Introduction to Vector calculus

DATE : 0 6 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 0
P RO F. N IR A J KU M A R A DA
E L EC T RO N I C S D E PA RT M E N T
B .V.M . E N G IN E E R I N G CO L L EGE
 Scalars and vectors

Scalar quantity: the quantity whose representation

can be done with real number is called as scalar.
Examples: potential, temperature, distance,
Vector Quantity: The quantity which does has its
magnitude with direction is called as vector.
Examples: Force, movement of smoke particle ,
acceleration
Unit vector : A unit vector of a vector quantity is
ratio of Vector and its magnitude
If we are having a Vector A = 3 x + 4 y + 1 z
Then its unit vector an = A/ lAl
So we can have unit vector of A =3 x + 4 y + 1 z
 sqrt(9+16+1)

so the unit vector represents the vector magnitude

into particular direction.
 Dot Product

The dot product of vector A and vector B is given by

A.B = lAl lBl Cosθab
Basically the dot product of the vector is projection of
vector A on vector B or vice versa
So we can say A.B = B.A
If we are having vector A = 4 x + 3 y + 5z and vector B
= 3 x – 2 y + 3z then find A.B for θ = 90 and
θ= 0
Here, unit vector dot product is ax.ax =1
And ax.ay = 0
 Cross Product

Cross product:
For vector A and Vector B cross product is given by
A × B = |A| |B| sinθ an

It follows the "Right Hand Rule“

With your right-hand, point your index finger

along vector a, and point your middle finger
along vector b: the cross product goes in the
direction of your thumb.
For cross product unit vector
we have ax X ay = az and ax X ax = 0.
ay X ax = -az and az X ay = -ax
Where this ax ,ay and az are the unit vectors.
 Del operator

The del operator is a vector operator.

∇ = ∂/∂x ax +∂/∂y ay+∂/∂z az.

Different operations by del operator:

(1) Divergence of vector field: ∇ . D
(2) Curl of vector field : ∇ x A
 Divergence of vector

Divergence: The Divergence of Vector Flux density

A is the outflow of flux from small closed surface
per unit volume as volume shrinks to zero.
∇ . A = lim (∫ A ds/ ∆v)
∆v→0
Or if we have vector A then divergence of vector
A is

∇ . A = ∂Ax/∂x +∂Ay/∂y +∂Az/∂z