Curl and Divergence etc algebra manipulating quick question

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The discussion centers on the mathematical identity involving the curl and divergence in vector calculus, specifically the equation ##\nabla p = \rho \nabla \phi##. Participants clarify that taking the curl of a gradient results in zero, leading to the expression ##0=\nabla \rho \times \nabla \phi##, which indicates that the gradients of the scalar fields ##\rho## and ##\phi## are parallel. The identity ##\nabla \times (a \mathbf{B}) = (\nabla a) \times \mathbf{B} + a (\nabla \times \mathbf{B})## is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding vector calculus identities.

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##\nabla p = \rho \nabla \phi ##

My textbook says that by taking the curl we get:

## 0=\nabla \rho X \nabla \phi ## **

I don't follow. I understand the LHS is zero, by taking the curl of a divergence.
But I'm unsure as to how we get it into this form, from which it is clear that the gradients of ##\rho## and
##\phi## are parallel, since I get:

##\nabla X \rho \nabla \phi ##, I know that the curl acting on a scalar field doesn't make sense, I would get ##\rho \nabla X \nabla \phi ##, taking the scalar field ##\rho## to the left since it can not be operated on by a curl. I don't see how you would get **

Many thanks in advance
 
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It is rather straightforward to prove that
<br /> \nabla \times (a \mathbf{B}) = (\nabla a) \times \mathbf{B} + a (\nabla \times \mathbf{B})<br />
where ##a## is a scalar field and ##\mathbf{B}## is a vector field. This formula is also readily available in most lists of vector calculus identities (although I would strongly recommend you try to prove it yourself)
 
One quick comment: The LHS is the curl of a "gradient". (The curl of a gradient is zero and so is the divergence of a curl).
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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