Gradient in hyperspherical coordinates

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jfitz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Coordinates Gradient
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the expressions for the gradient and divergence in hyperspherical coordinates, specifically focusing on the divergence of the radial unit vector \(\hat{r}\) in dimensions higher than three. The conclusion reached is that the divergence is given by the formula \(\nabla \cdot \hat{r} = \frac{D-1}{r}\), where \(D\) represents the dimensionality of the space and \(r\) is the radial distance. This formula is crucial for understanding vector calculus in higher-dimensional spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus
  • Familiarity with hyperspherical coordinates
  • Knowledge of divergence and gradient operations
  • Basic concepts of higher-dimensional geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of divergence in hyperspherical coordinates
  • Study applications of hyperspherical coordinates in physics
  • Explore vector calculus in higher dimensions
  • Learn about the implications of divergence in fluid dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in advanced vector calculus and its applications in higher-dimensional spaces.

jfitz
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Does anybody know, or know where to find, the expressions for the gradient and/or divergence in hyperspherical coordinates.
Specifically, I'd like to know \nabla \cdot \hat{r} in dimensions higher than 3.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nevermind, it's (D-1)/r.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K