Question:medium

Which of the following statements is NOT true about Maxwell's equations in differential form?

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Divergence ($\nabla \cdot$) indicates fields expanding from sources or draining into sinks. Curl ($\nabla \times$) represents field lines twisting or swirling. Magnetic fields only curl around currents; they never expand outwards from a localized isolated source point!
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • Gauss's Law states that the electric flux density is proportional to the charge density.
  • Faraday's Law implies that a time-varying magnetic field produces an electric field.
  • Ampere's Law in differential form shows that magnetic fields have sources and sinks.
  • Gauss's Law for magnetism states that magnetic monopoles do not exist.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Concept: Let us review the standard four Maxwell Equations in their point/differential form representation:
Gauss's Law for Electricity: $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{D} = \rho_v$ (Electric field flux density divergence matches volumetric charge density; hence electric fields originate/terminate on charges).
Gauss's Law for Magnetism: $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B} = 0$ (Divergence of magnetic flux density is zero everywhere; magnetic lines always form continuous closed loops).
Faraday's Law of Induction: $\nabla \times \mathbf{E} = -\frac{\partial \mathbf{B}}{\partial t}$ (A time-varying magnetic flux induces a curled electric field).
Ampere's Circuital Law (with Maxwell's correction): $\nabla \times \mathbf{H} = \mathbf{J} + \frac{\partial \mathbf{D}}{\partial t}$ (Current density and changing displacement fields create a curled magnetic field). Step-by-step Evaluation of Options:
Option A evaluation: $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{D} = \rho_v$ establishes that the flux density scale is dictated by the charge density. This is true.
Option B evaluation: $\nabla \times \mathbf{E} = -\frac{\partial \mathbf{B}}{\partial t}$ demonstrates that dynamic time modifications to $\mathbf{B}$ generate an electric field. This is true.
Option C evaluation: In vector calculus, the presence of operational sources and sinks inside a vector field is indicated by a non-zero value for the divergence ($\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} \neq 0$). Ampere's Law describes the curl ($\nabla \times \mathbf{H}$) of a magnetic field, which represents rotational circulation around an axis, not sources or sinks. Furthermore, because $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B} = 0$, magnetic fields possess no sources or sinks. Therefore, this statement is false, making it the correct option selection.
Option D evaluation: $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B} = 0$ means net outward flux through any closed surface is zero, proving isolated single magnetic charges (monopoles) do not exist. This is true.
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