Maxwell's equation has well defined divergence?

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SUMMARY

Maxwell's equations, which govern electromagnetism, exhibit well-defined divergence properties. Specifically, the divergence of the electric field (E-field) is expressed as ∇⋅E = ρ/ε₀, where ρ represents electric charge density, and the divergence of the magnetic field (B-field) is always zero, represented as ∇⋅B = 0. The discussion highlights that while the divergence of a gradient is typically zero (∇⋅∇V = 0), this does not apply universally to all functions, particularly in the context of Maxwell's equations. The professor's inquiry likely pertains to the implications of these divergences in relation to Gauss's law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, specifically divergence and gradient operations
  • Knowledge of Gauss's law and its applications
  • Basic concepts of electric charge density and its role in electromagnetic fields
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  • Study the implications of Gauss's law in the context of Maxwell's equations
  • Explore vector calculus identities, particularly divergence and curl
  • Investigate the physical significance of electric charge density in electromagnetic theory
  • Review the mathematical proofs related to the divergence of gradients and their exceptions
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Students of electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Maxwell's equations and their mathematical properties.

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Homework Statement


How to I explain that maxwell's equation has well defined divergence

Homework Equations



All four EM Maxwell's equation

The Attempt at a Solution



I discussed it by showing one of the property of Maxwell's equation that is the Divergence of a Gradient is always zero (With full solution of proof)

That is

∇⋅∇V = 0

where V is the potential of E-field and

∇⋅∇A = 0

where A is the potential of the B-field

However, it seams that this solution does not satisfy our Professor, now I don't know how to answer this question since by definition when a function is said to be well defined then it should obey its property.
 
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I'm not sure what the professor is looking for, but ## -\nabla \cdot \nabla V=\rho/\epsilon_0 ## where ## \rho ## is the electric charge density. Two vector identities that are always the case are divergence of curl equals zero and curl of gradient equals zero. The divergence of the gradient is not always equal to zero. Maxwell's equations have ## \nabla \cdot B=0 ## and ## \nabla \cdot E=\rho/\epsilon_o ##, but I don't know exactly what your professor is looking for. Perhaps he is looking for the result that it (the E field and the B field) obeys Gauss's law because it has a well defined divergence but that is just a guess...
 
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