Proving the Divergence Formula for Plane Polars

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the divergence formula for the vector field F(r,t) = Frer + Ftet in polar coordinates, where er and et are defined as er = (cos t, sin t, 0) and et = (-sin t, cos t, 0). The participant initially struggled with the differentiation process but ultimately solved the problem. The key to the solution involved applying the divergence formula in Cartesian coordinates and utilizing the chain rule appropriately for polar coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and their representations in polar coordinates.
  • Familiarity with the divergence formula in Cartesian coordinates.
  • Knowledge of partial differentiation techniques.
  • Proficiency in applying the chain rule in multivariable calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the divergence theorem in polar coordinates.
  • Learn about vector calculus identities and their proofs.
  • Explore examples of vector fields in polar coordinates.
  • Practice solving divergence problems using the chain rule.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focused on vector calculus and polar coordinate systems, will benefit from this discussion.

Kate2010
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Homework Statement



I have to prove the divergence formula for plane polars. The question goes something like:

Find the divergence of the vector field F(r,t) = Frer + Ftet where r and t are polar coordinates and er = (cos t, sin t, 0) and et = (- sin t, cos t, 0)
(t is theta in the question but t was easier to type)


Homework Equations



x=rcost
y=rsint
Divergence formula in cartesian coordinates

The Attempt at a Solution



F(r,t) = (Frcost - Ftsint, Frsint + Ftcost, 0)

Could I partially differentiate the first bit with respect to r and the second bit with respect to t, just ignoring the 0 at the end? This does not seem right, I'm not sure if it is even possible.

Or I feel like the chain rule might come into it somewhere?

I really don't know where to start.
 
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Solved it :)
 

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