + x 2 y dz

= y 2xz dx + x 2 dz + x 2 z dy + 2y dy

= y d x 2 z + x 2 z dy + 2y dy

du = d yx 2 z + 2y dy Integrating both sides

u = [d yx 2 z + 2y dy]

y2
u = yx 2 z + 2 [ ∵ d f x dx = f(x)]
2

u = x 2 yz + y 2

Ex14. Show that F = y 2 + 2xz 2 i + 2xy − z j + 2x 2 z − y + 2z k is irrotational and hence

find its scalar potential.

Sol. We have given F = y 2 + 2xz 2 i + 2xy − z j + 2x 2 z − y + 2z k

curlF = ∇ × F

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = ∂x ∂y ∂z
y 2 + 2xz 2 2xy − z 2x 2 z − y + 2z

259
Vector Differentiation

CurlF = i −1 + 1 − j 4xz − 4xz + k[2y − 2y]

CurlF = 0

∴ F is irrotational.

To find the corresponding scalar function u, consider the following relation given.

F = grad u OR F = ∇(u)

We have
∂u ∂u ∂u
du = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (i dx + j dy + k dz)
∂x

= ∇u. dr

= F. dr [ ∵ F = ∇(u)]

du = y 2 + 2xz 2 i + 2xy − z j + 2x 2 z − y + 2z k . (i dx + j dy + k dz)

du = y 2 + 2xz 2 dx + 2xy − z dy + 2x 2 z − y + 2z dz

du = y 2 dx + 2xz 2 dx + 2xy dy − z dy + 2x 2 z dz − ydz + 2z dz

du = (y 2 dx + 2xydy) + 2xz 2 dx + 2x 2 z dz − zdy + ydz + 2z dz

du = d y 2 x + d x 2 z 2 − d zy + 2z dz

Integrating both sides

u = [ d y 2 x + d x 2 z 2 − d zy + 2z dz ]

z2
u = y 2 x + x 2 z 2 − zy + 2 +C [ ∵ d f x dx = f(x)]
2

u = y 2 x + x 2 z 2 − zy + z 2 + C

Ex15. Show that the vector 𝐹 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑦𝑧 𝑖 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑧 𝑗 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑥𝑦 𝑘 is irrotational and find

corresponding scalar point function ɸ such that 𝐹 = ∇ɸ

Sol: Given, F = x 2 − yz i + y 2 − xz j + z 2 − xy k

curlF = ∇ × F

260
Vector Differentiation

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlF = ∂x ∂y ∂z
x 2 − yz y 2 − xz z 2 − xy

CurlF = i −x + x − j −y + y + k[−z + z]

CurlF = 0

∴ F is irrotational.

To find the corresponding scalar function u, consider the following relation given.

F = grad ɸ OR F = ∇(ɸ)

We have
∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
dɸ = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (i dx + j dy + k dz)
∂x

= ∇ɸ. dr

= F. dr [ ∵ F = ∇(ɸ)]

dɸ = x2 − yz i + y2 − xz j + z2 − xy k . (i dx + j dy + k dz)

dɸ = x2 − yz dx + y2 − xz dy + z2 − xy dz

dɸ = x2 dx − yzdx + y2 dy − xzdy + z2 dz − xydz

dɸ = x2 dx + y2 dy + z2 dz − yzdx − xzdy − xydz

dɸ = x2 dx + y2 dy + z2 dz − d(xyz)

Integrating both sides

ɸ = [ x 2 dx + y 2 dy + z 2 dz − d(xyz)]

ɸ= x 2 dx + y 2 dy + z 2 dz − d(xyz)

x3 y3 z3
ɸ= + + − xyz + C [ ∵ d f x dx = f(x)]
3 3 3

261
Vector Differentiation

Ex16. A fluid motion is given by

v = ysinz − sinx i + xsinz + 2yz j + (xy cosz + y 2 )k

is the motion irrotational? If so find the velocity potential.

Sol. We have given

v = ysinz − sinx i + xsinz + 2yz j + (xy cosz + y 2 )k

curlv = ∇ × v

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curlv = ∂x ∂y ∂z
ysinz − sinx xsinz + 2yz xy cosz + y 2

curlv = i xcosz + 2y − xcosz + 2y − j ycosz − ycosz + k[sinz − sinz]

curlv = 0

∴ v is irrotational.

To find the corresponding scalar function u, consider the following relation given.

v = grad u OR v = ∇(u)

We have
∂u ∂u ∂u
du = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ ∂ ∂
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (i dx + j dy + k dz)
∂x

= ∇u. dr

= v. dr [ ∵ v = ∇(u)]

du = [ ysinz − sinx i + xsinz + 2yz j + xy cosz + y 2 k ]. (i dx + j dy + k dz)

du = ysinz − sinx dx + xsinz + 2yz dy + xy cosz + y 2 dz

du = y sinz dx − sinx dx + x sinz dy + 2yz dy + xy cosz dz + y 2 dz

du = ysinz dx + x sinz dy + xycosz dz + 2yz dy + y 2 dz − sinx dx

du = d xysinz + d y 2 z − sinx dx

Integrating both sides

262
Vector Differentiation

u = [d xysinz + d y 2 z − sinx dx]

u= d xysinz + d y 2 z − sinx dx

u = xy sinz + y 2 z + cosx + C [ ∵ d f x dx = f(x)]

Velocity potential= xy sinz + y 2 z + cosx + C

Ex17. Show that the vector field: F = 2xyez i + x 2 ez j + x 2 yez k is an irrotational vector

field and hence find corresponding scalar potential such that F = ∇ɸ

Sol: Given, F = 2xyez i + x 2 ez j + x 2 yez k

curl F = ∇ × F

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
curl F = ∂x ∂y ∂z
2xyez 2 z
x e 2 z
x ye
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
curl F i x 2 yez − ∂z x 2 ez −j x 2 yez − ∂z 2xyez +k x 2 ez − ∂y 2xyez
∂y ∂x ∂x

curl F = i x 2 ez − x 2 ez − j 2xyez − 2xyez + k 2xez − 2xez

curl F = i 0 − j 0 + k 0

curl F = 0

∴ F is irrotational.

To find the corresponding scalar function u, consider the following relation given.

F = ∇ɸ

We have
∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
dɸ = dx + ∂y dy + ∂z dz
∂x

∂ɸ ∂ɸ ∂ɸ
= i + j ∂y + k ∂z . (i dx + j dy + k dz)
∂x

= ∇ɸ. dr

= F. dr [ ∵ F = ∇ɸ]

263
Vector Differentiation

dɸ = 2xyez i + x2 ez j + x2 yez k . (i dx + j dy + k dz)

dɸ = 2xyez dx + x2 ez dy + x2 yez dz

dɸ = x2 ez dy + 2xyez dx + x2 yez dz

dɸ = ez (x2 dy + 2xy dx) + x2 yez dz

dɸ = ez d x2 y + x2 y ez dz

dɸ = d ez x2 y

Integrating both sides

ɸ= d ez x 2 y

ɸ = ez x2 y + C [ ∵ d f x dx = f(x)]

Exercise

1. Find the divergence and curl of the vector field V = x 2 − y 2 i + 2xyj + y 2 − x k

Ans: Div(V)= 4x, CurlV= 2y − x i + yj + 4yk
2. Show that the vector V = x + 3y i + y − 3z j + x − 2z k is solenoidal.
3. Find out values of a, b, c for which
v = x + y + az i + bx + 3y − z j + 3x + cy + z k is irrotational.
Ans: a = 3, b = 1, c = −1
4. Show that the vector field represented by
F = z 2 + 2x + 3y i + 3x + 2y + z j + y + 2zx k is irrotational but not
solenoidal.Also obtain a scalar ɸ function such that gradɸ = F
Ans: ɸ = xz 2 + xy + yz + x 2 + y 2 + C
5. Show that the vector field given by
A = 3x 2 yi + x 3 − 2yz 2 j + 3z 2 − 2y 2 z k is irrotational but not solenoidal.Also
obtain a scalar ɸ function such that gradɸ = A
Ans: ɸ = x 3 y − x 2 y 2 + z 3 + C
6. A fluid motion is given by V = y + z i + z + x j + x + y k is this motion irrotational?
If so find velocity potential.
Ans: velocity potential= xy + yz + zx

264
Vector Differentiation

Properties of gradient (𝛁):

If f(x, y, z) and g(x, y, z) are two scalar point functions then,

(a)∇ f ± g = ∇f ± ∇g

(b) ∇ fg = f ∇g + g (∇f)
f g ∇f −f (∇g)
(c) ∇ =
g g2

(d) gradf = 0 iff f is constant.

(e) gradf u = f ′ u gradu

(g) ∇. A × B = B. ∇ × A − A. ∇ × B

(h) ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F

(i) gradf r × r = 0 OR ∇f r × r = 0

(j) ∇ × ɸA = ∇ɸ × A + ɸ ∇ × A
1 R 1 1
Ex1. Show that grad =− OR Find grad OR Find ∇
r r3 r r

Sol: We have
1 1
grad =∇ [∵grad = ∇ ]
r r

f g ∇f −f (∇g)
Using ∇ =
g g2

1 r ∇1 −1(∇r)
grad = ………. (1)
r r2

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r

Put n = 0

∇r 0 = 0

∇1 = 0 [ ∵ r0 = 1 ]

Also, put n = 1
r
∇r = 1 r1−2 r = r −1 r = r

Equation (1) becomes

265
Vector Differentiation

r r
1 0−
r r
grad = =−
r r2 r2

1 r
grad = − r3
r

1 R
i.e. grad = − r3 [∵r = R = xi + yj + zk ]
r

Ex2. Prove that r n r is solenoidal only if n = −3.

Sol: We have

div r n r = ∇ r n r

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A

∇ r n r = ∇r n . r + r n ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r . r + r n (3)

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r. r + 3r n

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r 2 + 3r n [∵r r = r 2 ]

∇ r n r = nr n−2+2 + 3r n

∇ r n r = nr n + 3r n

∇ r n r = (n + 3)r n

Here F is solenoidal i.e. divF = 0 only if n = −3

Hence Proved.

Ex3. If A and B are irrotational show that ∇. A × B = 0

Sol: Given A and B are irrotational

∴ curlA = ∇ × A = 0 and curlB = ∇ × B = 0 ………… (1)

We know that

∇. A × B = B. ∇ × A − A. ∇ × B

∇. A × B = B. 0 − A. 0 [∵ By (1)]

266
Vector Differentiation

∇. A × B = 0 − 0

∇. A × B = 0

Hence Proved.

Ex4. If A and B are irrotational vector, prove that A × B is solenoidal vector.

Sol: Given A and B are irrotational

∴ curlA = ∇ × A = 0 and curlB = ∇ × B = 0 ………… (1)

A × B is solenoidal vector if div A × B = 0

Now, div A × B = ∇. A × B

We know that ∇. A × B = B. ∇ × A − A. ∇ × B

div A × B = B. ∇ × A − A. ∇ × B

div A × B = B. 0 − A. 0 [∵ By (1)]

div A × B = 0 − 0

div A × B = 0

∴ A × B is solenoidal vector.

Ex5. Find ∇. r 3 r OR grad r 3 r

Sol: We have to find ∇. r 3 r

Using ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F

It follows that

∇. r 3 r = ∇r 3 . r + r 3 ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3

∇. r 3 r = 3r 3−2 r . r + r 3 (3)

∇. r 3 r = 3r r . r + r 3 (3)

∇. r 3 r = 3r r. r + 3r 3

267
Vector Differentiation

∇. r 3 r = 3r r 2 + 3r 3 [∵r r = r 2 ]

∇. r 3 r = 3r 3 + 3r 3

∇. r 3 r = 6r 3

Ex6. div r n r =…………..

Sol: We have

div r n r = ∇ r n r ∵ div = ∇

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A

∇ r n r = ∇r n . r + r n ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r . r + r n (3)

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r. r + 3r n

∇ r n r = nr n−2 r 2 + 3r n [∵r r = r 2 ]

∇ r n r = nr n−2+2 + 3r n

∇ r n r = nr n + 3r n

∇ r n r = (n + 3)r n

Ex7. Prove that: ∇. ∇ × A = 0 OR divcurlA = 0

Sol: Let, A = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∴∇×A=
∂x ∂y ∂z
a1 a2 a3
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
∇×A =i a − ∂z a2 − j a − ∂z a1 + k a − ∂y a1
∂y 3 ∂x 3 ∂x 2

∂a 3 ∂a 2 ∂a 3 ∂a 1 ∂a 2 ∂a 1
∇×A =i − −j − +k −
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

∂a 3 ∂a 2 ∂a 3 ∂a 1 ∂a 2 ∂a 1
∇×A = − i− − j+ − k
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂a 3 ∂a 2 ∂a 3 ∂a 1 ∂a 2 ∂a 1
∴∇. ∇ × A = i + j ∂y + k ∂z . − i− − j+ − k
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

268
Vector Differentiation

∂ ∂a 3 ∂a 2 ∂ ∂a 3 ∂a 1 ∂ ∂a 2 ∂a 1
∴∇. ∇ × A = ∂x − − ∂y − + ∂z −
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a
∇. ∇ × A = ∂x ∂y3 − ∂x ∂z2 − ∂y ∂x3 + ∂y ∂z1 + ∂z ∂x2 − ∂z ∂y1

∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a ∂ 2a
∇. ∇ × A = ∂x ∂y3 − ∂x ∂z2 − ∂x ∂y3 + ∂y ∂z1 + ∂x ∂z2 − ∂y ∂z1

∇. ∇ × A = 0

Hence Proved.
R
Ex8. Find ∇. ∇ r where R = xi + yj + zk

r r r
OR Find ∇. ∇ r OR Find grad ∇ r OR Find grad grad r

R
Sol: We have to find ∇. ∇ r

R
First we find ∇ r

R r
∇r =∇ [∵ R = r ]
r

R 1
∇ r = ∇ r −1 r ∵ r = r −1

Using ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F
R
∴ ∇ r = ∇r −1 . r + r −1 ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3
R
∇ r = −1 r −1−2 r . r + r −1 3

R
∇ r = − r −3 r . r + r −1 3

R
∇ r = − r −3 r. r + 3r −1

R
∇ r = − r −3 r 2 + 3r −1 [ ∵ r r = r 2 ]

R
∇ r = − r −1 + 3r −1 [∵ am an = am+n ]

R
∇ r = −1 + 3 r −1

269
Vector Differentiation

R
∇ r = 2r −1

R
∴ ∇. ∇ r = ∇ 2r −1

R
∇. ∇ r = 2 ∇ r −1

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r
R
∇. ∇ r = 2 −1 r −1−2 r

R
∇. ∇ r = −2r −3 r

R r
∇. ∇ r = −2 r3

As R = r
R R
∇. ∇ r = −2 r3

r r R
Ex9. Find ∇ OR Find grad OR Find ∇
r2 r2 r2

Sol: We have
r 1
∇ = ∇ r −2 r [ ∵ r 2 = r −2 ]
r2

Using ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F

r
∴∇ = ∇r −2 . r + r −2 ∇. r
r2

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇ r = 3
r
∇ = −2 r −2−1 r . r + r −2 3
r2

r
∇ = −2 r −3 r . r + r −2 3
r2

r
∇ = −2 r −3 r. r + 3r −2
r2

r
∇ = −2 r −3 r 2 + 3r −2 [ ∵ r r = r 2 ]
r2

r
∇ = −2 r −2 + 3r −2
r2

270
Vector Differentiation

r
∇ = −2 + 3 r −2
r2

r
∇ = 1 r −2
r2

r 1
∇ = r −2 = r 2
r2

r
Ex10. If r = x i + yj + zk and = |r| , div =……….
|r| 3

r r
OR Find: div OR ∇
r3 r3

Sol: We have
r r
div 3 =∇ ∵ div = ∇
r r3

r r
div =∇ [∵ r = r ]
r2 r3

r 1
div = ∇ r −3 r [∵ r 3 = r −3 ]
r2

Using ∇ ɸ F = ∇ɸ . F + ɸ ∇. F

r
div = ∇r −3 . r + r −3 ∇. r
r2

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3
r
div = −3r −3−2 r . r + r −3 (3)
r2

r
div = −3r −5 r . r + r −3 (3)
r2

r
div = −3r −5 r. r + 3r −3
r2

r
div = −3r −5 r 2 + 3r −3 [∵ r r = r 2 ]
r2

r
div = −3r −3 + 3r −3
r2

r
div = (−3 + 3)r −3
r2

r
div = (0)r −3
r2

271
Vector Differentiation

r
div =0
r2

xi +yj +zk
Ex11. Find ∇. A if: A =
x 2 +y 2 +z 2

xi +yj +zk
Sol: Given, A =
x 2 +y 2 +z 2

We know that

r = xi + yj + zk and r = r = x2 + y2 + z2
r
∴A=r

r
∴ ∇. A = ∇ r

∇. A = ∇ r −1 r

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A on RHS

∇ r n r = ∇r −1 . r + r −1 ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3

∇. A = −1r −1−2 r . r + r −1 (3)

∇. A = −r −3 r. r + 3r −1

∇. A = −r −3 r 2 + 3r −1 [∵r r = r 2 ]

∇. A = −r −3+2 + 3r −1

∇. A = −r −1 + 3r −1

∇. A = (−1 + 3)r −1

∇. A = 2r −1
2
∇. A = r

r
Ex12. Find ∇ ∇. A where A = r

Sol: We have to find ∇ ∇. A

272
Vector Differentiation

First we find ∇. A
r
∇. A = ∇. r

∇. A = ∇ r −1 r

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A on RHS

∇ r n r = ∇r −1 . r + r −1 ∇. r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3

∇. A = −1r −1−2 r . r + r −1 (3)

∇. A = −r −3 r. r + 3r −1

∇. A = −r −3 r 2 + 3r −1 [∵r r = r 2 ]

∇. A = −r −3+2 + 3r −1

∇. A = −r −1 + 3r −1

∇. A = (−1 + 3)r −1

∇. A = 2r −1

∴ ∇ ∇. A = ∇ 2r −1

∇ ∇. A = 2 ∇ r −1

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r

∇ ∇. A = 2 −1r −1−2 r

∇ ∇. A = 2 −r −3 r

∇ ∇. A = −2r −3 r
1
Ex13. Evaluate: ∇. r ∇ r3

1
Sol: First we find ∇
r3

1
∇ = ∇ r −3
r3

273
Vector Differentiation

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r
1
∇ = −3r −3−2 r
r3

1
∇ = −3r −5 r
r3

Multiplying both sides by r

1
∴r∇ = −3r r −5 r
r3

1
r∇ = −3 r −4 r
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = ∇. −3 r −4 r
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 ∇. r −4 r
r3

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A

1
∇. r ∇ = −3[ ∇r −4 . r + r −4 ∇. r ]
r3

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3
1
∇. r ∇ = −3[ −4r −4−2 r . r + r −4 3 ]
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3[ −4r −6 r . r + r −4 3 ]
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 −4r −6 r. r + 3r −4
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 −4r −6 r 2 + 3r −4 [∵ r r = r 2 ]
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 −4r −4 + 3r −4
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 −4 + 3 r −4
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = −3 −r −4
r3

1
∇. r ∇ = 3r −4
r3

274
Vector Differentiation

Ex14. If A is a constant vector then div A × R = ….

Sol: We know that

div A × R = ∇. A × R [∵ div = ∇]

div A × R = ∇. A × r ∵ r = R = xi + yj + zk

Using ∇. A × B = ∇ × A . B − A . ∇ × B

div A × R = ∇ × A . r − A . ∇ × r

Given, A is a constant vector

∴ curlA = ∇ × A = 0 and ∇ × r

∴ div A × R = 0 . r − A. 0

div A × R = 0

Ex15. ∇ × ∇f = …………..
∂f ∂f ∂f
Sol: As ∇f = i + j ∂y + k ∂z
∂x

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∴ ∇ × ∇f = ∂x ∂y ∂z
∂f ∂f ∂f
∂x ∂y ∂z

∂ ∂f ∂ ∂f ∂ ∂f ∂ ∂f ∂ ∂f ∂ ∂f
=i ∂y ∂z
− ∂z ∂y
−j ∂x ∂z
− ∂z ∂x
+k ∂x ∂y
− ∂y ∂x

∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f
=i − ∂z ∂y − j − ∂z ∂x + k − ∂y ∂x
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f
=i − ∂y ∂z − j − ∂x ∂z + k − ∂x ∂y ∵ ∂y ∂x = ∂x ∂y
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

=i 0 −j 0 +k 0

∇ × ∇f = 0

Ex16. Show that: gradf r × r = 0 OR ∇f r × r = 0

Sol: We have

275
Vector Differentiation

gradf r = ∇f(r) [∵ grad = ∇]

Using ∇f u = f ′ u ∇u on RHS

gradf r = f ′ r ∇r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r

gradf r = f ′ r 1r1−2 r

gradf r = f ′ r r −1 r
r
gradf r = f ′ r r

r
∴ gradf r × r = f ′ r r
×r

f ′ (r)
gradf r × r = r×r
r

f ′ (r)
gradf r × r = 0 ∵r×r= 0
r

gradf r × r = 0

Ex17. Find: curl rsinr

Sol: curl rsinr = curl sinr r

curl rsinr = ∇ × sinr r

Using ∇ × ɸA = ∇ɸ × A + ɸ ∇ × A

curl rsinr = ∇sinr × r + sinr ∇ × r

Using ∇f u = f ′ u ∇u , ∇ × r = 0 on RHS

curl rsinr = cosr ∇r × r + sinr 0

curl rsinr = cosr ∇r × r

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r

curl rsinr = cosr 1 r1−2 r × r

curl rsinr = cosr r −1 r × r

r
curl rsinr = cosr ×r
r

276
Vector Differentiation

1
curl rsinr = cosr r×r
r

1
curl rsinr = cosr 0 ∵r×r=0
r

curl rsinr = 0

Second order differential operator: (Laplacian operator 𝛁 𝟐 )

The Second order differential operator is denoted by ∇ 2 and is given by

∂2 ∂2 ∂2
∇2 = + +
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2

Thus we have the following results

∂2 f ∂2 f ∂2 f
(i)div gradf = ∇. ∇f = ∇ 2 f = ∂x 2 + ∂y 2 + ∂z 2

(ii) curl gradf = ∇ × ∇f = 0

(iii) div curlA = ∇. ∇ × A = 0

(iv) curl curlA = ∇ × ∇ × A = ∇. ∇. A − ∇ 2 A

(v) grad divA = ∇. ∇. A = ∇ × ∇ × A + ∇ 2 A

Properties of gradient:

If f(x, y, z) and g(x, y, z) are two scalar point functions then,

(a)grad f ± g = gradf ± gradg

(b) grad fg = f gradg + g (gradf)

f g gradf −f (gradg )
(c) grad =
g g2

(d) gradf = 0 iff f is constant.

(e) gradf u = f ′ u gradu

Ex1.Caluculate ∇2 f when f = 3x 2 z − y 2 z 3 + 4x 3 y + 2x − 3y − 5 at the point 1,1,0

Sol. We know that

∂2 f ∂2 f ∂2f
∇2 f = ∂x 2 + ∂y 2 + ∂z 2 ……… (1)

277
Vector Differentiation

Here, f = 3x 2 z − y 2 z 3 + 4x 3 y + 2x − 3y − 5
∂f ∂
= ∂x (3x 2 z − y 2 z 3 + 4x 3 y + 2x − 3y − 5)
∂x

∂f
= 6xz + 12x 2 y + 2
∂x

∂2 f ∂
= ∂x (6xz + 12x 2 y + 2)
∂x 2

∂2 f
= 6z + 24xy
∂x 2

∂2 f
Similarly, ∂y 2 = −2z 3

∂2 f
= −6y 2 z
∂z 2

Equation (1) becomes

∇2 f = 6z + 24xy − 2z 3 − 6y 2 z

At the point 1,1,0 ≡ (x, y, z)

∇2 f = 24

Ex2. Prove that:

(i)∇ 2 r n = n n + 1 r n−2 where n is constant.

(ii) ∇ 2 r 2 = 6
1
(iii) ∇ 2 =0
r

2
(iv) ∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r)

1
(v) ∇ 2 Logr = r 2

Sol.(i) We have

∇ 2 r n = ∇. ∇r n

∇ 2 r n = ∇. [nr n−2 r ] [ ∵ ∇r n = nr n−2 r ]

∇ 2 r n = n ∇. [r n−2 r ]

Using ∇ fg = f ∇g + g (∇f)

278
Vector Differentiation

∇ 2 r n = n [r n−2 ∇r + r ∇r n−2 ]

∇ 2 r n = n [r n−2 (3) + r n − 2 r n−4 r ]

∇ 2 r n = n [r n−2 (3) + n − 2 r n−4 r 2 ]

∇ 2 r n = n [r n−2 (3) + n − 2 r n−2 ]

∇ 2 r n = nr n−2 [3 + n − 2]

∇ 2 r n = nr n−2 (n + 1)

∇ 2 r n = n n + 1 r n−2

Hence proved.

(ii) We know that

∇ 2 r n = n n + 1 r n+2

Put r = 2

∇ 2 r 2 = 2 2 + 1 r 2−2 = 2 3 r 0 = 6 [ ∵ r 0 = 1]

(iii) We know that

∇ 2 r n = n n + 1 r n+2
1
∇2 = ∇ 2 r −1 = −1 −1 + 1 r −1+2 = 0
r

(iv) We have

∇ 2 Logr = ∇. ∇Logr

Using ∇f u = f ′ u ∇u
1
∇ 2 Logr = ∇. ∇r
r

1 r
∇ 2 Logr = ∇. [ ∵ ∇r n = nr n−2 r ]
r r

r
∇ 2 Logr = ∇. r2

r 2 ∇r− r ∇r 2
∇ 2 Logr = r4

r 2 3 −r 2r 3r 2 −2r 2 r2 1
∇ 2 Logr = = = r4 = r2
r4 r4

279
Vector Differentiation

(iv) We have

∇ 2 f r = ∇. ∇f(r)

Using ∇f u = f ′ u ∇u

∇ 2 f r = ∇. [f ′ r ∇r]
r
∇ 2 f r = ∇. [f ′ r ]
r

f ′ (r)
∇ 2 f r = ∇. [ r]
r

Using ∇ fg = f ∇g + g (∇f)

f ′ (r) f ′ (r)
∇ 2f r = ∇r + r ∇
r r

f ′ (r) r ∇f ′ r −f ′ r ∇r f g ∇f −f (∇g)
∇ 2f r = ∇r + r [∵∇ = ]
r r2 g g2

f ′ (r) r ∇f ′ r −f ′ r ∇r
∇ 2f r = ∇r + r
r r2

f ′ (r) r f ′′ r ∇r−f ′ r ∇r
∇ 2f r = (3) + r
r r2

f ′ (r) r f ′′ r ∇r−f ′ r ∇r
∇ 2f r = 3 +r
r r2

r ′ r
f ′ (r) r f ′′ r −f r
∇ 2f r = 3 +r r
2
r
r r

r
f ′ (r) r f ′′ r −f ′ r
∇ 2f r = 3 +r r
r r2

f ′ (r) r 2 f ′′ r −f ′ r r
∇ 2f r = 3 +
r r2

f ′ (r) f ′ (r)
∇ 2f r = 3 + f ′′ r −
r r

f ′ (r)
∇ 2f r = 2 + f ′′ r
r

2
∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r)

Hence Proved.

280
Vector Differentiation

r
Ex3. Evaluate: ∇2 ∇. r2

r
Sol: First we find ∇. r2

r
∇. = ∇. r −2 r
r2

Using ∇ ɸ A = ∇ɸ . A + ɸ ∇. A

r
∇. = ∇r −2 . r + r −2 ∇. r
r2

Using ∇r n = nr n−2 r , ∇. r = 3
r
∇. = −2r −2−2 r . r + r −2 (3)
r2

r
∇. = −2r −4 r . r + r −2 (3)
r2

r
∇. = −2r −4 r. r + 3r −2
r2

r
∇. = −2r −4 r 2 + 3r −2 [∵ r r = r 2 ]
r2

r
∇. = −2r −4+2 + 3r −2 [∵ r r = r 2 ]
r2

r
∇. = −2r −2 + 3r −2
r2

r
∇. = (−2 + 3)r −2
r2

r
∇. = (1)r −2
r2

r
∇. = r −2
r2

r
∴ ∇2 ∇. = ∇2 r −2
r2

Using ∇ 2 r n = n n + 1 r n−2 on RHS

r
∴ ∇2 ∇. = −2 −2 + 1 r −2−2
r2

r
∇2 ∇. = −2 −1 r −4
r2

281
Vector Differentiation

r
∇2 ∇. = 2r −4
r2

4
Ex4. Prove that: ∇4 er = er 1 + r

Sol: We have

∇4 er = ∇2 [∇2 er ] ……….. (1)

First we find ∇2 er

We know that
2
∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r) …….. (2)

Here f r = er
d
∴ f ′ r = dr er = er

d
f ′′ r = dr er = er

Equation (2) becomes

2
∇ 2 er = er + r er

∴ Equation (1) becomes

2
∇ 4 er = ∇ 2 er 1 + r …………… (3)

2
Now, we find ∇ 2 er 1 + r

2
Again using ∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r) ……… (4)

2
Here f r = er 1 + r

d 2
∴ f ′ r = dr er 1 + r

d 2 2 d
f ′ r = er dr 1 + r + 1+r er [∵ Product rule]
dr

2 2
f ′ r = er 0 − r 2 + 1 + r er

2 2
f ′ r = − r 2 er + 1 + r e r

282
Vector Differentiation

2 2
f ′ r = er − r 2 + 1 + r

2
f ′ r = er −2r −2 + 1 + r

d 2
∴ f ′′ r = dr er −2r −2 + 1 + r

d 2 2 d
f ′ ′ r = er dr −2r −2 + 1 + r + −2r −2 + 1 + r er [∵ Product rule]
dr

2 2
f ′ ′ r = er −2(−2)r −2−1 + 0 − r 2 + −2r −2 + 1 + r er

2 2
f ′ ′ r = er 4r −3 − r 2 + −2r −2 + 1 + r er

4 2 2 2
f ′ ′ r = er − r 2 + − r 2 + 1 + r er
r3

4 2 2 2
f ′ ′ r = er − r2 − r2 + 1 + r
r3

4 4 2
f ′ ′ r = er − r2 + 1 + r
r3

∴ Equation (4) becomes

2 4 4 2 2 2
∇ 2 er 1 + r = er − r 2 + 1 + r + r er −2r −2 + 1 + r
r3

2 4 4 2 2 2 2
∇ 2 er 1 + r = er − r 2 + 1 + r + r er − r 2 + 1 + r
r3

2 4 4 2 4 2 4
∇ 2 er 1 + r = er − r 2 + 1 + r + er − r 3 + r + r 2
r3

2 4 4 2 4 2 4
∇ 2 er 1 + r = er − r2 + 1 + r − r3 + r + r2
r3

2 4
∇ 2 er 1 + r = er 1 + r

Equation (3) becomes

4
∇ 4 er = er 1 + r

Hence Proved

283
Vector Differentiation

6
Ex5. Show that: ∇4 r 2 Logr = r 2

Sol: We have

∇4 r 2 Logr = ∇2 [∇2 (r 2 Logr)] ……….. (1)

First we find ∇2 (r 2 Logr

We know that
2
∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r) …….. (2)

Here f r = r 2 Logr
d
∴ f ′ r = dr r 2 Logr

d d
f ′ r = r 2 dr Logr + Logr r 2 [∵ Product rule]
dr

1
f ′ r = r2 + Logr (2r)
r

f ′ r = r + 2rLogr
d
∴ f ′′ r = dr r + 2rLogr

d d
f ′′ r = dr r + 2 dr rLogr

d d d
f ′′ r = dr r + 2 r Logr + Logr r [∵ Product rule]
dr dr

1
f ′′ r = 1 + 2 r + Logr (1)
r

f ′′ r = 1 + 2 1 + Logr

f ′′ r = 1 + 2 + 2Logr

f ′′ r = 3 + 2Logr

Equation (2) becomes

2
∇ 2 r 2 Logr = 3 + 2Logr + r r + 2rLogr

∇ 2 r 2 Logr = 3 + 2Logr + 2 + 4Logr

∇ 2 r 2 Logr = 5 + 6Logr

284
Vector Differentiation

∴ Equation (1) becomes

∇4 Logr = ∇ 2 5 + 6Logr ……………(3)

Now, we find ∇ 2 (5 + 6Logr)

2
Again using ∇ 2 f r = f ′′ r + r f ′ (r) ……… (4)

Here f r = 5 + 6Logr
d
∴ f ′ r = dr 5 + 6Logr

1
f′ r = 0 + 6 r

6
f′ r = r

d 6
∴ f ′′ r = dr r

6
f ′′ r = − r2

∴ Equation (4) becomes

6 2 6
∇ 2 (5 + 6Logr) = − r 2 + r r

6 12
∇ 2 (5 + 6Logr) = − r 2 + r 2

6
∇ 2 (5 + 6Logr) = r 2

Equation (3) becomes

6
∇4 r 2 Logr = r 2

Hence Proved.

Exercise

1. Calculate ∇2 f when f = 4x 2 + 9y 2 + z 2
Ans: 28
xy
2. Find ∇2 f at the point 2,3,1 when f = z

Ans:12

285