Can a Vector Field Have Curl without Satisfying Clairaut's Theorem?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter MotoPayton
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curl Divergence
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between curl and Clairaut's theorem in vector fields. It establishes that for a vector field to exhibit curl, the mixed partial derivatives must not be equal, specifically where fx = P and fy = Q. The conversation highlights the conditions under which Clairaut's theorem can be unsatisfied, allowing for non-zero curl while maintaining zero divergence. The participants clarify the definitions and implications of these mathematical concepts, emphasizing the importance of continuous second derivatives in the context of vector fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, particularly curl and divergence
  • Familiarity with Clairaut's theorem and its implications
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and their properties
  • Basic concepts of vector fields and differentiable functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Clairaut's theorem in vector calculus
  • Learn about the conditions for curl in vector fields
  • Explore examples of vector fields with non-zero curl
  • Investigate the relationship between divergence and curl in three-dimensional space
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying vector calculus who seeks to deepen their understanding of the relationship between curl, divergence, and Clairaut's theorem.

MotoPayton
Messages
96
Reaction score
0
Divergenceofthecurl.jpg


For there to be curl is some vector field fxy cannot equal fyx.
Where fx= P, and fy=Q. Since the (partial of Q with respect to x)-(Partial of P with respect to y) is a non zero quantity giving curl.

I understand that the terms will cancel due to the right-handedness of the definition but we are assuming the these second order partials of P,Q,R follow Clairaut's theroem?

How can clairauts theorem be unsatisfied in order for the vector field to have curl and the clairauts theorem to be satisfied in order for their to be zero divergence?

I hope that makes sense. Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
MotoPayton said:
Divergenceofthecurl.jpg


For there to be curl is some scaler field fxy cannot equal fyx.
I have no clue what you mean by this. What "scaler field" are you talking about?
If F is a any vector valued function with differentiable components, then "curl F" is defined.

Where fx= P, and fy=Q. Since the (partial of Q with respect to x)-(Partial of P with respect to y) is a non zero quantity giving curl.

I understand that the terms will cancel due to the right-handedness of the definition but we are assuming the these second order partials of P,Q,R follow Clairaut's theroem?

How can clairauts theorem be unsatisfied in order for the vector field to have curl and the clairauts theorem to be satisfied in order for their to be zero divergence?

I hope that makes sense. Thanks
Clairaut's theorem simply says that if F(x,y) is any function of two variables, with continuous second derivatives, then
\frac{\partial^2F}{\partial x\partial y}= \frac{\partial^2F}{\partial y\partial x}
 
Vector field... my mistake
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K