What is happening to the sin(phi) factor in the spherical curl?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges of calculating the curl in spherical coordinates, specifically addressing the sin(θ) factor in the aφ component. The user encounters discrepancies between the results obtained using the matrix formula and the textbook's expansion method. Key issues include the presence of an extra sin(θ) and the absence of a 1/sin(θ) factor in the aφ component. The user suggests that there may be typos in the textbook regarding the factors of r and r^{-1} in the determinant calculation.

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  • Familiarity with spherical coordinate systems in mathematics.
  • Knowledge of determinants and matrix operations.
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FrankJ777
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Homework Statement
Take the curl in the shperical coordinate system.
Relevant Equations
Same as below.
This is from my E&M textbook.
I'm doing a problem where I need to take the Curl in spherical coordinates but I'm getting the wrong answer.
I tried applying the matrix, but it doesn't seem like it make sense with the expansion that they show in the textbook (screenshot below).
If I apply the matrix formula I end up with an extra sinθ that don't get if I use the formula in the expansion.
It looks to me like in the component there should be a 1/sinθ factor outside the brackets?
I don't see what is happening in the compentent that is making the 1/sinθ factor next to the matrix disapear when we get to the component.
Am I missing something.

Thanks

1601854080384.png
 
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This looks like a typo. But I have some trouble with a factor ##r## in the second term, too, missing ##r^{-1}##. I suggest to deal with the determinant and apply the factor outside last.
 
fresh_42 said:
This looks like a typo. But I have some trouble with a factor ##r## in the second term, too, missing ##r^{-1}##. I suggest to deal with the determinant and apply the factor outside last.
I get the wrong answere when I use the determinant, even though I divide through with the r^2 sin(theta) last.
I do get the right answer if I use the expanded notation as a guide. So not sure if I'm applying the matrix wrong, or if there's a typo somewhere?
 

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