Vector Divergence: Are the Expressions True?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the divergence of a current density vector, specifically examining the expressions for ##\nabla \cdot \vec{J}## and ##\nabla' \cdot \vec{J}## in the context of electromagnetic theory (EMT). Participants are exploring the validity of these mathematical expressions and their implications in the problem setup.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the correctness of the expressions for divergence, particularly the inclusion of multiple derivatives of ##J^m## and the dependence on both position and time. There is also an exploration of how to properly express the divergence in terms of the variables involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the formulation of the divergence expressions, while others suggest that the original poster's approach may need refinement. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct mathematical representation without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the depth of discussion or the provision of direct solutions. The problem involves understanding the relationship between different variables in the context of current density in EMT.

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Homework Statement
##\nabla \cdot \vec{J}## and ##\nabla' \cdot \vec{J}$## ?
Relevant Equations
I am doing EMT and I am trying to calculate the divergence of this current density given as,

$$\vec{J}(\vec{r}', t_r) = \vec{J}(\vec{r}', t - \frac{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}{c})$$

for ##\vec{r} = (x,y,z)## and ##\vec{r'} = (x',y',z')##
Now We have two divergence operator,

$$\nabla' = \frac{\partial}{\partial x'}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y'}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z'}\vec{k}$$ and

$$\nabla = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z}\vec{k}$$
Do I have to write something like,

$$\nabla' \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x'^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x'^m}$$

$$\nabla \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m} = \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m}$$

Are these expressions true ?
 
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Everything seems fine to me
 
Arman777 said:
Homework Statement:: ##\nabla \cdot \vec{J}## and ##\nabla' \cdot \vec{J}$## ?
Relevant Equations:: I am doing EMT and I am trying to calculate the divergence of this current density given as,

$$\vec{J}(\vec{r}', t_r) = \vec{J}(\vec{r}', t - \frac{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}{c})$$

for ##\vec{r} = (x,y,z)## and ##\vec{r'} = (x',y',z')##
Now We have two divergence operator,

$$\nabla' = \frac{\partial}{\partial x'}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y'}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z'}\vec{k}$$ and

$$\nabla = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z}\vec{k}$$

Do I have to write something like,

$$\nabla' \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x'^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x'^m}$$

$$\nabla \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m} = \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m}$$

Are these expressions true ?
I don't understand why you have a sum of derivatives of ##J^m##. There is only one set of ##J^m##, and each is a function of both position and time.
 
Well yes that's the kind of the problem I am not sure how to express those things
 
Arman777 said:
Homework Statement:: ##\nabla \cdot \vec{J}## and ##\nabla' \cdot \vec{J}$## ?
Relevant Equations:: I am doing EMT and I am trying to calculate the divergence of this current density given as,

$$\vec{J}(\vec{r}', t_r) = \vec{J}(\vec{r}', t - \frac{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}{c})$$

for ##\vec{r} = (x,y,z)## and ##\vec{r'} = (x',y',z')##
Now We have two divergence operator,

$$\nabla' = \frac{\partial}{\partial x'}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y'}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z'}\vec{k}$$ and

$$\nabla = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\vec{i} +\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\vec{j} +\frac{\partial}{\partial z}\vec{k}$$

Do I have to write something like,

$$\nabla' \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x'^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x'^m}$$

$$\nabla \cdot \vec{J} = \frac{\partial J^m(r')}{\partial x^m} + \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m} = \frac{\partial J^m(t_r)}{\partial x^m}$$

Are these expressions true ?
Ok, the correct expressions are

EDIT: This is a better way to write it
$$\nabla' \cdot \vec{J} = \sum_{m=1}^3 \frac{\partial J^m(\vec{r},\vec{r'})}{\partial x'^m}$$
and
$$\nabla \cdot \vec{J} = \sum_{m=1}^3 \frac{\partial J^m(\vec{r},\vec{r}')}{\partial x^m} $$
 
Last edited:

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