Mathematical Physics 111

Problem Set 3
National Institute of Physics

(Dated: September 30, 2016)

Deadline: 11 October 2016

I. GRADIENTS I [10 pts]

Calculate
p the gradient of any arbitrary function of f (r)
with r = x2 + y 2 + z 2 in terms of df /dr. Show that it
is always directed in the radial direction r/r.

II. GRADIENTS II [20 pts]

AR5 1.8.16 Calculate the negative of the gradient of

the scalar potential
p·r
ψ(r) = . (1)
4π0 r3
The vector p is a constant vector (dipole moment) and
the result is the electric field due to a point dipole.

III. DIVERGENCE [10 pts]

Define the flux vector field of a physical quantity as j =

ρv where ρ is a density field and v a velocity field. Discuss
the physical implication of the continuity equation
∂ρ
∇·j= , (2)
∂t
in terms of conservation of this physical quantity.

IV. IDENTITIES [30 pts]

Prove the following identities for a scalar function f

and vector function V. You must use index notation.
10 pts ∇ · (f V) = (∇f ) · V + f ∇·V.
10 pts ∇ × (f V) = f ∇ × V + ∇f × V.
10 pts ∇ · ∇ × V = 0.