Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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 ,u 2 , 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 .u^ 3

The gradient of a scalar function T ( u 1 , u2 ,u 3 ) is given by

u^ 1 ∂ T u^ 2 ∂T u^ 3 ∂T
gradT =∇ T = + + ∙
h1 ∂ u1 h 2 ∂ u2 h 3 ∂u3

where hi are scale factors and u^ i 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 ,u 3=φ , h1=1 , h2=R ¿ h 3=R sin θ .

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

xyz
(a) T ( x , y , z )= at the point ( 1 ,1,1 ) .
( x + y 2+ z 2 )
2

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

∂T ∂T ∂T
For Cartesian coordinates, gradT =∇ T = x^ + ^y + ^z ∙
∂x ∂y ∂z

¿ ^x
∂
( xyz
∂ x (x + y +z )
2 2 2
+ ^y
∂
) xyz
∂ y (x + y +z )
2 2 2 (+ z^
∂
)
xyz
(
∂ z ( x + y2 + z2 )
2 )
( x 2+ y 2+ z 2 ) yz−2 x 2 yz ( x 2+ y 2+ z 2 ) xz−2 y 2 xz ( x 2+ y 2+ z 2 ) xy−2 z 2 xy
¿ ^x 2
+ ^y 2
+ ^z 2
( x2+ y2+ z2 ) ( x 2+ y 2+ z 2 ) ( x 2+ y 2+ z 2 )

1
At the point ( 1 ,1,1 ) , ∇ T = ( ^x + ^y + ^z ) ∙
9
z cos ϕ
(b) T ( r , ϕ , z ) = , at the point ( 1 , π , 2 )
( 1+ r 2 )
r^ ∂ T ϕ^ ∂T z^ ∂ T
For cylindrical coordinates, gradT =∇ T = + +
1 ∂r r ∂ ϕ 1 ∂z

¿ r^
(
∂r ( 1+r )
2
+ϕ
)
∂ z cos ϕ ^ 1 ∂ z cos ϕ
r ∂ ϕ ( 1+r )
2
+ ^z
(
∂ z cos ϕ
∂ z ( 1+r )
2 )
=−r^
(
( 1+ r )
2 2
−ϕ
)
2 zr cos ϕ ^ 1 z sin ϕ
+ ^z
cos ϕ
r ( 1+r ) ( 1+r 2 )
2
∙

1
At the point ( 1 , π , 2 ) , ∇ T =^r − z^ ∙
2

(c) T ( R , θ , ϕ )=R cos θ sin ϕ , at the point 2 , ( π π

, ∙
2 4 )
R ∂T θ^ ∂ T
^ ϕ^ ∂ T
For cylindrical coordinates, gradT =∇ T = + +
1 ∂ R R ∂θ R sin θ ∂ ϕ

∂ θ^ ∂ 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^
¿^
R cos θ sin ϕ−θ^ sin θ sin ϕ+ R cos θ cos ϕ.
R sin θ

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

2. Directional Derivatives:

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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 ,u 2), 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 ofT in the direction ofd .

Example 2.1 Find the directional derivative of T ( x , y , z )=x y 2−z 2at the point ( 1 ,−1 , 4 )in the
direction d= ^x −^y +4 z^ .
∂
Solution: ∇ T = ^x ( x y 2−z 2 ) + ^y ∂ ( x y 2−z 2 ) + ^z ∂ ( x y 2−z 2 )
∂x ∂y ∂z
2 ∂
¿ ^x y + ^y 2 xy + z^ (−2 z )
∂z
At the point ( 1 ,−1 , 4 ), ∇ T = ^x −2 ^y −8 ^z

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

^x −^y +4 z^ 1 1 4
Now, the unit vector in the direction of ^x − ^y + 4 ^z is a^ = = ^x − ^y + ^z
√ 1+1+16 √ 18 √ 18 √18
Then the required directional derivative is,∇ T ∙ a^ =( x^ −2 ^y −8 z^ ) ∙ ( √118 ^x− √118 ^y+ √418 z^ )
1 2 32 −29
¿ + − = .
√ 18 √ 18 √ 18 √18

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

Solution:∇ T = r^
∂r 2(
∂ 1 −r /5
e cos ϕ + ϕ^ )
1 ∂ 1 −r /5
r ∂ϕ 2 (
e cos ϕ + ^z )
∂ 1 −r / 5
∂z 2
e cos ϕ ( )
1 −r /5 1 −r /5
¿−^r e cos ϕ− ϕ^ e sin ϕ
10 2r

At the point 2 , ( π
4 )
,3 , ∇ T =−^r
1
10 √ 2
e−2 /5− ϕ^
1 −2 /5
4 √2
e

−1 −2 /5
Then the required directional derivative is,∇ T ∙ r^ = e .
10 √ 2

Example 2.3 Find the directional derivative of T ( R , θ , ϕ )=

1
R
π π
sin2 θ at the point 5 , ,
4 2(in the )
direction ^
R.
^ ^
Solution:∇ T = R
∂R R ( )
^ ∂ 1 sin2 θ + θ ∂ 1 sin 2 θ + ϕ
R ∂θ R ( ∂ 1
R sin θ ∂ ϕ R ) 2
sin θ ( )
1 1
¿− ^ sin θ+ θ^ 2 2 sin θ cos θ
2
R 2
R R

At the point 5 , ( π π
4 2 ) 1
R + θ^
, , ∇ T =− ^
50
1
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

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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.

∇ ∙ A> 0
This expansion of fluid flowing with velocity field  A  is captured by the divergence of  A , which
we denote ¿ 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

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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:

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 curl A or mathematically∇ × A .

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

Now, let A=^u1 A 1 ( u1 , u2 ,u3 ) + u^ 2 A2 ( u1 ,u 2 , u3 ) + u^ 3 A3 ( u1 ,u 2 , u3 ) is a vector. The divergence and the
curl is given by

¿ A=∇ ∙ A=
1
[∂
h1 h2 h3 ∂ u1
( A 1 h 2 h3 ) +
∂
∂ u2
( h1 A 2 h3 ) +
∂
]
(h h A ) ∙
∂u 3 1 2 3

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

| |
u^ 1 h1 u^ 2 h2 u^ 3 h3
1 ∂ ∂ ∂ ,
and curl A=∇ × A= h h h
1 2 3 ∂u 1 ∂ u 2 ∂ u3
h1 A1 h2 A2 h3 A 3

 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= ^x x 2+ ^y 2 xy

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

| |
x^ ^y ^z
∂ ∂ ∂
curl A=∇ × A= =^z 2 y .
∂x ∂y ∂z
x2 2 xy 0

∴ A is not solenoidal or conservative.

sin ϕ ^ cos ϕ
(b) A=^r 2
+ϕ 2
r r

¿ A=∇ ∙ A=
1
[ ∂
h1 h2 h3 ∂ u1
( A1 h2 h3 ) +
∂
∂ u2
( h1 A 2 h3 ) +
∂
(h h A )
∂u 3 1 2 3 ]
¿
[ ( ) ( )
1 ∂ sin ϕ
r ∂r r 2
r +
∂ cos ϕ
∂ϕ r 2
∂
+ (0 ∙ r ) =
∂z r
3
r ]
−sin ϕ sin ϕ −2 sin ϕ
− 3 =
r
3
.

| || |
u^ 1 h1 u^ 2 h2 u^ 3 h3 r^ ϕ^ r ^z
∂ ∂ ∂
1 ∂ ∂ ∂ 1 2 cos ϕ
curl A=∇ × A= = ∂r ∂ϕ ∂ z =−^z .
h1 h2 h3 ∂u 1 ∂ u2 ∂ u3 r r2
sin ϕ cos ϕ
h1 A1 h2 A2 h3 A 3 r 0
r2 r2

∴ A is not solenoidal or conservative.

(c) A= ^
R( R e )
−R

¿ A=∇ ∙ A= 2
1
R sinθ ∂
∂
R [ ∂θ ∂ϕ ]
( R e− R ∙ R2 sin θ ) + ∂ ( 0 ∙ R sin θ )+ ∂ ( 0 ∙ R ) =e−R ( 3−R ) .

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

| |
^
R θ^ R ϕ^ R sin θ
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
∇ × A= 2 =0.∴ A is conservative but not solenoidal.
R sin θ ∂ R ∂θ ∂ϕ
R e− R R ∙ 0 R sin θ ∙ 0

Example 3.2 Test whether A= ^x ( y 2 cos x+ z3 ) + ^y ( 2 y sin x− y )+ z^ ( 3 x z 2 +2 )is a conservative force

field. If conservative, find the scalar potentialT such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in

moving an object in this field from ( 0 , 1 ,−1 ) to

π
2
,−1, 2 ∙ ( )
Solution: We know for conservative force field curl A=∇ × A=0

| |
x^ ^y ^z
∂ ∂ ∂
∇ × A= =0
∂x ∂y ∂z
2 3 2
y cos x + z 2 y sin x − y 3 x z +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 ∙ d l

¿ ∫ [ ^x ( y cos x + z ) + ^y ( 2 y sin x− y ) + ^z ( 3 x z +2 ) ] . [ ^x dx + ^y dy + ^z dz ]
2 3 2

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

( )
2 2
y y
¿ ∫ d x z + y sin x+ 2 z−
3 2 3 2
=x z + y sin x+ 2 z− + c , c is a constant.
2 2

( π2 ,−1, 2)
[ ]
( π2 ,−1 ,2)
2
Now, work done, ¿ y
∫ 3 2
A ∙ d l= x z + y sin x +2 z−
2
=4 π +7 ∙
( 0 ,1 ,−1 ) ( 0 ,1 ,−1 )

Example 3.3 Test whether A=r^ ( cos ϕ ) + ϕ^ ( z sin ϕ ) is a conservative force field. If conservative,
find the scalar potentialT such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in moving an object in this
field from ( 0 , π ,−1 ) to ( 1,2 π , 2 ) ∙
Solution: We know for conservative force field curl A=∇ × A=0

| |
r^ ϕ^ r z^
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
∇ × A= =0
r ∂r ∂ϕ ∂z
cos ϕ – r sin ϕ 0
Hence A is conservative force field.
LetT ( r , ϕ , z ) be a scalar potential of A , i.e. A=∇ T ∙ ∴ T ( r , ϕ , z )=∫ A ∙ d l

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

¿ ∫ [ r^ ( cos ϕ ) + ^ϕ ( – sin ϕ ) ] . [ r^ dr + ϕ^ r d ϕ+ z^ dz ]

¿ ∫ [ cos ϕ dr−rsin ϕ d ϕ ]

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

Now, work done,
( 1 ,2 π ,2 )

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

Example 3.4 Test whether A= ^ R ( sinθ cos ϕ )+ θ^ ( cos θ cos ϕ ) + ^ϕ (−sin ϕ ) is a conservative force
field. If conservative, find the scalar potentialT such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in

moving an object in this field from 0 , ,

π π
4 3 ( π
to 1 , , π ∙
2 ) ( )
Solution: We know for conservative force field curl A=∇ × A=0

| |
^
R θ^ R ϕ^ 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
Hence A is conservative force field.
LetT ( R , θ , ϕ )be a scalar potential of A , i.e. A=∇ T ∙ ∴ T ( R ,θ , ϕ ) =∫ A ∙ d l

¿∫ [ ^
R ( sin θ cos ϕ ) + θ^ ( cos θ cos ϕ )+ ϕ^ (−sin ϕ ) ] . [ ^
R dR+ θ^ R dθ+ ϕ^ R sin θ d ϕ ]

¿ ∫ [ ( sin θ cos ϕ ) dR+ ( cos θ cos ϕ ) R dθ + (−sin ϕ ) R sin θ d ϕ ]

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

(1 , π2 , π )
(1 , π2 , π )
Now, work done, ∫ A ∙ d l= [ R sin θ cos ϕ ] π π =−1∙
(0 , 4 , 3 )
(0 , π4 , π3 )

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

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

The Laplacian of a scalar function T in different coordinate system are defined as follows:

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

2 2 2
2 ∂ T ∂T ∂ T
In Cartesian coordinates ∇ T = 2
+ 2+ 2 ,
∂ x ∂ y ∂z

in Cylindrical coordinates∇ T =
2 1 ∂
r + ( )
∂ T 1 ∂2 T ∂2 T
+
r ∂ r ∂ r r2 ∂ ϕ2 ∂ z2
and

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

3
Example 4.1 Find the Laplacian of the scalar functionT = 2 2
.
x +y

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

2 ∂2 T ∂ 2 T ∂ 2 T
∇ T= + +
∂ x2 ∂ y2 ∂ z2

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

∂ ∂
¿
∂x
( −3 ( x 2+ y 2) .2 x )+
−2

∂y
(−3 ( x 2 + y 2 ) .2 y ) +0
−2

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

12
¿ 2
( x + y2 )
2

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

Solution: In Cylindrical coordinates we know the Laplacian is

( )
2 2
2 1 ∂ ∂T 1 ∂ T ∂ T
∇ T= r + +
r ∂ r ∂ r r2 ∂ ϕ2 ∂ z 2

¿
1 ∂ ∂
(
−r 1 ∂ ∂
r (5 e cosϕ) + 2
r ∂r ∂ r r ∂ϕ ∂ϕ ) (
( 5 e−r cosϕ ) + ∂ ∂ ( 5 e−r cosϕ )
∂z ∂z ) ( )
5 cosϕ ∂ −r 5 e−r ∂
¿ (−r e )+ 2 (−sin ϕ)+0
r ∂r r ∂ϕ
−r
5 cosϕ [ −r 5e
−e −r e ]− 2 cos ϕ
−r
¿−
r r

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

−r −r
−5 e cosϕ −r 5e
¿ +5 e cosϕ − 2 cos ϕ .
r r

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

Solution: In Spherical coordinates we know the Laplacian is,

2
∇ T=
1 ∂
R2 ∂ R
R (
2 ∂T
+
1
) ∂
∂ R R2 sin θ ∂θ
sin θ
∂T
+ (
1
)∂2 T
∂ θ R2 sin2 θ ∂ ϕ 2
∙
( )
¿
1 ∂
R ∂R
2
R2 (
∂
∂R
(10 e− R sinθ) + 2 )
1 ∂
R sin θ ∂ θ
sinθ
∂
∂θ ( )
( 10 e− R sinθ ) + 2 1 2 ∂ ∂ ( 10 e−R sinθ )
R sin θ ∂ ϕ ∂ ϕ ( )
−R
10 sinθ ∂ 2 −R 10 e ∂
¿ 2
(−R e )+ 2 (sinθcosθ)+ 0
R ∂R R sin θ ∂ θ
−R
10 sinθ ∂ 10 e ∂
¿− (−R2 e−R )+ 2 (sinθcosθ )+ 0
R 2
∂R R sinθ ∂θ
−R
10 sinθ [ 10 e ∂
2 R e −R e ] − 2
−R 2 −R
¿− (sin 2θ)
R 2
2 R sin θ ∂ θ

10 sinθ [ −R 2 −R
] 10 e− R
¿− 2
2 R e −R e − 2
cos 2 θ .
R R sin θ

Sample exercise - 6.1

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

3 2 2 y
(a) T ( x , y , z )=2 x y z+ y x −5 at the point ( 0 , 2 ,−1 ) . ∙ Ans: ∇ T =5 ^y +10 ^z
z

(b) T ( r , ϕ , z ) =
z +sin ϕ
r (
, at the point 2 ,
3π
2 )
, 1 ∙ Ans: ∇ T = z^
1
2

(
(c) T ( R , θ , ϕ )=R2 cos ϕ sin θ , at the point 2 ,
π 2π
,
4 3
∙ )
1 ^
Ans: ∇ T =−√ 2 ^
R − θ− √ 3 ϕ^
√2

2. (a) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of T ( x , y , z )=x 2 y −xz at the point ( 1 , 0 ,2 ) in the
2
direction d= ^x −2 ^y −6 ^z . Ans: ∇ T = ^x ( 2 xy −z )+ ^y x 2− z^ x and D. D. is ∙
√ 41

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

(b) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of T ( r , ϕ , z ) =r 3 cos ϕ at the point 2 , ( π
4 )
,1 in the

12
direction r^ . Ans: D.D. is ∙
√2

(c) Find the directional derivative (D. D.) of T ( R , θ , ϕ )=

1
R
2
(π π
cos θ at the point 1 , ,
4 2
in the)
−1 1
R−θ^ . Ans: D. D. is
direction ^ + ∙
2√ 2 √2
3. Determine divergence and curl. Also check each of the following vector fields solenoidal,
conservative or both.

(a) A= ^x zy 3 + ^y 2 y sin( xy )+ ^z 3 x 2 ln z

3 2
Ans:∇ . A= x + 2sin xy +2 xy cos xy and ∇ × A= ^y ( y 3 −6 x lnz ) + z^ ( 2 y 2 cos xy −3 y 2 z ) ∙
z

sin ϕ ^ cos ϕ −sin ϕ cos ϕ 1 1

(b) A=^r +ϕ 2 Ans: ∇ . A= and ∇ × A=−^z ( 2 + )∙
r r r
3
r r r
1+sin θ
R cos θ−θ^ ( R−sin θ )
(c) A= ^ Ans: ∇ . A=cot θ and ∇ × A= ϕ^ ∙
R
4. (a) Test whether A= ^x ( sin y +1 ) + ^y ( 2 yz + x cos y ) + ^z ( y 2−3 ) is a conservative force field. If
conservative, find the scalar potentialT such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in moving an

(
π
)
object in this field from ( 1 ,−1 , 5 ) to 2 , ,1 ∙ Ans: T =x sin y + y 2 z+ x−3 z+ c
2

(b) Test whether A=r^ ( 2rz −cos ϕ ) + ^ϕ ( sin ϕ ) + ^z ( r 2 )is a conservative force field. If conservative,
find the scalar potentialT such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in moving an object in this
field from ( 1 , 0 ,−1 ) to ( 1 , π , 0 ) ∙ Ans: T =r 2 z−r cos ϕ+c
(c) Test whether A= ^ R ( cos θ ) + θ^ (−sin θ ) is a conservative force field. If conservative, find the
scalar potential T such that A=∇ T . Hence find the work done in moving an object in this field

( π π
from 0 , ,
4 3 ) ( π
)
to 1 , ,0 ∙ Ans: T =R cos θ+ c
2
5. Find the Laplacian of the following scalar functions:

(a) T =4 y 2 z 2 ∙ Ans: 8( y 2+ z 2 )

(b) T =xy + zx ∙ Ans: 0 ∙

(c) T =10 r 3 cos 2 ϕ ∙ Ans: 50 r cos 2 ϕ ∙

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

2 2
(d) T = 3
cosθsinϕ ∙ Ans: 5
cos θ sin ϕ ( 4−csc 2 θ ) ∙
R R

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 )= 2 2 ∙
(x +z )
Determine divergence of A= ^x x 2+ ^y 2 xy >>syms x y z
>>divergence([x^2, 2*y^2, 0], [x, y, z])

Determine curl of A= ^x x + ^y 2 y 2 + ^z 3 z 3 >>syms x y z

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

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

>> laplacian(4*x*y^2*z^3)
Gauss’s-Divergence Theorem and Stoke’s Theorem
1. Some Prerequisite Example

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

Solution
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

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

i. Top face: z=4 , A= r^ r 2+ z^ 8and d s= z^ rdrd ϕ

13
Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 2π 5
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=8 ∫ ∫ rdrd ϕ=200 π .
top 0 0
face
❑

ii. Bottom face: z=0 , A=r^ r 2

and d s=− z^ rdrd ϕ ∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=0
bottom
face

iii. Walls face: r =5 , A=^r 25+ ^z 2 z and d s=r^ rdzd ϕ

❑ 2π 4
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=25 ∫ ∫ 5 dzd ϕ=1000 π .
walls 0 0
face
❑

Total, ∮ A ∙ d s=1200 π
s

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

Example 1.2. Evaluate ∭

16 z dV
E
 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

∭ 16 z dV =∫ ∫∫ R2 sin θ(16 R cos θ)dRdφ dθ

E 0 0 0
π
2 2π 1

¿ ∫ ∫ ∫ 8 R sin2 θ dR dφdθ
3

0 0 0
π
2 2π

¿ ∫ ∫ 2 sin2 θ dφ dθ
0 0
π
2

¿ ∫ 4 π sin 2 θ dθ
0
π
¿−2 π cos 2 θ 2 =4 π .
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, ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∮ A ∙ d s
V s

Example 2.1. For the vector field A= ^x xz− ^y y z2 − ^z 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.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

Solution
We first evaluate the surface integral over the six faces.
❑ 2 2

i. Front face: x=2 , d s=^x dydz ∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=∫ ∫ xzdydz=8.

front 0 0
face
❑

∫ A ∙ d s=0.
ii. Back face: x=0 , d s=− x^ dydz ∴ back
face

❑ 2 2
−32
iii. Right face: y=2, d s= ^y dxdz ∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=∫ ∫ − y z dxdz= 3 .
2

¿ 0 0
face
❑

iv. Left face: y=0 , d s=−^y dxdz ∴ ∫ A ∙d s=0.

¿face

❑ 2 2

v. Top face: z=2 , d s=^z dxdy ∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=∫ ∫ −xydydx =−4.

top 0 0
face

❑ 2 2

vi. Bottom face: z=0 , d s=− z^ dxdy ∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=∫∫ xydydx=4.

bottom 0 0
face
❑
32 −8
Adding the above six values, we have∮ A ∙ d s=8+0− +0−4 +4= ∙
s 3 3
∂ ∂
Now the divergence of A is ( xz ) + (− y z 2 )+ ∂ (−xy ) =z−z 2 .
∂x ∂y ∂z

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 2 2 2
−8
Hence ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ ∫ ∫ ( z−z ) dx dy dz=
2
∙
V 0 0 0 3
which is the same as the result of the closed surface integral. The divergence theorem is therefore
verified.

Example 2.2. Given A= ^x x 2+ ^y xy + ^z 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.

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

i. Front face: x=1 , d s=^x dydz

❑ 1 1
iv. Left face: y=0 , d s=−^y dxdz
∫ A ∙ d s=∫ ∫ dydz =1. ❑
front
face
0 0
∫ A ∙ d s=0.
¿ face
ii. Back face: x=0 , d s=− x^ dydz
❑
v. Top face: z=1 , d s=^z dxdy
∫ A ∙ d s=0. ❑ 1 1
1
back
face
∫ A ∙d s=∫ ∫ y dydx= .
2
top 0 0
face
iii. Right face: y=1 , d s=^y dxdz
❑ 1 1
vi. Bottom face: z=0 , d s=− z^ dxdy
1
∫ A ∙d s=∫ ∫ x dxdz= . ❑

¿
face
0 0 2 ∫ A ∙ d s=0
bottom
face
❑
1 1
Adding the above six values, we have∮ A ∙ d s=1+0+ + 0+ +0=2.
s 2 2

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

∂ 2 ∂
Now the divergence of A is ( x ) + ( xy ) + ∂ ( yz ) =3 x+ y .
∂x ∂y ∂z
❑ 1 1 1

Hence ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ ∫ ∫ ( 3 x + y ) dx dy dz=2.

V 0 0 0

which is the same as the result of the closed surface integral. The divergence theorem is therefore
verified.

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

Solution
1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂
∇ ∙ A=
r ∂r
( r Ar)+
r ∂ϕ
( Aϕ ) +
r ∂z
(r A z)
1 ∂
¿ ( r r 2 ) +0+ 1 ∂ ( r 2 z )= 1 ∂ ( r 3 ) +2= ( 3r + 2 )
r ∂r r ∂z r ∂r

❑ 4 2π 5

∫ ∇ ∙ A dv= ∫ ∫ ∫ ( 3 r +2 ) rdrd ϕ dz=1200 π .

V z =0 φ=0 r=0

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

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

i. Top face: z=4 , A= r^ r 2+ z^ 8and d s= z^ rdrd ϕ

❑ 2π 5
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=8 ∫ ∫ rdrd ϕ=200 π .
top 0 0
face
❑

∫ A ∙ d s=0.
ii. Bottom face: z=0 , A=r^ r 2 and d s=− z^ rdrd ϕ ∴ bottom
face

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

iii. Walls face: r =5 , A=^r 25+ ^z 2 z and d s=r^ rdzd ϕ

2π 4
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=25 ∫ ∫ 5 dzd ϕ=1000 π .
walls 0 0
face

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

s V

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

Solution
1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂
∇ ∙ A=
r ∂r
( r Ar)+
r ∂ϕ
( Aϕ ) +
r ∂z
(r A z)

1 ∂
¿ ( r 10 e−r ) +0− 1 ∂ ( 3 zr )= 1 10 e−r ( 1−r )−3.
r ∂r r ∂z r
4 2π 2

∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ ∫∫ ( 1r 10 e−r ( 1−r ) −3 )rdrd ϕ dz

❑

V 0 0 0
4 2π 2 4 2π 2
160 π
¿ 10∫ ∫ ∫ e (1−r ) drd ϕ dz−3 ∫ ∫ ∫ rdrd ϕ dz=
−r
−48 π .
0 0 0 0 0 0 e2

i. Top face: z=4 , A= r^ 10 e−r − ^z 12 and d s= z^ rdrd ϕ

❑ 2π 2
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=−12 ∫ ∫ rdrd ϕ=−48 π .
top 0 0
face
❑

ii. Bottom face: z=0 , A=r^ 10 e −r

and d s= z^ rdrd ϕ ∴ ∫ A ∙d s=0.
bottom
face

iii. Walls face: r =2 , A=r^ 10 e−2− ^z 3 z and and d s=r^ rdzd ϕ

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 2π 4
160 π
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=20 ∫ ∫ e dzd ϕ=
−2

e
2
.
walls 0 0
face

160 π 160 π
Total ¿ 2
+0−48 π = 2 −48 π .
e e

Example 2.5 A vector field A=r^ r 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) ∮ A ∙ d s and (b) ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv .

s v

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

❑ 5 2π 2 5 2π 2 5 2π
4 2
∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ ∫∫ 4 r 2
rdrdφdz=∫ ∫ ∫ 4 r drd ϕ dz=∫ ∫ [ r
3
]1 d ϕ dz=150 π .
V 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

i. Top face: z=5 , A= r^ r and d s= z^ rdrd ϕ ∫

3
top
A ∙ d s=0.
face
❑

ii. Bottom face: z=0 , A=r^ r 3 and d s=− z^ rdrd ϕ ∫ A ∙ d s=0.

bottom
face

iii. Outside surface: r =2 , A=^r 8 and d s=r^ rdzd ϕ

❑ 2π 5
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=16 ∫ ∫ dzd ϕ=160 π .
outside 0 0

iv. Inside surface: r =1, A=^r and d s=− r^ rdzd ϕ

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 2π 5
∴ ∫ A ∙ d s=−∫ ∫ dzd ϕ=−10 π .
intside 0 0

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

Example 2.6 For the vector field A= ^ 2

R3 R , evalute both sides the divergence theorem for the
region enclosed between spharical shells defined by R=1 and R=2.

Solution

^ ( R2 )2 sin θ dθd ϕ and we get A ∙ d s=3 ( R2 )4 sin θ dθd ϕ

At the outer surfaced s= R
❑ 2π π
∴∮ A ∙ d s= ∫ ∫ 3 ×2 4 × sin θ dθ d ϕ=192 π .
s φ=0 θ=0

^ ( R ) 2 sin θ dθd ϕ and we get A ∙ d s=3 ( R )4 sin θ dθd ϕ

At the inner surfaced s=− R 2 2

❑ 2π π
∴∮ A ∙ d s=− ∫ ∫ 3 ×1 4 × sin θ dθ d ϕ=−12 π .
s φ=0 θ=0

Total ¿ 192 π −12 π=180 π .

Again,
∇ ∙ A=
1
2
R sin θ ∂[
∂
R ∂θ ∂ϕ ]
( 3 R 2 ∙ R2 sin θ )+ ∂ ( 0 ∙ R sin θ ) + ∂ ( 0 ∙ R ) =12 R
❑ ❑

Now, Outer sphere: ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ 12 R dv =¿

V V
π 2π 2

∫ ∫ ∫ 12 R 3 sin θ dR d ϕ dθ=192 π
θ=0 φ=0 R=0

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ ❑

Inner sphere: ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ 12 R dv =¿

V V

π 2π 1

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

Total ¿ 192 π −12 π=180 π .

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

Solution

Given that A=^z R cos θ ( 0 ≤ θ ≤ π ) .

R R cos θ−θ^ R cos θ sin θ
In spherical coordinates A= ^ 2

Over the hemisphere surface d s= R^ R2 sin θ dθd ϕ and we get A ∙ d s=R3 cos2 θ sinθ dθd ϕ
π
❑ 2π 2

∴∮ A ∙ d s= ∫ ∫ R3 cos 2 θ sin θ d θ d ϕ = 23 π R3 =18 π . (R=3)

s φ=0 θ=0

Now,∇ ∙ A=
1 ∂
[
R sin θ ∂ R
2
( R cos2 θ∙ R2 sin θ ) + ∂ (−R cos θ sin θ ∙ R sin θ )+ ∂ ( 0 ∙ R )
∂θ ∂ϕ ]
1
2
[ 3 R 2 cos 2 θ sin θ−R2 ( 2sin θ cos 2 θ−sin3 θ ) ] =3 cos2 θ−2 cos 2 θ+ sin2 θ=1
R sin θ

and dv =d l R d l θ d l φ=dR ( R ) dθ ( R sin θ ) d ϕ

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

π
❑ ❑ 2 2π 3 ❑
So, ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv=∫ dv= ∫ ∫ ∫ R 2 sin θ dR d ϕ dθ= 23 π 33=18 π=∮ A ∙ d s ∙
V V θ=0 φ=0 R=0 s

Sample exercise - 6.2

1. For the vector field A= ^x xy + ^y y 2 z + ^z xz , 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.

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

3. A vector field A=r^ 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) ∮ A∙d s and (b) ∫ ∇ ∙ A dv.
s v
Ans: 114 π
❑

4. Find ∮ A ∙ d s over the surface of a hemispherical region that is the top half of a sphere of
s
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: 64 π

5. For the vector field A= ^

R 2 R3 , evaluate both sides of the divergence theorem for the
region enclosed between spherical shells defined by R=2 and R=3. Ans: 1688 π

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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 ) ∙ d s=∮ A ∙ d l.
s c

Example 3.1. Assume that a vector field A= ^x ( 2 x + y ) + ^y ( xy − y ), (a) find ∮ A ∙ d l around the
2 2 2

c
❑

triangular contour, (b) find ∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s over triangular arc, (c) verify Stokes’s theorem and (d)
s
can A be expressed as gradient of a scalar? Explain.

Solution

(a) d l= ^x dx+ ^y dy ∴ A ∙ d l=( 2 x2 + y 2 ) dx + ( xy− y 2) dy

❑ 0
8
Path c 1; x=0 , dx=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=−∫ y dy = ∙
2

c 1 2 3
❑ 2
16
Path c 2; y=0 , dy=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ 2 x dx=
2
∙
c2 0 3
Path c 3; y=2−x , dy =−dx ,

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 0

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ [ {2 x 2+( 2−x )2 }−{ x ( 2−x )−( 2−x )2 } ] dx= −28

3
∙
c3 2
❑
−4
Total, ∮ A ∙ d l= ∙
c 3
❑ 2 2− x
−4
Now, ∇ × A=−^z y , d s=^z dxdy ∴∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=−∫ ∫ ydydx= ∙
s 0 0 3

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

❑

Example 3.2. Assume that a vector field A= ^x xy− ^y ( x +2 y ) , (a) find 2 2

∮ A∙dl around the
c
❑

triangular contour, (b) find ∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s over triangular arc.

s

Solution

(a) d l= ^x dx+ ^y dy ∴ A ∙ d l=xy dx−( x 2+ 2 y 2 ) dy

❑ 1

Path c 1; y=0 , dy=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx−( x + 2 y ) dy=0 ∙

2 2

c1 0

❑ 1

Path c 2; x=1 , dx=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx−( x +2 y ) dy

2 2

c2 0

1
−5
¿ ∫ −( 1+2 y ) dy=
2
∙
0 3
Path c 3; y=x , dy=dx ,

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ 0 0

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx −( x +2 y ) dy=∫ y 2 dy−( y 2 +2 y 2 ) dy= 23 ∙

2 2

c3 1 1
❑
−5 2
Total, ∮ A ∙ d l= + =−1 ∙
c 3 3

| |
^x ^y ^z
∂ ∂ ∂
Now, ∇ × A=∇ × A= ∂ x =−3 x ^z , d s= ^z dxdy
∂y ∂z
xy −( x 2+2 y 2 ) 0
❑ 1 x
∴∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=−∫ ∫ 3 x dydx=−1∙
s 0 0

Stokes’s theorem is verified.

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

Solution
(a) d l= ^x dx+ ^y dy ∴ A ∙ d l=xy dx−( x 2+ 2 y 2 ) dy
❑ 2

Path c 1; y=0 , dy=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx−( x + 2 y ) dy=0 ∙

2 2

c1 0

Path c 2; y=2−x , dy =−dx ,

❑ 1 1

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx −( x +2 y ) dy=∫ x ( 2−x ) dx+( x2 +2 ( 2−x )2 ) dx= −11

2 2
3
∙
c3 0 2

Path c 3; y=x , dy=dx ,

❑ 0 0

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ xy dx −( x 2+2 y 2 ) dy=∫ y 2 dy−( y 2 +2 y 2 ) dy= 2

3
c3 1 1

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑
−11 2
Total, ∮ A ∙ d l= + =−3 ∙
c 3 3

| |
x^ ^y ^z
∂ ∂ ∂
Now, ∇ × A=∇ × A= ∂ x =−3 x ^z , d s= ^z dxdy
∂y ∂z
xy −( x 2+2 y 2 ) 0
❑ 1 2− y
∴∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=−∫ ∫ 3 x dxdy=−3 ∙
s 0 y

Stokes’s theorem is verified.

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

Solution
❑ ❑

Stokes’s theorem states that ∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=∮ A ∙ d l

s c

cos ϕ
LHS: With A having only a component A z= ,use of the expression for ∇ × A in cylindrical
r
coordinates,

∇ × A= r^ ( r ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ) (
1 ∂ Az ∂ Aϕ ^ ∂ Ar ∂ Az
− +ϕ −
∂r
+ z^
r ∂r ) (
1 ∂ ( r A ϕ ) ∂ Ar
−
∂ϕ )
∂ ( cosr ϕ ) −ϕ^ ∂ ( cosr ϕ ) =−^r sin ϕ + ϕ^ cos ϕ
¿ r^
1
r ∂ϕ ∂r (r ) (r )
2 2

The integral of ∇ × A over the specified surface Sis

[ ( ) ( )]
❑ 3 π/2 3 π /2
sin ϕ ^ cos ϕ sin ϕ −3
∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=∫ ∫ −r^
r
2
+ϕ
r
2
∙ r^ rd ϕ dz=−∫ ∫
r
d ϕ dz=
4
∙
s 0 π/3 0 π /3

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

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 r^ by the right-hand rule. Hence,
❑ Q R T P

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ A PQ ∙ d l+∫ AQR ∙ d l+∫ A RT ∙ d l+∫ ATP ∙ d l

c P Q R T

where A PQ, AQR , A RT and ATP are the field A along segments PQ ,QR , RT and T P respectively.
cos ϕ
Over segment PQ the dot product of A PQ= z^ and d l=ϕ^ rd ϕ is zero, and the same is true for
r
cos π /2
segment RT . Over segment QR , ϕ =π /2 ; hence, AQR =^z =0. For the last segment,
2
cos π /3
ATP =^z = z^ / 4 and d l=^z dz . Hence,
2
P 0

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ ( z^ ∙ 14 ) ^z dz =∫ 14 dz= −3
❑
∙
c T 3 4

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

Example 3.5. Assume that a vector field A=r^ r cos ϕ + ϕ^ sin ϕ , (a) find ∮ A∙dl over the
c
❑

semicircular contour, and (b) find ∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s over the surface of the semicircle.
s

Solution
(a) d l=r^ dr + ϕ^ rd ϕ ∴ A ∙ d l=r cos ϕ dr +sin ϕr d ϕ
❑ 2

Path c 1; ϕ =0 , d ϕ=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ r cos ϕ dr=2.

c1 0

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ π

Path c 2; r =2 ,dr =0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ sin ϕ r d ϕ=4.

c2 0

Path c 3; ϕ =π , d ϕ=0 ,
❑ 0 0 ❑

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ r cos φ dr =−∫ r dr=2 ∙ Total, ∮ A ∙ d l=2+ 4 +2=8 ∙

c3 2 2 c

| |
r^ r ϕ^ z^
1 ∂ ∂ ∂ = z^ 1 ( sin ϕ+ r sin ϕ ) , d s=^z r drd ϕ
Now, ∇ × A=∇ × A=
r ∂r ∂ϕ ∂z r
r cos ϕ r sin ϕ 0
❑ π 2
∴∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=∫∫ ( sin ϕ +r sin ϕ ) drd ϕ=8∙ Stokes’s theorem is verified.
s 0 0

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

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

Solution
(a) d l=r^ dr + ϕ^ rd ϕ ∴ A ∙ d l=r cos ϕ dr +sin ϕr d ϕ
2
3
Path c 1; ϕ =0 , d ϕ=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ r cos ϕ dr= .
c 1 1 2
π
2
Path c 2; r =2 ,dr =0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ sin ϕ r d ϕ=2.
c2 0

1
π
Path c 3; ϕ = , d ϕ=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ r cos ϕ dr=0 ∙
2 c 2 3

Path c 4 ; r =1, dr =0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ sin ϕ r d ϕ=−1.

c2 π
2

3 5
Total, ∮ A ∙ d l= +0+2−1= ∙
c 2 2

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

Example 3.7. Assume that a vector field A=r^ cos ϕ + ϕ^ sin ϕ , (a) find ∮ A∙dl over the path
c

comprising a quarter section of a circle, and (b) find ∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s over the surface of the quarter
s
section.

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

Solution
(a) d l=r^ dr + ϕ^ rd ϕ ∴ A ∙ d l=cos ϕ dr + sin ϕ rd ϕ
❑ 3 3
π π
Path c 1; ϕ = , d ϕ=0 ,∮ A ∙ d l=∫ cos ϕ dr=∫ cos dr =0.
2 c 01 0 2
❑ π

Path c 2; r =3 , dr=0 , ∮ A ∙d l= ∫ sin ϕ rd ϕ=3.

c2 π /2

❑ 0 0

Path c 3; ϕ =π , d ϕ=0 , ∴∮ A ∙ d l=∫ cos ϕ dr =−∫ dr=3 ∙

c3 3 3
❑

Total, ∮ A ∙ d l=0+3+3=6 ∙
c

| |
r^ r ϕ^ z^
1 ∂ ∂ ∂ 1
Now, ∇ × A=∇ × A= = z^ 2sin ϕ , d s=^z rdrd ϕ
r ∂r ∂ϕ ∂z r
cos ϕ r sin ϕ 0
❑ π 3
∴∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s= ∫ ∫ 2 sin ϕ drd ϕ=6 ∙ ∴
s π /2 0
Stokes’s theorem is verified.

Example 3.8. Verify Stokes’s theorem for the vector field,

R cos θ+ ϕ^ sin θ by
A= ^ evaluating it on the hemisphere of unit radius.
Solution

| |
^
R R θ^ R sin θ ϕ^
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
∇ × A= 2
R sin θ ∂ R ∂θ ∂ϕ
cos θ R ∙ 0 R sin θ sin θ

^ 2 Rsin θ cos θ−θ^ R sin 2 θ+ ϕ^ R sin 2 θ

R
¿ ∙
R2 sinθ
^ ( Rdθ ) ( R sin θ d ϕ ) ∴ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s=2 R sin θ cos θ dθ d ϕ , ( R=1 ) .
and d s= R

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

❑ π /2 2 π

∫ ( ∇ × A ) ∙ d s= ∫ ∫ 2 sinθ cos θ d ϕ dθ
s θ=0 φ=0
π /2 1
¿ 4 π ∫ sin θ cos θ dθ=4 π ∫ u du=2 π .
0 0

Again, d l=ϕ^ R sin θ d ϕ ∴ A ∙ d l=R sin θ d ϕ=d ϕ , ( R=1∧θ=π /2 ) .

2

❑ 2π

∮ A ∙ d l=∫ d ϕ=2 π . ∴ Stokes’s theorem is verified.

c 0

Sample exercise – 6.3

ϕ
1. Verify Stokes’s theorem for the vector field A=ϕ^ 3 sin by evaluating it on the
2
hemisphere of radius 2. Ans: 24

2. For vector field A=^z 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= ^x ( x − y ) + ^y ( x −xy ), (a) find

2 2 2
∮ A∙dl around the
c
❑

rectangular contour, (b) find ∫( ∇ × A )∙ d s over rectangular arc, (c) verify Stokes’s
s
theorem and (d) can A be expressed as gradient of a scalar? Explain. Ans: 12

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Matrices, Vectors & Fourier Analysis Spring 2018-19

4. Assume that a vector field, A=r^ r sin ϕ+ ϕ^ cos ϕ , (a) find ∮ A∙dl over the semicircular
c
❑

contour shown below, and (b) find ∫( ∇ × A )∙ d s over the surface of the semicircles.
s
Ans: 0

Book: Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics (6th Edition)

Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Eric Michielssen, Umberto Ravaioli

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