A simple problem pertaining to divergence

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    Divergence
In summary, the problem requires proving that ∇f(r)=f'(r)R/r, where r is the vector field and ∇, R, and r are defined as given. The main difficulty in solving the problem is understanding the meaning of f(r) and its dependence on the vector field R. The formula for f(r) is f(r) = f(√(x^2+y^2+z^2)).
  • #1
Dumbledore211
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Homework Statement



The problem states that it is required to prove that ∇f(r)=f'(r)R/r where r is the vector field

Homework Equations


∇=(∂/∂x)i + (∂/∂y)j + (∂/∂z)k
R= xi + yj +zk
r = √(x^2+y^2+z^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



The trouble that I am having with this problem is the inability to truly comprehend what f(r) truly means⋅ Is f(r) dependent on the vector field R?
 
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  • #2
Dumbledore211 said:

Homework Statement



The problem states that it is required to prove that ∇f(r)=f'(r)R/r where r is the vector field

Homework Equations


∇=(∂/∂x)i + (∂/∂y)j + (∂/∂z)k
R= xi + yj +zk
r = √(x^2+y^2+z^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



The trouble that I am having with this problem is the inability to truly comprehend what f(r) truly means⋅ Is f(r) dependent on the vector field R?
 
  • #3
Is f(r) = f(x)i + f(y)j +f(z)k what being meant in the above stated problem?
 
  • #4
Dumbledore211 said:

Homework Statement



The problem states that it is required to prove that ∇f(r)=f'(r)R/r where r is the vector field

Homework Equations


∇=(∂/∂x)i + (∂/∂y)j + (∂/∂z)k
R= xi + yj +zk
r = √(x^2+y^2+z^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



The trouble that I am having with this problem is the inability to truly comprehend what f(r) truly means⋅ Is f(r) dependent on the vector field R?

##f(r) = f\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}\right)##, because ##r## means ##\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}##, as you, yourself, have written.
 

1. What is divergence in scientific terms?

Divergence in scientific terms refers to the spreading or separating of something, such as a beam of light or a fluid flow. It is often used to describe the movement of something away from a central point or source.

2. How is divergence measured?

Divergence can be measured using different methods depending on the specific situation. For example, in fluid dynamics, it can be measured by calculating the change in flow rate over a certain area. In optics, it can be measured by looking at the angle at which light rays diverge from a point source.

3. What causes divergence?

Divergence can be caused by a variety of factors, such as differences in pressure, temperature, or density. In fluid dynamics, it can also be caused by obstructions or changes in the shape of the fluid flow. In optics, it can be caused by changes in the medium or the properties of the light source.

4. What are some real-life examples of divergence?

Divergence can be observed in many natural phenomena, such as the spread of wildfire, the flow of rivers, or the motion of air currents. It can also be seen in man-made systems, such as the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere or the spread of information on social media.

5. How is divergence related to other scientific concepts?

Divergence is closely related to concepts such as flow, dispersion, and diffusion. In fluid dynamics, it is often used in conjunction with concepts like turbulence and vorticity. In optics, it is related to concepts like refraction and diffraction. In general, divergence is an important concept in many fields of science and is often used to describe the behavior of various systems and phenomena.

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