Impossible Curl of a Vector Field

In summary, the conversation discusses the restrictions on the curl of a vector field that is not a gradient field. The participants mention that if a vector field is a curl of another vector field, then its divergence must be zero. They also mention the possibility of using Fourier transforms to obtain results, but note that not all functions have Fourier transforms.
  • #1
laplacianZero
23
1
Let's assume the vector field is NOT a gradient field.

Are there any restrictions on what the curl of this vector field can be?

If so, how can I determine a given curl of a vector field can NEVER be a particular vector function?
 
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  • #2
Can give us a context here or some example that you're looking at?
 
  • #3
No example in particular... but I guess I can come up with one.

Here

Curl of vector field F = <2x, 3yz, -xz^2>

Is this possible??
 
  • #4
laplacianZero said:
Are there any restrictions on what the curl of this vector field can be?
sure. if a vector field v is a curl of some another vector field then ##\mathrm{div}\,v=0## Locally the inverse is also true
 
  • #5
Well, is the above post #3 a possibility?
 
  • #6
?
 
  • #7
Nvm. I got it.
 
  • #8
You can obtain some results concerning that question by examining the Fourier transforms. This approach suffers from the obvious shortcoming that not all functions have Fourier transforms, but anyway, it could be that Fourier transforms still give something.
 

1. What is the "impossible curl of a vector field"?

The "impossible curl of a vector field" refers to a theoretical concept in vector calculus where the curl of a vector field is equal to a non-zero constant at every point. This is considered "impossible" because in reality, the curl of a vector field is typically equal to zero or varies depending on the point.

2. Why is it called the "impossible" curl of a vector field?

The term "impossible" is used because this theoretical concept goes against the basic principles and understanding of vector calculus. In most cases, the curl of a vector field is not constant and can only be equal to zero or vary depending on the point. Therefore, the idea of a constant non-zero curl is considered impossible.

3. Can the "impossible curl" of a vector field exist in reality?

No, the "impossible curl" of a vector field is a purely theoretical concept and does not exist in reality. It goes against the fundamental principles of vector calculus and has not been observed or proven to exist in any physical system or phenomenon.

4. What implications does the "impossible curl" have in physics?

The concept of the "impossible curl" has little to no implications in physics since it does not exist in reality. However, it has been used in thought experiments and theoretical models to explore the boundaries and limitations of vector calculus and its applications in physics.

5. Is the "impossible curl" of a vector field still a topic of research?

Yes, the concept of the "impossible curl" is still a topic of research in the field of vector calculus and theoretical physics. It continues to be studied and explored in order to better understand its implications and limitations, and to potentially find new applications in various areas of science and engineering.

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