Presentation on Del

Operator and its

Applications
Presented By Priyankush Jyoti Bora(Roll No.93)
Class: B.Sc. 1st Semester, 2019
Introduction

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
The differential operator ∇ defined by ∇= 𝑖Ƹ 𝜕𝑥+𝑗Ƹ 𝜕𝑦+𝑘෠ 𝜕𝑧 , so that

dV = (∇. 𝑑𝑟)𝑉 was first introduced by Sir William Roman

Hamilton and it was developed by P.G. Tait. The symbol ∇ was originally named
‘nabla’. This operator is called ‘del’ according to J. Willard Gibbs.
It may act as –
(i) direct differentiator, (ii) a vector,
And, hence it may be re-multiplied vectorially or scalarly with another vector. It
should be emphasized that this operator is a hybrid creature that must satisfy
both the laws for handling vectors and the laws of partial differentiation.
Definition of the following quantities
using ‘del’ operator:

 We have a vector called “gradient of s”. It is written as “grad s”. Mathematically, “grad s” is
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑠
∇𝑆 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗෡ + 𝑘෠ 𝑠 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

The component of ∇𝑠 in the direction of a unit vector 𝑎ො is given by (∇𝑠𝑎) ො and it is called a
directional derivative. Physically, this is the rate of change of s at (x,y,z) in the direction of 𝑎.
ො
 We have a scalar called the “divergence of 𝑎”.
Ԧ It is also written as “div 𝑎”.
Ԧ We write
div 𝑎Ԧ = ∇. 𝑎Ԧ
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕𝑎1 𝜕𝑎2 𝜕𝑎3
= (𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠ ). 𝑎1 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑎2 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑎3 𝑘෠ = + +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

 We have a vector called “curl of 𝑎“.

Ԧ This is denoted by “curl 𝑎”.
Ԧ We obtain
𝑖Ƹ 𝑗Ƹ 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑎3 𝜕𝑎 𝜕𝑎1 𝜕𝑎 𝜕𝑎 𝜕𝑎
curl 𝑎Ԧ = ∇×𝑎Ԧ = 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 = − 2 𝑖Ƹ + − 3 𝑗Ƹ + ( 2 − 1 )𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
The two important identities that these quantities satisfy are 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑎Ԧ = 0 and 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑠 = 0.
Scalar and Vector Fields

 The Scalar Field is represented by continuous scalar function which does not
undergo any abrupt change in magnitude in passing from any point to another
point close to it, giving the value of the quantity at each point. In these fields the
series of surfaces, upon each of which the scalar has a definite constant value, are
level surfaces which are conveniently chosen so that there is constant arbitrary
difference between the scalars for two consecutive level surfaces.
 A Vector Field is represented at every point by a continuous vector function which
at any point is specified by a vector of definite magnitude and direction, both of
which change continuously from point to point throughout the field region. In a
vector field, the curved line, the tangent to which at any point gives the direction
of the vector function, is called a vector line or line of flow or flux line, the
number of which crossing unit area perpendicular to their direction at any point in
the vector field gives the magnitude of vector at that point.
The Gradient of Scalar FIeld

 Definition
If 𝑛ො is a unit vector normal to level surfaces at any point in a scalar field, the
𝜕𝑆
vector (𝜕𝑛)𝑛ො gives the greatest rate of increase of S at the point in magnitude
and direction. This vector is called the gradient of S at that point. Thus,
𝜕𝑆
grad S = 𝜕𝑛 𝑛ො

This shows that gradient of a scalar field is a vector field at any point of
which the vector has a magnitude equal to the most rapid rate of increase of S
and in a direction of this fasted rate of increase, i.e. perpendicular to the level
surfaces. So, this is the intrinsic property of a scalar field quite independent of
any particular of system of co-ordinate axes. So, grandient is invariant.
Calculations of gradient of a scalar field

 In a scalar field, we consider two level surfaces 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 very close together. The surfaces of 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 are characterised by scalar functions 𝑆 and 𝑆 + 𝑑𝑆
respectively. So every value of the scalar function at any point A on 𝑆1is S and at any point B on 𝑆2 is 𝑆 + 𝑑𝑆. O is the origin and

𝑂𝐴 = 𝑟,
Ԧ 𝑂𝐵 = 𝑟Ԧ + 𝑑𝑟, so 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝑟.

Now, the least distance between the surfaces 𝑆1 and 𝑆2,

i.e. AC is the direction of positive unit normal vector 𝑛ො at A.

𝜕𝑆
The rate of increase of S at A in the direction 𝐴𝐵 is .
𝜕𝑟

If the value of this increment in the direction 𝐴𝐶 is the C B

𝑆2
𝜕𝑆
Greatest rate of increase of S, represented by , then
𝜕𝑛
𝜕𝑆 𝜕𝑆 𝜕𝑆 𝜕𝑆
= . So, = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃.
𝜕𝑛 𝜕𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑛

If 𝑛ෝ is the unit vector normal to the level surface at any point in a scalar 𝑑𝑛ො
𝜕𝑆
𝑟Ԧ + 𝑑𝑟
Field, then the vector 𝑛ො gives the greatest rate of increase of S at the point in
𝜕𝑛

Magnitude and direction. This is called the gradient of S at that point. Thus,
𝜭
grad S =
𝜕𝑆
𝑛.
ො 𝑆1
𝜕𝑆 𝜕𝑆
𝜕𝑛
𝜕𝑆
A
Also, grad S = ∇𝑆 =
𝜕𝑥
𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ
𝜕𝑦
+
𝜕𝑧
𝑘෠ 𝑟Ԧ
It follows that gradient of a scalar function is a vector.
O
Divergence of a Vector Field

 Definition
The divergence of a vector field is defined as the net amount of the flux of the vector field diverging or converging per unit volume.
 Calculations
We consider an infinitesimal element of volume with sides dx, dy and dz parallel to axes of X,Y, Z in the vector field, the value of which at the
middle of the volume element is V.

On the face ABCD, the value of x-component of 𝑉 at

The middle is
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥
𝑉𝑥 − 𝑑𝑥.
2 𝜕𝑥

But the face is infinitesimally small; so this value of

Vector may be taken as tha value all over the face. Y
Similarly, for the face FEHG the x-component is B E
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥
𝑉𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥.
dy
F
2 𝜕𝑥

The flux of the vector field through any face is the scalar product of A
C V
The vector area of the face and 𝑉, i.e., the area of the face and the normal component
dx X
of the vector upon it. dz H
D G
Z
The Divergence of Vector field

 Calculations
Then the excess of flux of vector V leaving the element, i.e. from FEHG over that entering it, i.e. from ABCD in x-direction is
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑥
𝑉𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 − 𝑉𝑥 − 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

[ Since the flux is positive when the component of 𝑉 and the outward normal on the face of an element are in the same direction as for the face
FEHG. Otherwise, it is negative as for ABCD ].
The similar contributions parallel to axes of Y and Z are
𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉𝑧
𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 and 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧.
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Total net flux diverging from or leaving the element is

𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉𝑧
+ + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧.
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

The amount of this flux per unit volume is divergence, i.e.,

𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉𝑧
div 𝑉 = + + .
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

The divergence of a vector field, being the amount of flux, is a scalar quantity.
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
Now, we have ∇ = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠ ෠
and 𝑉 = 𝑉𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑉𝑦 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑉𝑧 𝑘.
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉𝑥𝑧

So, ∇. 𝑉 = + + = div 𝑉.
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Divergence of Vector Field

 Calculations
∇ is invariant and hence divergence is also invariant. If the divergence is positive
at a point in the fluid, then either the fluid is expanding and its density at the
point is falling with time or the point is a source of fluid.
If the divergence is negative, then either the fluid is contracting and its density
is rising at the point or the point is a negative source, i.e., sink. If the flux
entering any element of field space is exactly balanced by that leaving it, i.e.,
div V = 0
Then there is no source , or sink, nor its density is changing, i.e., liquid is
incompressible. A vector which satisfies that condition is called Solenoidal Vector.
The Curl of a Vector Field

 Definition
B
The amount of the maximum line integral at any point
in the vector field around a closed curve, when expressed
for unit area is called the curl of the vector field at the A
point and it is given in the vectorial sense of the positive
normal drawn on the small exploring area in the position
giving the greatest integral. C
For lamellar vector fields, the line integral around a
closed path, as shown in the fig, is zero. But there are
many vector fields which are not derived from scalar field 1 2
by taking the gradient of the latter. For them, the line
D
integral around a closed path is not zero. The curl is an
important property of these vector fields.
The Curl of a Vector Field
 Calculations
In the Fig, we have taken a very small region of non-lamellar
B
Vector field in which a small plane area(rectangular) is placed.
A
When the area is perpendicular to the field as in position 1,
Then the vector field is normal to each side of the rectangle and
Hence, the line integral along all the sides is zero. In position 2,
the area is C
parallel to the field. The line integrals along AD and CB are zero 1 2
while line integrals along AB and CD have finite values. So line D
integral around the boundary has a finite value since the value of
the vector along the upper edge is assumed to be different from
that along the lower edge. Thus, the value of the line integral
around this closed path depends upon the orientation of small
vector area at the region considered in the vector field. There is
certain orientation of the area for which the line integral is
greatest. This greatest line integral when computed for unit
area is called the curl of the vector field. The curl of a vector
field is a vector quantity directed along the normal to the
exploring area which is in the position giving this greatest
integral.
The Curl of a Vector Field
 Calculations
Y
𝑉𝑦
Now, let us calculate the curl for the vector field in terms of the
cartesian components. We consider the rectangular area abcd traced
out in the direction shown by arrow around z-axis with sides dx, dy, its
normal being along the axis of Z. The sides of the rectangle are
vanishingly small; so the numerical value of the components of V at the d c
middle point of any side may be taken as the average value along that
side. That’s why, average values along ab, bc, dc and ad are
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 1 𝜕𝑉𝑦
𝑉𝑥 − 𝑑𝑦, 𝑉𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥,
2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 1 𝜕𝑉𝑦
𝑉𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦, and 𝑉𝑦 − 𝑑𝑥 respectively.
2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥

The line integral around the contour abcd in the directions of 𝑉𝑧

arrows shown on the rectangle is given by
1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 1 𝜕𝑉𝑥 1 𝜕𝑉𝑦 1 𝜕𝑉𝑦
X
𝑉𝑥 − 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑉𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑉𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑉𝑦 − 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 b
2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 Z a
=
𝜕𝑉𝑦
−
𝜕𝑉𝑥
𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 𝑉𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

But the area of the element is dxdy. So value of line integral per unit
𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉
area is ( − 𝑥 ), in the direction normal to area abcd, i.e. in
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
the z-direction.
The Curl of a Vector Field
 Calculations
𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉𝑥
So, 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑧 𝑉 = ( − )𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Similarly, we can obtain

𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑧
𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑉 = ( − )𝑗 Ƹ
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑉𝑧 𝜕𝑉𝑦
And, 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑥 𝑉 = ( − )𝑖Ƹ
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Therefore, 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑉 = 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑧 𝑉 + 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑉 + 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑥 𝑉

𝜕𝑉𝑦 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉𝑥 𝜕𝑉𝑧 𝜕𝑉𝑧 𝜕𝑉𝑦
= − 𝑥 𝑘෠ + − 𝑗Ƹ + ( − )𝑖Ƹ
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑉𝑥 𝑉𝑦 𝑉𝑧
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
We have, ∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑘෠
+ 𝑗Ƹ and 𝑉 = 𝑉𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑉𝑦 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑉𝑧 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
So, ∇ × 𝑉 = ∇𝑥 ∇𝑦 ∇𝑧 =
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
= 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑉.
𝑉𝑥 𝑉𝑦 𝑉𝑧 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉𝑧
𝑥 𝑦

Curl 𝑉 = ∇ × 𝑉
Since, ∇ 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑡 , hence the curl is also invariant. Curl is associated in hydrodynamics with the rotation of a
fluid so this is sometimes written as ‘rot’.
Some Definitions Invlolving Div, Grad and
Curl
 A Vector Field with zero divergence is said to be solenoidal.
 A Vector field with zero curl is said to be irrotational.
 A Scalar Field with zero gradient is said to be constant.
Reference

 Partha Goswami, Mathematical Physics, Fifth Edition(2018), Cengage

Learning, India, 12-16
 B.S. Rajput, Mathematical Physics, Thirtieth Edition(2017), A Pragati Edition,
India, 22-28
 THANK YOU!