An equation from terms of operator del to terms of sums

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on expressing the Lorentz force equation in terms of sums and vector components. The equation is articulated as ##F_x=q\cdot(-\frac{\partial\phi}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial A_x}{\partial t}+\sum(v_i \cdot \frac{\partial A_i}{\partial x}))##. Participants clarify that ##v\cdot\nabla## represents the directional derivative of a vector field, specifically in the context of the Lorentz force, which is the electromagnetic force acting on charged particles. The correct formulation of the equation involves both scalar and vector potentials, emphasizing the relationship between velocity and the spatial derivatives of the vector potential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically the gradient operator (∇).
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz force law and its components.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic theory, particularly scalar and vector potentials.
  • Proficiency in mathematical notation used in physics, including summation and derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz force from Maxwell's equations.
  • Learn about vector calculus identities, particularly the product rule and chain rule.
  • Explore the implications of the Lorentz force in classical electrodynamics.
  • Investigate the role of potentials in electromagnetic theory, focusing on scalar and vector potentials.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who seek a deeper understanding of the Lorentz force and its mathematical representation in vector calculus.

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https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/a7fd3adddbdfb95797d11ef6167ecda4efe3e0b9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_force#Lorentz_force_in_terms_of_potentials
How to write this formula in terms of sums and vector components?

What is ##v\cdot\nabla## ? I think it is some spatial derivative of speed, but since speed is not a field, it can not be that.

I think rest of the equation is ##F_x=q\cdot(-\frac{\partial\phi}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial A_x}{\partial t}+\sum(v_i \cdot \frac{\partial A_i}{\partial x})-?)## .
Is it correct?
 
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The Lorentz force is the electromagnetic force on an object. That object has a position and a velocity, both of which are vector-valued functions of time.

[tex]((\mathbf{v} \cdot \nabla)\mathbf{A})_x = \sum_{j} v_j \frac{\partial A_x}{\partial x_j}[/tex]
 
pasmith said:
The Lorentz force is the electromagnetic force on an object. That object has a position and a velocity, both of which are vector-valued functions of time.

[tex]((\mathbf{v} \cdot \nabla)\mathbf{A})_x = \sum_{j} v_j \frac{\partial A_x}{\partial x_j}[/tex]

So the equation on Wikipedia page is
##F_x=q\cdot(-\frac{\partial\phi}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial A_x}{\partial t}+\sum_i(v_i \cdot (\frac{\partial A_i}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial A_x}{\partial x_i})))## ?

Is it so?
 

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