The discussion focuses on calculating the curl of the vector field \((r^{-2}) \hat{r} \times \hat{z}\) using the appropriate coordinate system. The user initially attempted to apply the curl formula in spherical coordinates, which led to confusion and an incorrect result of zero. The correct approach involves using cylindrical coordinates, as the variable \(z\) does not belong to the spherical coordinate system. The correct application of the curl formula \(\nabla(A \times B) = B(\nabla \times A) - A(\nabla \times B)\) is essential for accurate results.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector fields and need to understand the implications of coordinate systems on vector calculus operations.
sm1t said:I am using the formula for curl in spherical, I konw I said cylindrical.