Vector Operations: Solving Gradient, Divergence, Curl and Laplacian Problems

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The discussion revolves around solving vector calculus problems involving gradient, divergence, curl, and Laplacian operations on given vector and scalar fields. The user expresses confusion about how to apply these operations, particularly in taking the divergence of the gradient and understanding the multiplication of vectors and scalars. Responses clarify that the divergence of a vector resulting from scalar multiplication is valid and that various vector identities can aid in simplifying the calculations. The user is encouraged to evaluate the expressions step by step and utilize computational tools like WolframAlpha for verification. Overall, the focus is on understanding the logic behind these vector operations rather than seeking direct solutions.
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Homework Statement



$$ \overrightarrow {F}=3xz^{2}i+2xyj-x^{2}k $$ $$\phi =3x^{2}-yz $$ are given vector and scalar fields, respectively.

a) $$\quad \operatorname{div}\left( \operatorname{grad}\phi \operatorname{div}\overrightarrow {F}\right) =\quad? $$

b) $$\quad \operatorname{curl}\left( \phi F\right) =\quad? $$

c) $$\quad \operatorname{div}\left( \phi F\right) =\quad? $$

d) $$\quad \overrightarrow {\nabla }\cdot \left( \nabla \phi \times \overrightarrow {F}\right) =\quad? $$

e) $$\quad \nabla \cdot \left( \overrightarrow {F}\nabla \phi \right) =\quad? $$

I know the operations such as the Gradient, Divergence, Curl, and Laplacian. But I don't have an idea what can I do in this kind of problems?



Homework Equations


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_calculus_identities


The Attempt at a Solution



a)I found gradient of scalar field and divergence of vector field.Gradient of scalar field is a vector and divergence of vector fields is a scalar.So how can I take the divergence of this?
No idea for others.I think I have to use some formula for calculate these..But which? I don't want to a solution just I want to understand logic.Please help me to figure this:) Then I will try to do it myself.

And also,I'd like to say that I'm sorry for my bad English.
 
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Gradient of scalar field is a vector and divergence of vector fields is a scalar.So how can I take the divergence of this?
Vector*Scalar (better: written as scalar*vector) is a vector again, and has a divergence.

No idea for others.I think I have to use some formula for calculate these.
Vector*Vector: Scalar product ("dot product")
Vector x Vector: Cross-product
Scalar*Vector or Vector*Scalar: Scalar multiplication of the vector
Scalar*Scalar: Just like multiplication with real numbers

You can evaluate these expressions step by step.
 
@mfb; Is there any another way,because there are a lot of process with step by step? Now,I'm trying step by step.I will tell the result,but I don't know where can I control it?
 
WolframAlpha and other computer algebra systems should be able to do that.
There are many steps, but they are all easy, and you can even re-use some.

For more complicated expressions, vector identities can be useful, but I think you cannot use them (in a meaningful way) here.
 
mfb said:
WolframAlpha and other computer algebra systems should be able to do that.
There are many steps, but they are all easy, and you can even re-use some.

For more complicated expressions, vector identities can be useful, but I think you cannot use them (in a meaningful way) here.

OK.Here is my expression.

= (18z^2-12+72x+2z-6z^2+2y-6yz) + ( 24-4z-3z^2-8y+2x-6xz) + (36xz+36x^2-9z^2-4y+2x-12xz-6yz-6xy)

= 36x^2-6xy-12yz+6y+18xz am I right?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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