Stuck on divergence of electric field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the divergence of the electric field generated by a volume charge distribution, specifically examining the mathematical expression for the electric field and its divergence. Participants are exploring the implications of the divergence operator in relation to the charge density function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions why the divergence of the electric field does not include the charge density when applying the divergence operator inside the integral. Other participants clarify the roles of the position vectors involved and the need to differentiate with respect to the correct variable.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the mathematical relationships and assumptions regarding the divergence of the electric field. Some guidance has been provided regarding the differentiation with respect to the appropriate position vector, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the position vectors of the target and source charges, which may influence the understanding of the divergence operation in this context.

betelgeuse91
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Homework Statement


For a volume charge, ##\textbf{E}(\textbf{r}) = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\int_{all space}\frac{\hat{\gamma}}{\gamma^2}\rho(r')d\tau'##
and I am trying to get the divergence of it.

Homework Equations


The book says
##\nabla\cdot\textbf{E} = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\int_{all space}[\nabla\cdot(\frac{\hat{\gamma}}{\gamma^2})]\rho(r')d\tau'##

The Attempt at a Solution


I am wondering why it is not
##\nabla\cdot\textbf{E} = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\int_{all space}[\nabla\cdot(\frac{\hat{\gamma}}{\gamma^2}\rho(r'))]d\tau'##
when taking ##\nabla## inside the integral, because if it should be this way,
then we need to apply the product rule of divergence. (I guess it's not the case)
Can somebody please explain why the divergence inside does not include the charge density function?
Thank you.
 
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The electric field at a point P with position vector ##\vec r## is the integral of the contribution of all charge elements dq. Those contributions depend on the distance of the charge element from the point P. That distance is denoted by γ in your formula. ##\gamma =\vec r- \vec r' ##, ##\hat \gamma =\frac{\vec r- \vec r'}{|\vec r- \vec r'|}##.
You need the divergence with respect to ##\vec {r}##, while ρ is function of ##\vec {r'}##.
 
Actually ##\vec{r}## is the position vector of target charge, and ##\vec{r}'## is the position vector of source charge, so we integrate it over ##\vec{r}'##, so I think I need the divergence with respect to ##\vec{r}'##
 
ehild said:
The electric field at a point P with position vector ##\vec r## is the integral of the contribution of all charge elements dq. Those contributions depend on the distance of the charge element from the point P. That distance is denoted by γ in your formula. ##\gamma =\vec r- \vec r' ##, ##\hat \gamma =\frac{\vec r- \vec r'}{|\vec r- \vec r'|}##.
You need the divergence with respect to ##\vec {r}##, while ρ is function of ##\vec {r'}##.
I get it now...! thank you very much!
 
You are welcome.
 

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