Vector calculus. Divergent vector field.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in vector calculus, specifically focusing on the concept of divergence in relation to a vector field derived from a scalar function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the steps involved in finding the divergence of the gradient of a function, with some suggesting a piecewise approach to tackle the problem. Questions about specific difficulties faced by the original poster are raised.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with participants offering guidance on the steps to take. Multiple interpretations of the original poster's confusion are being considered, but no consensus has been reached regarding the specific issues at hand.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem despite having completed other similar problems, indicating a potential gap in understanding specific concepts related to divergence and gradients.

carstensentyl
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
webassign.jpg



I don't even know where to start this one. I can do all the other problems in the section, but this one makes no sense
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
a). since you've done the other problems, you surely saw some gradients and divergences. The easiest way to do this is piece by piece. First take the gradient of f to get a vector field. Then simply apply div to this vector field to get the answer.

once you get this you will see the answer for part b
 
um just do what it says? what part are you having trouble with?
 
I agree with ice109- if the problem asks you to find "div grad f", I would recommend that you first find the grad of f and then the div of that! I am assuming that, since you were given a problem like this, you know what "div" and "grad" are.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
28
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K