Vector fields in polar coordinates

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:

i
er

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:

er
e
j
i

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:

er
j
i

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:

er
j
i

In situations with circular symmetry, it is often more natural to describe vector

fields in terms of er and e rather than i and j.

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:
er

j
i

In situations with circular symmetry, it is often more natural to describe vector

fields in terms of er and e rather than i and j. One can translate between the
two descriptions as follows:
er = cos()i + sin()j

e = sin()i + cos()j

Two dimensions
At any point in the plane, we can define vectors rr and e as shown:
er

j
i

In situations with circular symmetry, it is often more natural to describe vector

fields in terms of er and e rather than i and j. One can translate between the
two descriptions as follows:
er = cos()i + sin()j
i = cos()er sin()e

e = sin()i + cos()j
j = sin()er + cos()e .

Examples
Here are two examples of vector fields described in terms of er and e :

u = sin()er

u=

r (e + er /10)

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m

Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p = r 1 ((rm)r + p )
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m = r 1 ((rp)r m )

Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p = r 1 ((rm)r + p )
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m = r 1 ((rp)r m )



1
= det r .
m rp
r
Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p = r 1 ((rm)r + p )
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m = r 1 ((rp)r m )



1
= det r .
m rp
r
Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .
(c) For any two-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 1 fr + frr + r 2 f

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p = r 1 ((rm)r + p )
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m = r 1 ((rp)r m )



1
= det r .
m rp
r
Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .
(c) For any two-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 1 fr + frr + r 2 f = r 1 (rfr )r + r 2 f

Div, grad and curl in polar coordinates

We will need to express the operators grad, div and curl in terms of polar
coordinates.
(a) For any two-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r and )
we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
(b) For any 2-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e (where m and p are
expressed as functions of r and ) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p = r 1 ((rm)r + p )
curl(u) = r 1 p + pr r 1 m = r 1 ((rp)r m )



1
= det r .
m rp
r
Note that the product rule gives (rm)r = m + r mr and (rp)r = p + r pr .
(c) For any two-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 1 fr + frr + r 2 f = r 1 (rfr )r + r 2 f

Note: in the exam, if you need these formulae, they will be provided.

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ).

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y .

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos()

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy
u = fr er + r 1 f e

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy
u = fr er + r 1 f e = fx cos()er + fy sin()er fx sin()e + fy cos()e

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy
u = fr er + r 1 f e = fx cos()er + fy sin()er fx sin()e + fy cos()e
= fx (cos()er sin()e ) + fy (sin()er + cos()e )

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy
u = fr er + r 1 f e = fx cos()er + fy sin()er fx sin()e + fy cos()e
= fx (cos()er sin()e ) + fy (sin()er + cos()e ) = fx i + fy j

Grad in polar coordinates

For any two-dimensional scalar field f (as a function of r and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e .
Justification: Consider the field u = fr er + r 1 f e ; we show that this is the
same as grad(f ). Two-variable chain rule: suppose we make a small change r
to r . This causes a change x ' xr r to x, which in turn causes a change
' fx x ' fx xr r to f . At the same time, our change in r also causes a change
y ' yr r to x, which causes a change ' fy y = fy yr r to f . Altogether, the
change in f is f ' (fx xr + fy yr )r . By passing to the limit r 0, we get
fr = fx xr + fy yr . Similarly, f = fx x + fy y . Moreover, we can differentiate the
formulae
x = r cos()
y = r sin()
to get

xr = cos()

yr = sin()

x = r sin()

y = r cos(), so

fr = fx xr + fy yr = cos()fx + sin()fy
f = fx x + fy y = r sin()fx + r cos()fy
u = fr er + r 1 f e = fx cos()er + fy sin()er fx sin()e + fy cos()e
= fx (cos()er sin()e ) + fy (sin()er + cos()e ) = fx i + fy j = grad(f ).

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n .

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = .

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos())

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =
(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =
(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above.

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2.


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0 = 3r 2 /20


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0 = 3r 2 /20

curl(u)


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0 = 3r 2 /20

curl(u) = r 1 q + qr r 1 p


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0 = 3r 2 /20

1

curl(u) = r 1 q + qr r 1 p = r 1 r 2 + r 2 /2 0


.

Examples of polar div, grad and curl

Example: Consider f = r n . Clearly fr = nr n1 and f = 0, so
grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e = nr n1 er .
Note also that r = (x, y ) = (r cos(), r sin()) = r er , so er = r/r , so we can
rewrite as grad(r n ) = nr n2 r. (Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)
Example: Consider f = . Clearly fr = 0 and f = 1, so
grad(f ) = fr er +r 1 f e = r 1 e = r 2 (r sin(), r cos()) =

x
y
,
x2 + y2 x2 + y2

(Obtained earlier using rectangular coordinates.)

Example: Consider u = r (e + er /10) from the plot above. This is

1

u = per + qe where p = r 2 /10 and q = r 2 , so p = q = 0 and pr = r 2 /20

1

and qr = r 2 /2. It follows that

1

div(u) = r 1 p + pr + r 1 q = r 1 r 2 /10 + r 2 /20 + 0 = 3r 2 /20

1

curl(u) = r 1 q + qr r 1 p = r 1 r 2 + r 2 /2 0 = 3r 2 /2.


.

Cylindrical polar coordinates

In cylindrical polar coordinates we use unit vectors er , e and ez as shown
below:
ez
e
er

Cylindrical polar coordinates

In cylindrical polar coordinates we use unit vectors er , e and ez as shown
below:
ez
e
er

Thus, er and e are the same as for two-dimensional polar coordinates, and ez
is just the vertical unit vector k.

Cylindrical polar coordinates

In cylindrical polar coordinates we use unit vectors er , e and ez as shown
below:
ez
e
er

Thus, er and e are the same as for two-dimensional polar coordinates, and ez
is just the vertical unit vector k. The equations are:
er = cos()i + sin()j

e = sin()i + cos()j

ez = k

Cylindrical polar coordinates

In cylindrical polar coordinates we use unit vectors er , e and ez as shown
below:
ez
e
er

Thus, er and e are the same as for two-dimensional polar coordinates, and ez
is just the vertical unit vector k. The equations are:
er = cos()i + sin()j
i = cos()er sin()e

e = sin()i + cos()j
j = sin()er + cos()e

ez = k
k = ez .

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q ez (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and z) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p + qz

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q ez (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and z) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p + qz = r 1 (rm)r + r 1 p + qz

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q ez (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and z) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p + qz = r 1 (rm)r + r 1 p + qz

er r e ez
1

.
curl(u) = det r

z
r
m
rp
q

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q ez (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and z) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p + qz = r 1 (rm)r + r 1 p + qz

er r e ez
1

.
curl(u) = det r

z
r
m
rp
q
(c) For any three-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 1 fr + frr + r 2 f + fzz

Div, grad and curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl are as follows:
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and z) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + fz ez .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q ez (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and z) we have
div(u) = r 1 m + mr + r 1 p + qz = r 1 (rm)r + r 1 p + qz

er r e ez
1

.
curl(u) = det r

z
r
m
rp
q
(c) For any three-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 1 fr + frr + r 2 f + fzz = r 1 (rfr )r + r 2 f + fzz .

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ).

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ). This is u = mer + pe + qez , where m = 0 and p = q = r

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ). This is u = mer + pe + qez , where m = 0 and p = q = r , so
curl(u)

er
1

= det r
r
0

r e

ez

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ). This is u = mer + pe + qez , where m = 0 and p = q = r , so
curl(u)

er r e ez
1

= det r

z
r
0
r2
r





 
1

=
(r )
(r ) er
(r )
(0) r e +
(r )
(0) ez
r

z
r
z
r

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ). This is u = mer + pe + qez , where m = 0 and p = q = r , so
curl(u)

er r e ez
1

= det r

z
r
0
r2
r





 
1

=
(r )
(r ) er
(r )
(0) r e +
(r )
(0) ez
r

z
r
z
r

1
= (r e + 2r ez )
r

Example of curl in cylindrical polar coordinates

Consider the vector field u given in cylindrical polar coordinates by
u = r (e + ez ). This is u = mer + pe + qez , where m = 0 and p = q = r , so
curl(u)

er r e ez
1

= det r

z
r
0
r2
r





 
1

=
(r )
(r ) er
(r )
(0) r e +
(r )
(0) ez
r

z
r
z
r

1
= (r e + 2r ez ) = 2ez e .
r

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:

er
e
e

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:
Note that e has the same meaning as
it did in the cylindrical case, but er has
changed.

er
e
e

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:
Note that e has the same meaning as
it did in the cylindrical case, but er has
changed. It used to be the unit vector
pointing horizontally away from the zaxis, but now it points directly away from
the origin.

er
e
e

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:
Note that e has the same meaning as
it did in the cylindrical case, but er has
changed. It used to be the unit vector
pointing horizontally away from the zaxis, but now it points directly away from
the origin.

er
e
e

The vectors er , e and e are related to i, j and k as follows.

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:
Note that e has the same meaning as
it did in the cylindrical case, but er has
changed. It used to be the unit vector
pointing horizontally away from the zaxis, but now it points directly away from
the origin.

er
e
e

The vectors er , e and e are related to i, j and k as follows.

er = sin() cos()i + sin() sin()j + cos()k
e = cos() cos()i + cos() sin()j sin()k
e = sin()i + cos()j

Spherical polar coordinates

In spherical polar coordinates we use unit
vectors er , e and e as on the right:
Note that e has the same meaning as
it did in the cylindrical case, but er has
changed. It used to be the unit vector
pointing horizontally away from the zaxis, but now it points directly away from
the origin.

er
e
e

The vectors er , e and e are related to i, j and k as follows.

er = sin() cos()i + sin() sin()j + cos()k
e = cos() cos()i + cos() sin()j sin()k
e = sin()i + cos()j
i = sin() cos()er + cos() cos()e sin()e
j = sin() sin()er + cos() sin()e + cos()e
k = cos()er sin()e .

Div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates are as follows.

Div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates are as follows.
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + (r sin())1 f e .

Div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates are as follows.
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + (r sin())1 f e .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q e (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and ) we have
div(u) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q

Div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates are as follows.
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + (r sin())1 f e .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q e (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and ) we have
div(u) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q

er r e r sin()e
1

.
curl(u) = 2
det r

r sin()
m
rp
r sin()q

Div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

The rules for div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates are as follows.
(a) For any three-dimensional scalar field f (expressed as a function of r ,
and ) we have
(f ) = grad(f ) = fr er + r 1 f e + (r sin())1 f e .
(b) For any three-dimensional vector field u = m er + p e + q e (where m, p
and q are expressed as functions of r , and ) we have
div(u) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q

er r e r sin()e
1

.
curl(u) = 2
det r

r sin()
m
rp
r sin()q
(c) For any three-dimensional scalar field f we have
2 (f ) = r 2 (r 2 fr )r + (r 2 sin())1 (sin()f ) + (r 2 sin2 ())1 f .

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ).

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ).

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er .

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0.

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero.

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well.

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well. This means that
div(E) = 0 as expected.

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well. This means that
div(E) = 0 as expected. Finally, curl(E) is

er r e r sin()e
1

det r

r 2 sin()
m
rp
r sin()q

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well. This means that
div(E) = 0 as expected. Finally, curl(E) is

er
r e r sin()e
er r e r sin()e
1
1

=
.
det r
det r

r 2 sin()
r 2 sin()
2
m
rp
r sin()q
Ar
0
0

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well. This means that
div(E) = 0 as expected. Finally, curl(E) is

er
r e r sin()e
er r e r sin()e
1
1

=
.
det r
det r

r 2 sin()
r 2 sin()
2
m
rp
r sin()q
Ar
0
0
As

(Ar 2 )

(Ar 2 )

= 0, all terms vanish

Example of div, grad and curl in spherical polar coordinates

Potential
p of a point charge at the origin is V = A/r , (A constant,
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The electric field is E = grad(V ). No magnetism or other
charges, so Maxwell says div(E) = 0 and curl(E) = 0. We will check this.
First, we have Vr = A/r 2 and V = V = 0, so the rule
grad(V ) = Vr er + r 1 V e + (r sin())1 V e
just gives E = grad(V ) = Ar 2 er . In other words, we have
E = mer + pe + qe with m = Ar 2 and p = q = 0. The general rule for
the divergence is
div(E) = r 2 (r 2 m)r + (r sin())1 (sin()p) + (r sin())1 q .
As p = q = 0, the second and third terms are zero. In the first term, we have
r 2 m = A, which is constant, so (r 2 m)r = 0 as well. This means that
div(E) = 0 as expected. Finally, curl(E) is

er
r e r sin()e
er r e r sin()e
1
1

=
.
det r
det r

r 2 sin()
r 2 sin()
2
m
rp
r sin()q
Ar
0
0
As

(Ar 2 )

(Ar 2 )

= 0, all terms vanish so curl(E) = 0 as well.