How to evaluate gradient of a vector? or del operator times a vector

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To evaluate the gradient of a vector, it's important to note that the gradient is typically defined for scalar fields, resulting in a vector. The del operator, while a vector itself, cannot be directly applied to a vector field in the form of \nabla \vec v. Instead, expressions like \nabla \cdot \vec v (dot product) yield a scalar, and \nabla \times \vec v (cross product) produces another vector. In certain contexts, such as Clifford algebras or multi-variable analysis, \nabla \vec v can represent a matrix of partial derivatives, but this usage is uncommon. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper application in vector calculus.
herbgriffin
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How will i find the gradient of a vector?
i know that gradient is only for scalar to produce a vector? i am confuse since del operator is a vector how will i find the gradient of a vector.
How can i multiply a del operator and vector
 
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Usually, an expression like \nabla \vec v doesn't make sense.
You might mean \nabla \cdot \vec v instead, which (as a dot product) produces a scalar, or \nabla \times \vec v which (as a cross product) produces a vector.
Only in specific contexts, the expression \nabla \vec v may have a meaning, for example in Clifford algebras or in multi-variable analysis as a shorthand for a matrix like
A_{ij} = \frac{\partial \vec v_i}{\partial x_j}
(although I must admit I've never seen it used like that).
 
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