Explain why the divergence of each of the functions must be zero

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SUMMARY

The divergence of the functions A1=x, A2=ρ(1/ρ), and A3=r(1/r²) must be zero due to their physical representation in electric fields. A1 corresponds to a constant electric field, resulting in zero divergence. A2 represents a line of charge, while A3 corresponds to a radial field in spherical coordinates; both exhibit equal inflow and outflow of electric flux, confirming zero divergence. The underlying principle is that the divergence measures the net flux through a given area, and in these cases, the flux remains balanced.

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  • Knowledge of cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems
  • Basic principles of charge distribution in electrostatics
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brad sue
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Homework Statement


the question is:
Without doing any calculations, explain why the divergence of each of the functions must be zero(Hint: consider what electric field these functions physically correspond to)
P.S: I make the unit vectors in bold.

A1=x

A2=ρ(1/ρ) with ρ>0

A3=r(1/r2) with r>0

Homework Equations


I think we need to argue about the charge



The Attempt at a Solution



for A1 , the electric field of A! is a plane, which constant, so divergence is zero.

for A2, it seems to be a line of charge but I don know how to argue for the divergence to be zero.

Same for A3

Can someone see what is going on?
B
 
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Divergence shows the flux through some kind of area, so it indicates how much "stuff" flows in compared to out. This is basically going to be your argument for every single one, is that somehow as much stuff flows in as out.

Are the vectors rho and r supposed to represent spherical and cylindrical coordinates?
 

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