- #1
elgen
- 64
- 5
Hi,
I am reviewing some vector calculus and have a problem on the derivation of the divergence in the spherical coordinate.
Assume there is a small volume located at [tex]r_0, \theta_0, \phi_0[/tex] with a volume of [tex]r_0^2\sin\theta_0 \Delta r \Delta \theta \Delta \phi[/tex].
My question is that why there is an [tex]r^2[/tex] sitting behind the partial derivative operator? The problem is attached.
My feeling is that as I take the limit of the volume going to 0, I can cannot cancel [tex]r_0^2[/tex]. However, I cannot give a good justification to that.
Would anyone knowledgeable with vector calculus give an explanation? Thank you.
elgen
I am reviewing some vector calculus and have a problem on the derivation of the divergence in the spherical coordinate.
Assume there is a small volume located at [tex]r_0, \theta_0, \phi_0[/tex] with a volume of [tex]r_0^2\sin\theta_0 \Delta r \Delta \theta \Delta \phi[/tex].
My question is that why there is an [tex]r^2[/tex] sitting behind the partial derivative operator? The problem is attached.
My feeling is that as I take the limit of the volume going to 0, I can cannot cancel [tex]r_0^2[/tex]. However, I cannot give a good justification to that.
Would anyone knowledgeable with vector calculus give an explanation? Thank you.
elgen