Islamia College University Peshawar

Introduction
To
Advanced Electrodynamics
For
[Link] & Ph.D
Students

1
Islamia College University Peshawar
Lecture – 1

Introduction

To

Various Coordinate Systems

2
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Some Basic Concepts Before Starting the Course

1. Cartesian Coordinate System or Rectangular Coordinate
System (2D & 3D)(by Reine Descartes, a
mathematician)
2. Simple Polar Coordinate System (2D)
3. Curvilinear Coordinate System
(i) Spherical Polar Coordinate System
(ii) Cylindrical Polar Coordinate System
You should have the proper knowledge regarding the above
coordinate systems.
3
 Advanced Electrodynamics
Cartesian & Polar Coordinate Systems and their Mutual
Relationship

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 4

 Advanced Electrodynamics
Determination of Polar Coordinates from Cartesian Coordinates

-------------- (1)
-------------- (2)
Squaring and adding equations (1) & (2), we have
--------- (3)
Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we have
----------- (4)
Equations (1), (2), (3) & (4) are called equations transformation,
with the help of these equations we can switch over from one
system to other.
5
The position of a point (body) in a spherical symmetry can be
represented by the coordinates , which are called spherical polar
coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 6

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 7
 Advanced Electrodynamics

^
𝑥 𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝝋
Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 8
 Advanced Electrodynamics

----------- (1)
----------- (2)
------------------ (3)
According to these equations, we can determine the Cartesian
coordinates when the spherical polar coordinates are known.
Squaring equations (1), (2) & (3) and adding, we have
-------------- (4)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 9

Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we get
----------------- (5)
From equation (3), we have

----------------- (6)
According to these equations, we can determine the spherical
polar coordinates when the Cartesian coordinates are known.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 10

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

The position of a point (body) in a cylindrical symmetry can be

represented by the coordinateswhich are called cylindrical polar
coordinates.
radius of cylindrical symmetry
polar angle
height of cylinder

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 11

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

𝒓 𝑷

𝑸(𝒓 , 𝜽)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 12

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

𝒓
(𝒓 , 𝜽 , 𝒛 )

𝟎
𝒙
𝑨
y (𝒓 , 𝜽)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 13

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

From the Fig, in

--------------- (1)
From the Fig, in

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 14

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

------------------ (2)
------------------------ (3)
Equations (1), (2) & (3) represent Cartesian coordinates in terms
of cylindrical polar coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 15

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

Representation of Cylindrical Polar Coordinates in terms of

Cartesian Coordinates
------------------ (1)
------------------ (2)
------------------------ (3)
Squaring equations (1), (2) and adding we have r

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 16

 Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

Representation of Cylindrical Polar Coordinates in terms of

Cartesian Coordinates

------------------ (4)
Dividing equation (2) by (1), we get
--------------- (5)
And
------------------------ (6)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 17

Islamia College University Peshawar
LECTURE – 2
UNIT VECTORS
IN
SPHERICAL
COORDINATES
18
 Advanced Electrodynamics
Problem : 38, Page No. 42, Griffith 4th Edition
Express the unit vectors in terms of Check your answers in several
ways , & . Also work out the inverse formulas giving in terms of ?
Solution: The position vector in Cartesian coordinates in the
language of Griffith is written as
-------------------- (1)
Where

---------- (2)

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 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates
Put equation (2) in equation (1), we have
--------- (3)
Suppose when varies in magnitude, remain constant.
---------------- (4)
Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t r, we have
------------ (5)

20
Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 21

Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

------------------ (6)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 22

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates
Put equations (5) & (6) in equation (4), we have
------------ (7)
Similarly, we have ---------------- (8)
Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t , we get
------------ (9)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 23

Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 24

Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

-------------- (10)
Put equations (9) & (10) in equation (8), we have

---------- (11)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 25

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates
Similarly, we have ---------------- (12)
Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t , we have

----------- (13)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 26

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

------------- (14)
Put equations (13) & (14) in equation (8), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 27

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

----------------- (15)

------------ (7)
---------- (11)
--------------------------------------- (15)

These are the unit vectors in spherical polar coordinates in

terms Cartesian coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 28

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates
To check that , we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 29

 Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Now

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 30

Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 31

Unit Vectors in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 32

 Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors
The spherical unit vectors in terms of Cartesian unit vectors are
given by
----------- (1) ---------- (2) --------------------------------------- (3)
Multiplying equation (1) by and equation (2) by throughout and
adding, we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 33

 Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors
cos
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
)
-------------------- (4)
Multiplying equation (3) by and equation (4) by throughout and
subtracting, we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 34

 Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors

_____________________________________________________

--------------- (5)
Now multiplying (3) by and equation (4) by throughout and
adding, we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 35

 Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors

_____________________________________________________

--------------- (6)
Now multiplying (1) by and equation (2) by throughout and
subtracting, we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 36

 Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors

_____________________________________________________

--------------- (7)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 37

Cartesian Unit Vectors in terms of Spherical
Unit Vectors

----------- (1)
---------- (2)
-------------------------------------------- (3)
These are the expressions for the Cartesian unit vectors in
terms of spherical unit vectors.

38
Islamia College University Peshawar

LECTURE - 3
UNIT VECTORS
IN
CYLINDRICAL COORDINATES
39
Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 40

Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

41
Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 42
 Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors
In Cartesian coordinates, we have
-------------------- (1)
The rectangular coordinates in terms of cylindrical coordinates
are given by

-------------- (2)

Put equations (2) in equation (1), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 43

 Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

-------------------- (3)
Suppose when varies in magnitude, remain constant.
---------------- (4)
Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t r, we have

------------------- (5)

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 Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

---------------------- (6)
Put equations (5) & (6) in equation (4), we have

------------------ (7)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 45

 Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

Similarly, we have ---------------- (8)

Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t , we get

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 46

Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

---------------- (9)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 47

Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

------------------- (10)
Put equations (9) & (10) in equation (8), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 48

Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

---------------- (11)
Similarly, we have ---------------- (12)
Differentiating equation (3) w.r.t z, we get

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 49

Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

------------ (13)
---------- (14)
Put equations (13) & (14) in equation (12) we have
Similarly, we have
-------------------- (14)

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 Unit Vectors in Cylindrical Coordinates in
terms of Cartesian Unit Vectors

--------------- (1)
------------- (2)
-------------------------------- (3)
These are the expressions for the unit vectors in cylindrical
coordinates in terms of Cartesian unit vectors.

51
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Outlines
What is Del Operator or Nabla Operator?
1. Del Operator in Cartesian Coordinates
2. Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
3. Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinate System
Your job is to learn how to derive the Del operator in different
coordinate systems.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 52

Islamia College University Peshawar

LECTURE - 4
DEL OPERATOR
IN
CURVILINEAR COORDINATES
53
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

The Del Operator or Nabla (Directional Differential Operator)
In Cartesian coordinates, the del operator can be written as

Proof: Let be a scalar point function. By applying the theorem of

partial derivatives, the total differential of can be written as

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 54

 Advanced Electrodynamics

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

1. Del operator was introduced by an Irish mathematician and
physicist William Rowan Hamilton in 1831, and called/named
it del.
2. The symbol resembling with the shape of a musical
instrument, called Harp.
3. Harp is a musical instrument with 10 to 12 strings.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 55

Advanced Electrodynamics

56
57
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

--------- (1)
----------- (2)

--------- (3)

58
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

Put equations (2) & (3) in equation (1), we have
--------- (4)

--------- (5)
There are three types of derivatives associated with the del
operator. Let us assume that be a scalar and be a vector , then the
del operator on and may be applied as follows.

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 Advanced Electrodynamics

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

(1) The gradient of a scalar point function
(vector quantity) ------------- (1)
(2) The divergence of a vector point function
(scalar quantity) ------------- (2)
(3) The curl of a vector point function
(vector quantity) ------- (3)

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 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
-------------------- (1)
Proof : We have
We are going to find out in terms of
Applying the chain rule, we have
-------------------- (2)
-------------------- (3)
-------------------- (4)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 61

Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝝋

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 62

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
The Cartesian coordinates in terms of spherical polar
coordinates are given by
---------------- (5)
---------------- (6)
--------------------- (7)
And also we have
------------------ (8)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 63

Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

------------------ (9)

------------------------ (10)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 64

Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

--------------------- (11)
Now

Put values in this equation, we have

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Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

-------------- (12)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 66

Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

---------------- (13)
Put values in equation (13), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 67

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

------------ (14)
Similarly

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 68

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
Similarly

------------ (15)
Put values in equation (15), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 69

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

---------------- (16)
Similarly , ,
, , ----------------- (17)
Put values in equation (2), we have
----------- (18)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 70

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
----------- (18)
Put values in equation (3), we get
------------- (19)
Put values in equation (4), we have

----------------------- (20)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 71

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
The del operator in Cartesian coordinates is given by
------------------- (21)
Put values of in equation (21), we have

+
--------------------- (22)

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 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates
Rearranging the terms in equation (22), we have

-------(23)
The unit vectors in spherical coordinates in terms of Cartesian
coordinates are given by

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 73

 Del Operator in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Put these values in equation (23), we have

--------------------- (24)
This is the expression for the del operator in terms of spherical
polar coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 74

Islamia College University Peshawar

LECTURE - 5
DEL OPERATOR
IN
CYLINDRICAL COORDINATES
75
Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

𝒓
(𝒓 , 𝜽 , 𝒛 )

𝑶
𝒙
𝑨
y (𝒓 , 𝜽)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 76

 Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
The del operator in cylindrical polar coordinates is given by
-------------------- (1)
Proof : We have
The del operator in Cartesian coordinates is given by
--------------------- (2)
We are going to find out in terms of
Applying the chain rule, we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 77

 Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
------------- (3)
------------ (4)
+ -------- (5)
The Cartesian coods in terms of cylindrical coods are given by
------------- (6)
-------------- (7)
--------------------- (8)
Similarly

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 78

Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
------------------ (9)

---------------- (10)
---------------------------- (11)

. 2x

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Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
----------- (12)
Put values of x and y in equation (12)

---------------- (13)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 80

Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

---------------- (14)
Put values of x and y in equation (14), we have

81
Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
------------- (15)

---------------- (16)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 82

Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates

---------------- (17)
Put values of x and y in equation (17), we have

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Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
------------------- (18)
Put values of in equations (3), (4) & (5), we get
--------------- (19)
---------------- 20)
+
, and
------------------ (21)

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Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
As we know that

Put values of in the above equation, we have

Rearranging the above equation we get

----(22)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 85

 Del Operator in Cylindrical Polar Coordinates
Here we have

Put these values in equation (22), we have

-------------------- (23)
This is the del operator in cylindrical polar coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 86

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

Recapitulation of Fundamental Concepts

Laplacian Operator or Nabla Squared Operator
Definition: The divergence of the gradient of a scalar function is
called the Laplacian of the scalar function. Mathematically,
-------------- (1)
Put values in equation (1), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 87

Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

or

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 88

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

Hence, is called Laplacian operator.

Remember that if . Then this is called Laplacian equation. Note
that any function which satisfies this equation is called harmonic
function.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 89

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

Example: Find the Laplacian

We have
------------------ (1)
Now

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 90

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

------------------- (2)
Similarly,

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 91

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

----------- (3)
Also,

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 92

 Laplacian Operator in Cartesian Coordinates

------------- (4)
Put equations (2), (3) & (4) in equation (1), we have
------------ (5)
This is the Laplacian of the scalar point function .

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 93

 Summary of the Previous Lectures
Operation Input Output

Vector addition + Vectors Vector

Vector subtraction Vectors Vector

Dot Product Vectors Scalar

Cross Product Vectors Vector

Gradient Scalar Function Vector Function

Divergence . Vector Function Scalar Function

Curl Vector Function Vector Function

Scalar Laplacian Scalar Function Scalar Function

Vector Laplacian Vector Function Vector Function

94
Islamia College University Peshawar

Assignment - 1

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 95

 Assignment - 1 Date: 20 – 03 - 2025
1. Calculate the gradient of a scalar point function in cylindrical
polar coordinates?
2. Calculate the gradient of a scalar point function in spherical
polar coordinates?
3. Work out the divergence of a vector point function in
cylindrical polar coordinates?
4. Work out the divergence of a vector point function in spherical
polar coordinates?
5. Work out properly the Laplacian of a scalar point function in
(i) Cylindrical polar coordinates (ii) Spherical polar coordinates
96
 Assignment – 1 Date: 20 – 03 - 2025

1. Problem: 1.25
2. Problem: 1.26
3. Problem: 1.27
4. Problem: 1.28
5. Problem: 1.42
6. Problem: 1.49

Note: Assignment will be included in sessional and Examination.

97
Islamia College University Peshawar
Lecture – 6

Gradient, Divergence & Curl

in
Generalized Curvilinear Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 98

 Gradient of a Scalar Point Function in
Curvilinear Coordinates
To find out the gradient of scalar function, we require to find the
rate of change of a scalar function ‘f’ in each of the three
directions. Mathematically, we have
-------------------- (1)
Here we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 99

 Gradient of a Scalar in Curvilinear Coordinates
Where are called scale factors and are known as generalized
coordinates.
Put these values in equation (1), we have
-------------------- (2)
In cylindrical coordinates, we have

100
 Gradient of a Scalar in Curvilinear Coordinates
Put all the above values in equation (1), we have

Or this can also be written as

---------------- (3)
In spherical polar coordinates, we have
,
,

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 101

 Gradient of a Scalar in Curvilinear Coordinates
As we have

Put the above values in this equation we have

Or this can also be written as

----------------- (4)
This is the gradient of a scalar point function in spherical polar
coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 102

Divergence of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates
The divergence of a vector in curvilinear coordinates is given by

---------------------- (1)
In cylindrical coordinates, we have

103
Divergence of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates
Put the above values in equation (1), we have

or

----------- (2)
This is the expression for the divergence of a vector in cylindrical
polar coordinates (curvilinear coordinates).

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 104

Divergence of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates
The divergence of a vector in curvilinear coordinates is given by

---------------------- (1)
In spherical coordinates, we have

105
Divergence of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates

Put the above values in equation (1), we have

---------------------- (1)
This is the expression for the divergence of a vector in spherical
polar coordinates (curvilinear coordinates).

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 106

 The Curl of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates

The curl of a vector in curvilinear coordinates is given by

-------------- (1)

In cylindrical coordinates, we have

107
The Curl of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates

Put these values in equation (1), we have

---------------------- (2)
This is the curl of a vector in cylindrical coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 108

 The Curl of a Vector in Curvilinear Coordinates
In spherical polar coordinates, we have

Put these values in equation (1), we have

. ------------------ (3)

109
 The Laplacian in Curvilinear Coordinates
The Laplacian in generalized curvilinear coordinates is given by

------------------------ (1)
In cylindrical coordinates, we have

,
Put all these values in equation (1), we get

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 110

 The Laplacian in Curvilinear Coordinates

----------------- (2)
This is the Laplacian of a scalar function f in cylindrical polar
coods.

111
 The Laplacian in Curvilinear Coordinates
The above equation (2) can also be written as
--------------- (3)
In spherical polar coordinates

,
Put these values in equation (1), we have

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 112

 The Laplacian in Curvilinear Coordinates

------- (4)
This is the Laplacian of a scalar function in spherical polar
coordinates.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 113

 The Laplacian in Curvilinear Coordinates
1. Laplacian in Cartesian Coordinates

2. Laplacian in Cylindrical Coordinates

3. Laplacian in Spherical Polar Coordinates

114
Islamia College University Peshawar
Lecture – 7

Differential Area & Volume Elements

in
Curvilinear Coordinates

115
Differential Area & Volume Elements in Cartesian
Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 116

Differential Length, Area & Volume Elements in
Cartesian Coordinates

117
Differential Length Elements in Cartesian Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 118

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 119
Differential Area Elements in Cindrical Coordinates

120
Differential Area Elements in Cartesian Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 121

Differential Area Elements in Cartesian Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 122

Differential Area Element in Spherical Polar Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 123

Surface Area of a Sphere in Spherical Polar Coordinates

The differential area element in spherical polar coordinates is as

----------- (1)
Taking double integral of equation (1), we have

124
Surface Area of a Sphere in Spherical Polar Coordinates

This is the surface area of a sphere.

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 125

 Surface Area of a Cylinder in Cylindrical Polar
Coordinates
The differential area element in cylindrical coordinates is given by
-------------- (1)
radial distance
Azimuthal angle
height of cylindrical

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 126

 Differential Volume Element in Spherical Polar
Coordinates

sin

127
Determination of Volume of a Sphere in Spherical Coods

The differential volume element in spherical polar coordinates is as

sin --------- (1)

Integrating equation (1) with limits

128
Differential Volume Element in Cylindrical Polar
Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 129

Differential Volume Element in Cylindrical Polar
Coordinates

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 130

 Differential Volume Element in Cylindrical Polar
Coordinates
The differential volume element in cylindrical coordinates is
given by

-------------- (1)
While the area element in polar coordinates is given by

------------ (2)
Put equation (2) in equation (1), we have
----------------- (3)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 131

 Determination of Volume of a Cylinder in Cylindrical
Polar Coordinates
The differential volume element in cylindrical coordinates is
given by
----------------- (1)
Taking the triple integral of equation (1), we have

Here the limits of are respectively

(radius of cylinder), (height of cylinder)

132
Determination of Volume of a Cylinder in Cylindrical
Polar Coordinates

---------- (2)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 133

 Advanced Electrodynamics

Problem : 1.38 (a) Check the divergence theorem for the

Griffith P – 42 function , using as your volume the sphere
of radius R, centered at the origin.
(b) Do the same for ?
Solution: (a) We have to check the divergence theorem, that is
-------------- (1)
The divergence of a vector in spherical polar coordinates is
given by

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 134

 Advanced Electrodynamics

---------- (2)
As does not have its dependence on . Hence equation (2)
becomes as
--------------- (3) or we have
---------------- (4)
Put in equation (4), we have

135
 Advanced Electrodynamics

--------------- (5)
Integrating it over the whole volume

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 136

 Advanced Electrodynamics

-------------- (6)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 137

 Advanced Electrodynamics
Now

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 138

 Advanced Electrodynamics

-------------- (7)
Comparing equations (6) and (7), we have

139
 Advanced Electrodynamics
--------------- (8)
Which is the Gauss’s divergence theorem.
(b) Again from equation (3), we have
--------------- (1) or we have

Put We have

140
 Advanced Electrodynamics

Integrating over the whole volume, we have

------------------ (2)
Now

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 141

 Advanced Electrodynamics

------------ (3)
Hence
----------- (4)
It means that this divergence is zero except at the origin, where
it blows up.

142
 Advanced Electrodynamics
So calculation of is incorrect. Therefore, the exact answer is .

Compute the divergence of the function

Problem : 1.39,Griffith, P - 43
-------------- (1)
Check the divergence theorem for this function, using as your
volume the inverted hemispherical bowl of radius R, resting on
the xy – plane and centered at the origin?

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 143

 Advanced Electrodynamics
Solution: In spherical polar coordinates, we have
---------- (2)
Put equation (1) in equation (2), we have

------- (3)
Integrating equation (3) over the whole volume, we have

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 Advanced Electrodynamics

As the hemisphere is centered at the origin, therefore,

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------------ (4)

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---------- (5)

Here we have two surfaces, one the hemisphere;

;
From equation (5), we have
------------ (6)

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------------ (6)

Hence, equation (6) becomes as

--------------- (7)

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 149

 Advanced Electrodynamics
The other surface is the bottom surface with area
, but ,

&
⇒

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 150

 Advanced Electrodynamics

------------ (8)
The total is given by

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 151

 Advanced Electrodynamics

--------------- (9)
Hence, equation (4) = (9)
------------ (10) Proved

Dr. Mian Mateen Department of Physics ICP, CCA 152