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GATE 2017 ME (ME2) – Question 12

Engineering Mathematics · Calculus: Gradient, divergence, curl, vector identities, line, surface and volume integrals · 1 mark · Numerical answer

The divergence of $-y\hat i+x\hat j$ is ______.

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Correct answer: 0 to 0

Explanation

Divergence differentiates each component with respect to its corresponding coordinate: ∂(−y)/∂x+∂x/∂y=0+0=**0**. Cross derivatives would describe rotation and must not be substituted for divergence.