COEP Technological University Pune
Department of Applied Sciences (Mathematics Section)
Academic Year 2025-26
Tutorial 1 on Vector Calculus
Course Coordinator: Dr. Aman Jhinga
1. Define a vector field and a scalar field. Give an example of each.
2. Define the derivative of a vector function. What is its significance in mechanics and in
geometry?
3. Define gradient of a scalar function, divergence and curl of a vector function and explain
their physical significance.
4. Let f be a differentiable scalar function that represents a surface S : f (x, y, z) = c. If
the gradient of f at a point P of S is not the zero vector, then prove that it is a normal
vector of S at P .
5. Let f (P ) = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function having continuous first partial derivatives.
Then prove that grad f exists and its length and direction are independent of the
particular choice of Cartesian Co-ordinates in space. If at a point P the gradient of f is
not the zero vector, then prove that it has the direction of maximum increase of f at P .
6. Consider the pressure field given by f (x, y) = 9x2 + 4y 2 . Sketch the isobar for pressure
36. Also find the region in which the pressure varies between 36 and 144.
Ans: ellipse and region between two ellipses.
7. Determine and sketch the isotherms of the temperature fields
(a) T = x2 − y 2 (b) T = x/(x2 + y 2 ).
Ans: (a) y = ±x for T = 0 and hyperbolas for other constant temperatures.
(b) T not defined at origin. Zero temp on y-axis and circles with centers on x-axis for
other constant temperatures.
8. Determine the level surfaces of the scalar fields
(a) f = x2 + y 2 − z (b) f = y 2 − z.
Ans: (a) paraboloids (b) parabolic cylinders
9. Sketch the vector fields given by the vector functions
(a) v = yi − xj (b) v = i + j
10. Let f = xy − yz, v = [2y, 2z, 4x + z], w = [3z 2 , 2x2 − y 2 , y 2 ]. Find
(a) div(grad f) (b) grad(div w) (c) div(curlv) (d) Dw f at (1,1,0) (e) [(curl v) × w] · w
11. Prove the following:
(i) (u · v)′ = u′ · v + u · v′ Hence prove that a non zero vector of constant length is
perpendicular to its derivative.
(ii) (u × v)′ = u′ × v + u × v′
1
12. For f = x2 − y 2 and g = ex+y , verify div (f ∇g)−div (g∇f ) = f ∇2 g − g∇2 f .
13. Find the unit normal vector for the surface x2 + y 2 + 2z 2 = 26 at the point P (2, 2, 3).
Also find√the equation of tangent plane and normal line through that point.
Ans: 1/ 11[1, 1, 3], x + y + 3z = 13, r = [2 + t, 2 + t, 3 + 3t]
14. Find div v and its value at P:
(i)√v = [0, sin x2 yz, cos xy 2 z], P (1, 1/2, −π)
Ans: 2/8
(ii) v = (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )−3/2 [−x, −y, −z]
Ans: 0
15. Find v3 such that div v is greater than zero everywhere if v = [x, y, v3 ]
Ans: v3 = kz, k > −2
16. Find potential field f for given v or state that v has no potential.
(a) [xy, 2xy, 0] (b) [x2 − yz, y 2 − zx, z 2 − xy]
Ans: No potential, f = (x3 + y 3 + z 3 )/3 − xyz + c
17. If u and v are irrotational, then show that u × v is incompressible.
18. Plot the the given velocity field of a fluid flow in a square centered at the origin. Recall
that the divergence measures outflow minus inflow. By looking at the flow near the sides
of the square, can you see whether div v must be positive or negative or zero?
(a) v = xi (b) v = xi + yj (c) v = xi − yj
19. The velocity vector v(x, y, z) of an incompressible fluid rotating in a cylindrical vessel
is of the form v = w × r, where w is the constant rotation vector. Show that div v = 0.
20. The velocity vector v = [x, y, −z] of a fluid motion is given. Is the flow irrotational?
Incompressible?
Ans: Yes, No