Chapter 19: Problem 10
Find the divergence of the vector field. (Note: \(\vec{r}=x \vec{i}+y \vec{j}+z \vec{k} .)\) $$\vec{F}(\vec{r})=\vec{a} \times \vec{r}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The divergence of \(\vec{F}(\vec{r}) = \vec{a} \times \vec{r}\) is zero.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Vector Field
The vector field \(\vec{F}(\vec{r}) = \vec{a} \times \vec{r}\) represents the cross product of a constant vector \(\vec{a} = a_1\vec{i} + a_2\vec{j} + a_3\vec{k}\) with the position vector \(\vec{r} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} + z\vec{k}\). Our goal is to find the divergence of this vector field.
02
Express the Cross Product
Calculate the cross product \(\vec{a} \times \vec{r}\): \\[ \vec{a} \times \vec{r} = \begin{vmatrix}\vec{i} & \vec{j} & \vec{k} \ a_1 & a_2 & a_3 \ x & y & z \end{vmatrix} = (a_2z - a_3y)\vec{i} + (a_3x - a_1z)\vec{j} + (a_1y - a_2x)\vec{k}. \] \Thus, \(\vec{F}(\vec{r}) = (a_2z - a_3y)\vec{i} + (a_3x - a_1z)\vec{j} + (a_1y - a_2x)\vec{k}.\)
03
Calculate the Divergence
The divergence of a vector field \(\vec{F} = \vec{F}_x \vec{i} + \vec{F}_y \vec{j} + \vec{F}_z \vec{k}\) is given by: \ \[ abla \cdot \vec{F} = \frac{\partial F_x}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F_y}{\partial y} + \frac{\partial F_z}{\partial z}. \] \For our vector field, with \(F_x = a_2z - a_3y\), \(F_y = a_3x - a_1z\), and \(F_z = a_1y - a_2x\): - \(\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(a_2z - a_3y) = 0\)- \(\frac{\partial}{\partial y}(a_3x - a_1z) = 0\)- \(\frac{\partial}{\partial z}(a_1y - a_2x) = 0\).
04
State the Result
Adding these results gives \(abla \cdot \vec{F} = 0 + 0 + 0 = 0\). Thus, the divergence of the vector field \(\vec{F}(\vec{r}) = \vec{a} \times \vec{r}\) is zero.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Field
In multivariable calculus, a vector field assigns a vector to every point in a given space. Think of it like a map where each point has a little arrow attached to it, showing direction and magnitude.
- Each vector is usually described in terms of its components, typically in the x, y, and z dimensions, and written as \( \vec{F}(x, y, z) = F_x \vec{i} + F_y \vec{j} + F_z \vec{k} \).
- Vector fields are useful for visualizing many physical phenomena, such as magnetic or gravitational fields.
Cross Product
The cross product is a mathematical operation applied to two vectors in three-dimensional space, resulting in a third vector that is perpendicular to both. It is denoted as \( \vec{a} \times \vec{b} \).
- This operation is crucial when dealing with rotational motion and fields like electromagnetism where perpendicular vectors arise naturally.
- The magnitude of the cross product vector corresponds to the area of the parallelogram defined by the original two vectors.
Position Vector
The position vector is essentially a vector that describes the position of a point in space relative to an origin. It has components along the x, y, and z axes and is usually written as \( \vec{r} = x \vec{i} + y \vec{j} + z \vec{k} \).
- This tool helps us not only locate a point in three-dimensional space but also is pivotal in defining the vector field in our problem.
- When interacting with other vectors, say for operations like the cross product, this becomes a cornerstone of calculating resultant vectors.
Multivariable Calculus
Multivariable calculus extends the principles of calculus to functions of several variables. It involves the study of calculus over three-dimensional spaces.
- Key operations include partial differentiation, multiple integration, and the use of vector calculus tools like divergence and curl.
- It's broadly used in fields requiring advanced spatial analysis, such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics.