Coordinate transformation of nabla operator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transformation of the Nabla operator under Galilean transformations, specifically the transformations (x,t) -> (x+s,t) and (x,t) -> (Dx,t), where D is a matrix and x, s are vectors. The transformation of the Nabla operator is addressed using the chain rule, demonstrating that the partial derivatives transform according to the coefficients of the transformation. Additionally, the effect of a time transformation (t -> t+T) on the second derivative dx(t)/dt is clarified, confirming that the derivative does change its variable accordingly.

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  • Understanding of Galilean transformations
  • Familiarity with the Nabla operator and its applications
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and the chain rule
  • Basic concepts of vector and matrix transformations
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  • Study the application of the chain rule in vector calculus
  • Explore the properties of the Nabla operator in different coordinate systems
  • Research the implications of time transformations in physics
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying vector calculus and transformations in physics, particularly those interested in the Galilean group and its applications in mechanics.

Marin
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Hi all!

I am studying the Galilean group of transformations and I'm not sure how to transform the Nabla operator.

Consider the 2 transformations:

(x,t)->(x+s,t)
(x,t)->(Dx,t)

and the expression "nabla (x)"

where D is a matrix and x, s are vectors

I am pretty sure that I have to substitute x+s or Dx for x, but what about the nabla operator. How am I supposed to transform it?

And another question: If I have a transformation which somehow changes time (t->t+T), and a second derivative dx(t)/dt of a function, then does the derivative change its variable from t to t+T [dx(t+T)/d(t+T)] under the transformation or not?




thanks a lot in advance

best regards, marin
 
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Use the chain rule. If x'= ax+ d y'= by+ e and z'= cz+ e, or <x', y', z'>= <ax+ d, by+ d, cz+ e> then
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}= \frac{\partial f}{\partial x'}\frac{\partial x'}{\partial x}= a\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}
so that
\nabla \left<f, g, \right>= \eft< a\frac{\partial f}{\partial x'}, b\frac{\partial f}{\partial y'}, c\frac{\partial f}{\partial z'}\right>
 

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