Find the divergence of the function

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The discussion revolves around calculating the divergence of a function V expressed in spherical coordinates. Participants emphasize the importance of using the correct formulas for gradients and divergences in spherical coordinates, noting that the curl of a gradient is always zero. There are corrections made regarding the use of unit vectors, with a reminder that divergence results in a scalar and does not require unit vectors. Participants also suggest using Wolfram Alpha for verifying calculations and provide guidance on how to input functions correctly. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for precision in mathematical notation and understanding of vector calculus concepts.
  • #31
DODGEVIPER13 said:
Hmm Bp/p isn't a derivative I am failing to see what I can do with this. I am going to go on a long shot here and guess that the unit vectors cancel as they multiply together, and p cancels the other p and leaves me with z^2 again? Then z^2+z^2 heh that can't be right, what am doing wrong anymore hints?

B = Bρ Uρ + ...
= ρz2 Uρ + ...

div B = ∂Bρ/∂ρ + Bρ/ρ + ...
= z2 + ρz2/ρ = z2 + z2 = 2z2

So you got it right, although I don't know exactly what you meant to say. You can see that the
ρ in the numerator and denominator of the second term do cancel.
 
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  • #32
ok will the rest of the terms work like this too?
 
  • #33
DODGEVIPER13 said:
ok will the rest of the terms work like this too?

You need to look up the general formula for the divergence in cylindrical coordinates. Then perform the indicated math.

Same goes for your C vector which is in spherical coordinates. You need to practice translating those general formulas into the specific expressions corresponding to your A, B and C.

It so happens that the Bρ component of div B is the only one that has a non-derivative term in it. This is true only for cylindrical coordinates.

When you get to taking the curl you need to be comfortable in using Cramer's rule to solve the appropriate determinant.
 
  • #34
ok my work is uploaded.
 

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