How can div (u cross v) be proved using the product rule?

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In summary, the product rule for the divergence of a cross product is given by div (u cross v) = v dot curl (u)- u dot curl(v) where v and u are vectors. The most straightforward way to prove this is by direct computation using the known relationships between vector operations and partial differentiation. This approach is preferred over introducing an arbitrary coordinate system and using double sums.
  • #1
oxxiissiixxo
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Please show me the way the proof this!

div (u cross v) = v dot grad (u)- u dot grad(v) where v and u is a vector.

The product rule doesn't seem working
 
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  • #2
oxxiissiixxo said:
Please show me the way the proof this!

div (u cross v) = v dot grad (u)- u dot grad(v) where v and u is a vector.

The product rule doesn't seem working
The "product rule" in vector calculus is different to the product rule for scalar functions. The "vector product rule" depends on type of product you are dealing with (e.g. cross, scalar) and the type of operator that you are dealing with (e.g. divergence, curl). in fact, the relationship that you wish to prove is the product rule for the divergence of a cross product.

The most straightforward way to prove your relation is a by direct computation. You should know that

[tex]\boldsymbol{u}\times\boldsymbol{v} = \varepsilon_{ijk}u_jb_k[/tex]

And that

[tex]\text{div}\left(\boldsymbol{A}\right) = \frac{\partial A_i}{\partial x_i}[/tex]

So all you need to do, is put the two together and compute. (Be careful with your summation indices).
 
  • #3
that should be

[tex]\mathbf{\nabla\cdot (u\times v)=v\cdot \nabla\times u-u\cdot \nabla\times v}[/tex]

div (u cross v) = v dot curl (u)- u dot curl(v)
use partial differentiation
[tex]\mathbf{\nabla\cdot (u\times v)=\nabla_u\cdot (u\times v)+\nabla_v \cdot (u\times v)}[/tex]
div (u cross v)=div_u (u cross v)+div_v (u cross v)
recall
a dot b cross c=-b dot a cross c==c dot a cross b
thus
[tex]\mathbf{\nabla_u\cdot (u\times v)=v\cdot \nabla\times u}[/tex]
[tex]\mathbf{\nabla_v\cdot (u\times v)=-u\cdot \nabla\times v}[/tex]
div_u (u cross v)= v dot curl u
div_v (u cross v)=-u dot curl v

therefore

div (u cross v)=v dot curl (u)- u dot curl(v)

Hootenanny said:
The most straightforward way to prove your relation is a by direct computation.
Introducing an arbitrary coordinate system and a double sum is not very straight forward.
Calculus students hate epsilons and deltas. :)

vector calculus favorite
[tex]\mathbf{(a\times\nabla)\times b+a\nabla\cdot b=a\times(\nabla\times b)+(a\cdot\nabla)b}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

1. What is div (u cross v)?

Div (u cross v) is a mathematical concept that refers to the divergence of the cross product of two vectors, u and v. It is represented as div (u cross v) or ∇ · (u x v) and can be calculated using the partial derivatives of the components of u and v.

2. How is div (u cross v) related to vector calculus?

Div (u cross v) is an important concept in vector calculus as it allows us to measure the rate of change of a vector field at a given point. It is closely related to other vector calculus operations such as curl and gradient.

3. What is the physical significance of div (u cross v)?

The physical significance of div (u cross v) is that it represents the amount of "outward flow" or "expansion" of a vector field at a given point. It is often used in fluid dynamics to calculate the rate of fluid flow in a given region.

4. How can div (u cross v) be used in real-world applications?

Div (u cross v) has many practical applications, such as in fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and mechanics. It is used to calculate the flux of a vector field, which is important in understanding the behavior of fluids, magnetic fields, and other physical phenomena.

5. What is the relationship between div (u cross v) and the divergence theorem?

The divergence theorem states that the surface integral of a vector field over a closed surface is equal to the volume integral of the divergence of that vector field over the region enclosed by the surface. Div (u cross v) is often used in conjunction with the divergence theorem to solve problems in vector calculus and fluid mechanics.

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