How do I cross Del with (scalar*vector)?

In summary, the conversation discusses proving the identity ∇ x (αB) = ∇α x B + α∇ x B for any scalar field α and vector field B. The equations used are (∇ x B)i = εijk vk,j, (∇α)i = αi, and (u x v)i = eijkujvk. The conversation also mentions breaking up the left side of the identity into two parts and understanding the definitions of the components.
  • #1
Fido
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Homework Statement


Show that for any scalar field α and vector field B:

∇ x (αB) = ∇α x B + α∇ x B

Homework Equations



(∇ x B)i = εijk vk,j
(∇α)i = αi
(u x v)i = eijkujvk

The Attempt at a Solution


Since α is a scalar i wasn't quite sure how to cross it with ∇

So on the left side I have:
εijkBk,j αi

I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to solve out the left side to get to the right because that what I did for the previous problem.

The right side all I could get it to simplify to was:
αi x B + α∇ x B
 
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  • #2
Nabla cross product with something is the curl of the thing right?
http://www.math.ucla.edu/~ronmiech/Calculus_Problems/32B/chap14/section5/930d31/930_31.html
 
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  • #3
So does that mean that my left side is just εijk Bk,j α ? I feel like it's supposed to be broken up into two parts
 
Last edited:
  • #4
It needs to if you are going to get RHS = LHS ... if in doubt go back to the definitions.
Maybe look at ##(\alpha B)_i## also see what the RHS looks like in components. Play around until you understand it.
 

1. How do I multiply a scalar and a vector in order to cross del with it?

To multiply a scalar and a vector, you simply need to multiply the scalar by each component of the vector. For example, if your scalar is 2 and your vector is [1, 2, 3], the result would be [2, 4, 6].

2. What does it mean to cross del with a scalar multiplied vector?

Crossing del (represented as ∇) with a scalar multiplied vector means taking the cross product of the del operator and the vector. This results in a new vector that is perpendicular to both the del operator and the original vector.

3. Is it possible to cross del with a scalar multiplied vector in any direction?

Yes, it is possible to cross del with a scalar multiplied vector in any direction. The result will always be a vector that is perpendicular to both the del operator and the original vector.

4. Can the cross product of del and a scalar multiplied vector be negative?

Yes, the cross product of del and a scalar multiplied vector can be negative. This depends on the direction and magnitude of the original vector and the direction of the del operator.

5. In what situations would I need to use the cross product of del and a scalar multiplied vector?

The cross product of del and a scalar multiplied vector is commonly used in physics and mathematics, particularly in vector calculus and electromagnetism. It can be used to calculate the curl of a vector field, which is important in understanding fluid dynamics and electromagnetism. It is also used in gradient, divergence, and Laplacian calculations.

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