Lec 41 - Divergence Theorem

Divergence theorem
Prabal Paul
Department of Mathematics
BITS Goa, Goa
Chapter 16 Section 8
Introduction
Now we will see Divergence theorem.

Roughly speaking, in Divergence theorem the value of a double
integral is same as a triple integral.
Prabal Paul Section 16.8

History of Divergence theorem
The Divergence Theorem is sometimes called Gauss’s

Theorem after the great German Mathematician Karl
Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855).
In Eastern Europe, it is known as Ostrogradsky’s Theorem
after the Russian Mathematician Mikhail Ostrogradsky
(1801-1862).

Recall: Divergence
We will now recall the definition of Divergence.

Definition
The divergence of a vector field F~ = M iˆ + N jˆ + P k̂ is the scalar
function
∂M ∂N ∂P
div F~ = O · F~ = + + .
∂x ∂y ∂z

Example
Example
Find the divergence of F~ = (2x + 3y 2 )iˆ + (4y 6 + z 9 )jˆ + z k̂.
Solution: We have M = 2x + 3y 2 ⇒ ∂M
∂x = 2.
6 9 ∂N 5 5
N = 4y + z ⇒ ∂y = 4 × 6y = 24y .
Finally, P = z ⇒ ∂P
∂z = 1.
Thus div F = O · F~ = ∂M
~ ∂N ∂P 5 5
∂x + ∂y + ∂z = 2 + 24y + 1 = 24y + 3.

Example
Example
∂x = 2.
6 9 ∂N 5 5
N = 4y + z ⇒ ∂y = 4 × 6y = 24y .
∂z = 1.
~ ∂N ∂P 5 5
∂x + ∂y + ∂z = 2 + 24y + 1 = 24y + 3.

Example
Example
∂x = 2.
6 9 ∂N 5 5
N = 4y + z ⇒ ∂y = 4 × 6y = 24y .
∂z = 1.
~ ∂N ∂P 5 5
∂x + ∂y + ∂z = 2 + 24y + 1 = 24y + 3.

Example
Example
∂x = 2.
6 9 ∂N 5 5
N = 4y + z ⇒ ∂y = 4 × 6y = 24y .
∂z = 1.
~ ∂N ∂P 5 5
∂x + ∂y + ∂z = 2 + 24y + 1 = 24y + 3.

Example
Example
∂x = 2.
6 9 ∂N 5 5
N = 4y + z ⇒ ∂y = 4 × 6y = 24y .
∂z = 1.
~ ∂N ∂P 5 5
∂x + ∂y + ∂z = 2 + 24y + 1 = 24y + 3.

Divergence theorem
We will now see Divergence theorem.

Theorem
The flux of a vector field F across a closed oriented surface S in
the direction of the surface’s outward unit normal field n equals the
integral of O · F over the region D enclosed by the surface:
ZZ ZZZ
F · ndσ = O · FdV .
S D

Practical use
Do we really use Divergence theorem? If so, then where? For that,

we will look into the following example.
If I go to a gas station and pump air into one of my car’s tires,
what has to happen to the air inside the tire? (Assume the tire is
rigid and does not expand as I put air inside it.) The air inside of
the tire compresses.
Let F denotes the compression of the fluid. The divergence
theorem says that the total compression of the fluid inside some
three-dimensional region W equals the total flux of the fluid out of
the boundary of W .

Practical use

the boundary of W .

Practical use

the boundary of W .

Example: Divergence theorem
Example
Evaluate both sides of the Divergence theorem for the field
F~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂ over the sphere x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1.

Solution
The outer unit normal to S, calculated from the gradient of

f (x, y , z) = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 is
2x iˆ + 2y jˆ + 2z k̂
n̂ = p = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂.
4x 2 + 4y 2 + 4z 2
Hence F~ · n~ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1. Thus, S F~ · n~dσ = S dσ = 4π.

RR RR
Now, O · F~ = ∂x ∂
x + ∂y∂
y + ∂z∂
z = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Hence,
ZZZ ZZZ
4π
O · F~ dV = 3dV = × 3 = 4π.
D D 3
Hence, Divergence theorem holds true.

Solution
The outer unit normal to S, calculated from the gradient of

f (x, y , z) = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 is
2x iˆ + 2y jˆ + 2z k̂
n̂ = p = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂.
4x 2 + 4y 2 + 4z 2
Hence F~ · n~ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1. Thus, S F~ · n~dσ = S dσ = 4π.

RR RR
Now, O · F~ = ∂x ∂
x + ∂y∂
y + ∂z∂
z = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Hence,
ZZZ ZZZ
4π
O · F~ dV = 3dV = × 3 = 4π.
D D 3
Hence, Divergence theorem holds true.

Example
Example (Example 3)
Find the flux of F~ = xy iˆ + yz jˆ + xz k̂ outward through the surface
of the cube cut from the first octant by the planes x = 1, y = 1
and z = 1.
Solution: We have O · F~ = ∂x∂ ∂
xy + ∂y ∂
yz + ∂z xz = y + z + x.
Thus
ZZ ZZZ
Flux = ~
F · n~dσ = (x + y + z)dV
cube surface cube interior
Z z=1 Z y =1 Z x=1
3
= (x + y + z)dxdydz = .
z=0 y =0 x=0 2

Example
Example (Example 3)
and z = 1.
xy + ∂y ∂
yz + ∂z xz = y + z + x.
Thus
ZZ ZZZ
Flux = ~
F · n~dσ = (x + y + z)dV
Z z=1 Z y =1 Z x=1
3
= (x + y + z)dxdydz = .
z=0 y =0 x=0 2

Example
Example (Example 3)
and z = 1.
xy + ∂y ∂
yz + ∂z xz = y + z + x.
Thus
ZZ ZZZ
Flux = ~
F · n~dσ = (x + y + z)dV
Z z=1 Z y =1 Z x=1
3
= (x + y + z)dxdydz = .
z=0 y =0 x=0 2

Example
Example (Example 3)
and z = 1.
xy + ∂y ∂
yz + ∂z xz = y + z + x.
Thus
ZZ ZZZ
Flux = ~
F · n~dσ = (x + y + z)dV
Z z=1 Z y =1 Z x=1
3
= (x + y + z)dxdydz = .
z=0 y =0 x=0 2

Example
Example (Example 3)
and z = 1.
xy + ∂y ∂
yz + ∂z xz = y + z + x.
Thus
ZZ ZZZ
Flux = ~
F · n~dσ = (x + y + z)dV
Z z=1 Z y =1 Z x=1
3
= (x + y + z)dxdydz = .
z=0 y =0 x=0 2

Divergence and the Curl
We now see the following lines from the book:

If F~ is a vector field on three-dimensional space, then the curl
O × F~ is also a vector field on three dimensional space. So we can
calculate the divergence of O × F~ . The result of this calculation is
always 0.
Theorem (Theorem 9)
If F~ = M iˆ + N jˆ + P k̂ is a vector field with continuous second
partial derivatives, then
div (curl F ) = O · (O × F~ ) = 0.

We now see the following lines from the book:

If F~ is a vector field on three-dimensional space, then the curl
O × F~ is also a vector field on three dimensional space. So we can
calculate the divergence of O × F~ . The result of this calculation is
always 0.
Theorem (Theorem 9)
If F~ = M iˆ + N jˆ + P k̂ is a vector field with continuous second
partial derivatives, then
div (curl F ) = O · (O × F~ ) = 0.

Proof.
We have O × F~ = ∂P ∂N ˆ ∂M ∂P ˆ ∂N ∂M

∂y − ∂z i + ∂z − ∂x j + ∂x − ∂y k̂.
Then O · (O × F~ ) = ∂x
∂ ∂P ∂N
∂ ∂M ∂P ∂ ∂N ∂M
∂y − ∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂x + ∂z ∂x − ∂y
∂2P ∂2N ∂2M ∂2P ∂2N ∂2M

= ∂x∂y − ∂x∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂y ∂x + ∂z∂x − ∂z∂y = 0 (as
∂2M ∂2M ∂2N ∂2N ∂2P ∂2P
∂y ∂z = ∂z∂y , ∂z∂x = ∂x∂z and ∂x∂y = ∂y ∂x ).

Proof.

∂y − ∂z i + ∂z − ∂x j + ∂x − ∂y k̂.
Then O · (O × F~ ) = ∂x
∂ ∂P ∂N
∂ ∂M ∂P ∂ ∂N ∂M
∂y − ∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂x + ∂z ∂x − ∂y
∂2P ∂2N ∂2M ∂2P ∂2N ∂2M

= ∂x∂y − ∂x∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂y ∂x + ∂z∂x − ∂z∂y = 0 (as
∂2M ∂2M ∂2N ∂2N ∂2P ∂2P

Proof.

∂y − ∂z i + ∂z − ∂x j + ∂x − ∂y k̂.
Then O · (O × F~ ) = ∂x
∂ ∂P ∂N
∂ ∂M ∂P ∂ ∂N ∂M
∂y − ∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂x + ∂z ∂x − ∂y
∂2P ∂2N ∂2M ∂2P ∂2N ∂2M

= ∂x∂y − ∂x∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂y ∂x + ∂z∂x − ∂z∂y = 0 (as
∂2M ∂2M ∂2N ∂2N ∂2P ∂2P

Proof.

∂y − ∂z i + ∂z − ∂x j + ∂x − ∂y k̂.
Then O · (O × F~ ) = ∂x
∂ ∂P ∂N
∂ ∂M ∂P ∂ ∂N ∂M
∂y − ∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂x + ∂z ∂x − ∂y
∂2P ∂2N ∂2M ∂2P ∂2N ∂2M

= ∂x∂y − ∂x∂z + ∂y ∂z − ∂y ∂x + ∂z∂x − ∂z∂y = 0 (as
∂2M ∂2M ∂2N ∂2N ∂2P ∂2P

Proof of the Divergence Theorem for Special Regions
Self studies.

Extending Divergence theorem
We will now extend Divergence theorem.

We will follow the same method that we have adopted for
Greens’ and Stokes’ theorem.
As before, the Divergence Theorem can be extended to
regions that can be partitioned into a finite number of simple
regions of the type just discussed and to regions that can be
defined as limits of simpler regions in certain ways.
We will look into the following setup for our better
understanding.

suppose that D is the region between two concentric spheres and

that F has continuously differentiable components throughout D
and on the bounding surfaces. Then,
Split D by an equatorial plane and apply the Divergence
Theorem to each half separately.
We call the bottom half as D1 .
The surface S1 that bounds D1 consists of an outer
hemisphere, a plane washer-shaped base and an inner
hemisphere.
We will now look at the figure.


Hence by applying Divergence theorem for the lower surface, we

have ZZ ZZZ
S1 D1
We note that The unit normal n1 that points outward from D1

points away from the origin along the outer surface, equals k along
the flat base and points toward the origin along the inner surface.

Now we look into the upper sphere. Next we apply the Divergence
Theorem to D2 , and its surface S2 . Before we proceed further, we
look into the following figure.


Hence by applying Divergence theorem for the upper surface, we

have ZZ ZZZ
S2 D2
As we follow n2 over S2 , pointing outward from D2 , we see that n2

equals −k along the washer shaped base in the xy -plane, points
away from the origin on the outer sphere and points toward the
origin on the inner sphere.

Hence by adding these two integrals and observing that the

integrals over the flat base cancel because of the opposite signs of
n1 and n2 , we have
ZZ ZZZ
S D
where D the region between the spheres, S the boundary of D

consisting of two spheres and n the unit normal to S directed
outward from D.

Example: Divergence theorem
Example
Find the net outward flux of the field
xi + y j + zk p
F= 3
, ρ = x2 + y2 + z2
ρ
across the boundary of the region D : 0 < a2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ≤ b 2 .

Solution
We have
∂ x
∂x ρ =
ρ
(why?)
∂ 1 3x 2
∂x M = − (why?)
ρ3 ρ5
∂ 1 3y 2
∂y N = −
ρ3 ρ5
∂ 1 3z 2
∂z P = −
ρ3 ρ5
Hence, div F = 0 (why?)
RRR
Thus D O · FdV = 0.

Analysis of the above example
Let Sa denotes the boundary of the solid sphere of radious a

centered at the origin.
The outward unit normal on the sphere of radius a is
xi + y j + zk xi + y j + zk
n= p =
2
x +y +z 2 2 a
xi + y j + zk xi + y j + zk 1
Hence F · n = · = 2.
a3 Z Z a a
RR 1
Hence Sa F · ndσ = 2 dσ = 4π.
a Sa
Thus we see that the above integration does not depend on the
radious of the sphere.

Gauss’s Law
The above example explains Gauss’s law: which is one of the Four
Great Laws of Electromagnetic Theory.
In electromagnetic theory, the electric field created by a point
charge q located at the origin is
q xi + y j + zk
E(x, y , z) =
4π0 ρ3
where 0 is a physical constant, r = xi
p+ y j + zk is the position
vector of the point (x, y , z) and ρ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 .
q
From the above example we have, E = F and hence O · E = 0
RR 4π0
and hence boundary of D E · ndσ = 0. the flux of E across S in
the direction away from the origin must be the same as the flux of
q
E across Sa in the direction away from the origin, which is .
0
This is called the Gauss law.

Gauss’s Law
The above example explains Gauss’s law: which is one of the Four
Great Laws of Electromagnetic Theory.
In electromagnetic theory, the electric field created by a point
charge q located at the origin is
q xi + y j + zk
E(x, y , z) =
4π0 ρ3
where 0 is a physical constant, r = xi
p+ y j + zk is the position
vector of the point (x, y , z) and ρ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 .
q
From the above example we have, E = F and hence O · E = 0
RR 4π0
and hence boundary of D E · ndσ = 0. the flux of E across S in
the direction away from the origin must be the same as the flux of
q
E across Sa in the direction away from the origin, which is .
0
This is called the Gauss law.

Gauss’s Law
ZZ
q
E · ndσ = .
S 0

Continuity Equation of Hydrodynamics
Self studies.

Conclusion
At the beginning of Stokes theorem I have asked you a question,

what is the relation of Stokes and Green theorem. To answer this,
we have already observed that the plane surface is an oriented
surface. Though we know the answer, but we relook at it once
again. We answer the question by looking at the following relation:
H RR
Normal form of Green’s Theorem: C F · nds = R O · FdA.
RR RRR
Divergence Theorem: S F · ndσ = D O · FdV .
Tangential
H form
RR of Green’s Theorem:
C F · dr = SO× F · kdσ.
H RR
Stokes’ Theorem: C F · dr = S O × F · ndσ.

A Unifying Fundamental Theorem of Vector Integral
Calculus
We end this chapter with the following statement from the book.
A Unifying Fundamental Theorem of Vector Integral Calculus
The integral of a differential operator acting on a field
over a region equals the sum of the field components
appropriate to the operator over the boundary of the region.

Thank you

Lec 41 - Divergence Theorem

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Divergence theorem

Now we will see Divergence theorem.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

The Divergence Theorem is sometimes called Gauss’s

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

We will now recall the definition of Divergence.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

We will now see Divergence theorem.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Do we really use Divergence theorem? If so, then where? For that,

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Do we really use Divergence theorem? If so, then where? For that,

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Do we really use Divergence theorem? If so, then where? For that,

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

The outer unit normal to S, calculated from the gradient of

Hence F~ · n~ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1. Thus, S F~ · n~dσ = S dσ = 4π.

Hence, Divergence theorem holds true.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

The outer unit normal to S, calculated from the gradient of

Hence F~ · n~ = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1. Thus, S F~ · n~dσ = S dσ = 4π.

Hence, Divergence theorem holds true.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

We now see the following lines from the book:

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

We now see the following lines from the book:

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

We will now extend Divergence theorem.

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

suppose that D is the region between two concentric spheres and

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Hence by applying Divergence theorem for the lower surface, we

We note that The unit normal n1 that points outward from D1

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Hence by applying Divergence theorem for the upper surface, we

As we follow n2 over S2 , pointing outward from D2 , we see that n2

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Hence by adding these two integrals and observing that the

where D the region between the spheres, S the boundary of D

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

across the boundary of the region D : 0 < a2 ≤ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ≤ b 2 .

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Prabal Paul Section 16.8

Let Sa denotes the boundary of the solid sphere of radious a