How Is the Divergence of J Derived in Electromagnetic Fields?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on the derivation of the divergence of the current density vector J in electromagnetic fields. The integral expression provided illustrates how the divergence is related to the gradient of the position vector. The key takeaway is the application of integration by parts and the vector calculus identity, which clarifies the transition from the integral of J to the divergence term. This derivation is crucial for understanding electromagnetic interactions in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Vector calculus, specifically the divergence and gradient operators.
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, particularly the role of current density J.
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including integration by parts.
  • Knowledge of the mathematical representation of electromagnetic fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the divergence theorem in electromagnetic contexts.
  • Learn about integration by parts in vector calculus.
  • Explore the implications of the divergence of J in Maxwell's equations.
  • Investigate the relationship between current density and electric fields in electromagnetic theory.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in electromagnetism, and anyone studying the mathematical foundations of electromagnetic fields and their interactions.

barefeet
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Homework Statement


In a book I find the following derivation:
\int (J \cdot \nabla ) \frac{\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;}{|\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;|^3} d^3\mathbf{r&#039;}= -\sum_{i=1}^3 \int J_i \frac{\partial}{\partial r_i&#039;} \frac{\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;}{|\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;|^3} d^3\mathbf{r&#039;} \\<br /> = -\sum_{i=1}^3 \int J_i \frac{\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;}{|\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;|^3} d^2r_{j\neq i}&#039;\bigg|_{r_i&#039; = -\infty}^\infty + \int \frac{\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;}{|\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;|^3} \nabla&#039; \cdot \mathbf{J} d^3\mathbf{r&#039;}

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


I understand the first line, but in the second line I don't understand how the second term comes about. I don't see how the divergence of J is taken as the nabla operator doesn't operate on it. If I calculate for example one of the three terms:
\int J_x \frac{\partial}{\partial x&#039;} \frac{\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;}{|\bf{r} - \bf{r}&#039;|^3} d^3\mathbf{r&#039;}
I don't see how a term with \frac{\partial J_x}{\partial x&#039;} comes out of this?
 
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Here is a hint: integration by parts
 
the x component of j*grad (r/r3) is j*grad(rx/r3), not jxgrad(rx/r3) you then use the vector calculus identity
div(fV)=fdivV+V*grad(f)
 

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