Divergence Theorem: Formula, Proof, Applications & Solved Examples

Divergence theorem states that the surface integral of a vector space field over a closed surface, known as the “flux” through the surface, is equal to the volume integral of the divergence and over region within the surface. It states intuitively that “the total of all sources of the field in a region (with sinks regarded as negative sources) gives the net flux out of the region.” One of the most important theorems in vector calculus is the “Divergence Theorem.” This theorem is applied to a wide range of difficult integral problems. In the divergence theorem, the surface integral is compared to the volume integral. The divergence theorem is a theorem in vector algebra that relates the flux of a vector field through a closed surface to the divergence of the field in the volume enclosed.

What is Divergence Theorem?

Divergence Theorem is a theorem that compares the surface integral to the volume integral. It aids in determining the flux of a vector field through a closed area with the help of the volume encompassed by the vector field‘s divergence. In vector calculus, it is also known as Gauss’ Divergence Theorem.

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Divergence Theorem Statement: Divergence theorem relates the flux of a vector field through a closed surface to the divergence of the field in the volume enclosed by the surface. It says that the outward flux through such a closed surface is equal to the volume integral of the divergence of the field within the surface.

It is one of the most important theorems in calculus and is used to solve difficult integral problems. It is particularly useful in electrostatics and fluid dynamics.

The surface integral of a vector field A over a closed surface equals the volume integral of the divergence of a vector field A over the volume (V) enclosed by the closed surface, according to the Gauss Divergence Theorem.

Divergence Theorem Proof

Take a surface S that surrounds a volume V. Let vector A represent the vector field in the specified region. Let this volume be composed of many elementary volumes in the form of parallelepiped.

Consider the jth parallelopiped, which has a volume and is bounded by a surface Sj with an area d vector Sj. The surface integral of vector A over surface Sj is denoted by

Step 1: Consider the entire volume divided into elementary volumes I, II, and III, as shown in the figure above. The outward direction of elementary volume I is inward direction of elementary volume II, and the outward direction of elementary volume II is inward direction of elementary volume III, and so on.

Step 2: As a result, the sum of integrals of elementary volumes cancels out, and we are left with the surface integral arising from the surface of S.

…………….. (equation 1)

Step 3: When we multiply and divide the left-hand side of equation (1) by , we obtain

Step 4: Let us now suppose that the volume of surface S is divided into infinite elementary volumes, resulting in

…………(equation 2)

Step 5: Now,

Step 6: As a result, equation (2) becomes

Step 7: Given that , as a result becomes integral over volume V.

Difference between Stokes Theorem and Divergence Theorem

Let us learn about the Difference between Stokes Theorem and Divergence Theorem below:

Stokes theorem	Divergence Theorem
The flux passing through a single surface is calculated by Stokes Theorem	The flux entering and exiting a solid through its surface is measured by the Divergence Theorem.
According to Stoke’s Theorem, “the surface integral of a curl of a function across a surface limited by a closed surface is equal to the line integral of the specific vector function around that surface.	According to the divergence theorem, the total outward flow from a volume, as determined by the flux through its surface, may be calculated by adding up all the little amounts of outward flow in that volume using a triple integral of divergence.
Stokes theorem relates surface integral to line integral.	Divergence theorem relates volume integral to surface integral.
Stokes theorem formula:	Divergence theorem formula:

Applications of Divergence Theorem

Divergence Theorem applications in calculus are given below:

• In vector fields governed by the inverse-square law, such as electrostatics, gravity, and quantum physics.
• In calculus, it is used to calculate the flux of the vector field through a closed area to the volume encircled by the divergence field.

Difference Between Gauss’s Divergence Theorem and Green’s Theorem

Both Gauss’s Divergence Theorem and Green’s Theorem are important in vector calculus, but they apply in different situations and dimensions.

Gauss’s Divergence Theorem	Green’s Theorem
Used in 3-dimensional (3D) space. It applies to solid regions enclosed by a closed surface.	Used in 2-dimensional (2D) space. It applies to flat regions enclosed by a simple closed curve (like a circle or square).
Converts a surface integral over a closed surface into a volume integral over the region inside.	Converts a line integral around a closed curve into a double integral over the region inside.

Properties of the Divergence Theorem

1. 1. Relates Surface and Volume Integrals:

      • The Divergence Theorem connects a surface integral over a closed surface to a volume integral over the region it encloses.

      • It states that the outward flux of a vector field through a closed surface equals the total divergence of the field inside the volume.

• Applies Only to Closed Surfaces:

1. 1. • The theorem can only be applied when the surface completely encloses a volume (like a sphere or cube).

• Used for Vector Fields:

1. 1. • It works with vector fields that are continuously differentiable (i.e., have continuous partial derivatives).

• Conservation Law Interpretation:

1. 1. • It represents the principle of conservation — the total "outflow" of a quantity from a volume equals the accumulation (or divergence) of that quantity inside.

• Coordinate Independence:

1. 1. • The theorem holds true regardless of the coordinate system (Cartesian, cylindrical, spherical, etc.).

• Simplifies Complex Calculations:

1. • It helps convert difficult surface integrals into easier volume integrals (or vice versa), making problem-solving more efficient.

Divergence Theorem Examples 

Example 1: Solve the,
where and
S is the box’s surface Use the outward normal n

Solution: Given the ugliness of the vector field, computing this integral directly would be difficult. The divergence of F, on the other hand, is appealing:

div F = 3+2y +x

The divergence theorem is used to convert the surface integral to a triple integral.

Where B denotes the box

The triple integral of div F = 3+2y +x over the box B is computed:

=36+3 =39

Example 2: Assume there are four stationary point charges in space, each of which has a charge of 0.002 Coulombs (C). The charges are (0,0,1), (1,1,4), (1,0,0), and (2,2,2). Let stand for the electrostatic field produced by these point charges. If S is a sphere of radius 2 oriented outward and centered at the origin then find:

Solution: Gauss’ law states that the flux of across S is equal to the total charge inside S divided by the electric constant. Because S has a radius of 2, only two charges are contained within it: the charge at (0, 1, 1) and the charge at (1, 0, 0). As a result, the total charge encompassed by S is 0.004 and, according to Gauss’ law,

If you are checking Divergence Theorem article, also check related maths articles:
Converse of Pythagoras Theorem	Mean Value Theorem
Pythagoras Theorem	Total Probability Theorem
Green’s Theorem	Alternate Segment Theorem

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