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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector operations involving gradient, divergence, curl, and Laplacian for given vector and scalar fields. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problems presented, seeking clarification on the logical steps involved in these vector calculus operations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to take the divergence of a gradient and questions the necessary formulas for the various operations. Some participants clarify the relationships between vector and scalar products, while others suggest evaluating the expressions step by step.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to approach the problems, with some suggesting the use of computational tools like WolframAlpha for verification. There is an ongoing exchange about the complexity of the steps involved and the potential usefulness of vector identities, although it is noted that they may not apply meaningfully in this context.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a desire to understand the logic behind the operations rather than seeking direct solutions, and there is acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the multiple steps required in the calculations.

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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?
 

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