Simple Derivation Maxwell Equations

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks to derive the two divergence equations from the two curl equations and the equation of continuity within the context of Maxwell's equations in electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the divergence of curl properties and the implications of time derivatives commuting with spatial derivatives. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of derivatives and their implications for the functions involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the mathematical properties involved, while others explore the implications of the derivatives on the functions in question. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being examined.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the relationship between time and spatial variables in the context of the equations, as well as the constraints of the problem as posed by the original poster.

kiwi101
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Derive the 2 divergence equations from the 2 curl equations and the equation of continuity.


Homework Equations


∇°D=ρ
∇°B = 0
∇xE = -∂B/∂t
∇xH = J + ∂D/∂t
∇°J = -∂ρ/∂t (equation of continuity)


The Attempt at a Solution


1)∇xE = -∂B/∂t
∇°(∇xE) = ∇°(-∂B/∂t)
0 =∇°(-∂B/∂t) (divergence of curl of vector field is 0)
I'm stuck now I don't know what to do


2)∇xH = J + ∂D/∂t
∇°(∇xH) = ∇°(J + ∂D/∂t)
0 =-∂ρ/∂t + ∇°∂D/∂t
Once again I am stuck here too


Please guide me guys
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kiwi101 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


1)∇xE = -∂B/∂t
∇°(∇xE) = ∇°(-∂B/∂t)
0 =∇°(-∂B/∂t) (divergence of curl of vector field is 0)
I'm stuck now I don't know what to do

See this and apply it to your situation where one of the variables is time.
 
You're on the right track, just remember that spatial derivitives (like the divergence) commute with the time derivitives.
 
So
0 = -∂/∂t(∇°B)
Does the -∂/∂t and the divergence cancel? Or do they make a second order derivative?
 
Last edited:
If the partial derivative with respect to time of a function of space and time is zero at all points of space, then what can you conclude about the function?

Think of ##\small \nabla \cdot \bf{B}## as some function of space and time.
 
That means that the function is constant regardless of time at all points of space
 
kiwi101 said:
That means that the function is constant regardless of time at all points of space

Right, so ##\small \nabla \cdot \bf{B}## does not depend on time. It can be a function of space only.

Strictly speaking, I think this is as far as you can go mathematically. But can you add a reasonable physical argument that will allow you to go further?
 
Last edited:
oh okay
thank you so much guys!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K