Students predict from graphs of simple 2-d vector fields whether the divergence is positive, negative, or zero in various regions of the domain using the definition of the divergence of a vector field at a point: The divergence of a vector field at a point is flux per unit volume through an infinitesimal box surrounding that point. Optionally, students can use a Mathematica notebook to verify their predictions.
For each of the vector fields below, decide whether the divergence is postive, negative, or zero in each quadrant. Be prepared to defend your answers.
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We precede this activity with a derivation of the rectangular coordinate expression for divergence: the divergence is the flux per unit volume through an appropriately chosen closed surface. Our derivation follows the one in Div, grad, curl and all that, Schey, 2nd edition, Norton, 1973, p. 36 or see our versions https://paradigms.oregonstate.eduhttps://books.physics.oregonstate.edu/GSF/divergence.html One can also use clicker questions or SWBQs about divergence to help get them started (see Visualization of Divergence).
Then the students are presented with a number of examples of 2-d vector fields in dry eraseable plastic sleeves. Most vector fields are shown as a cross-section of the field and it is assumed the the vector field is independent of the third (unshown) dimension. Students are asked to use the definition of divergence as the flux per unit volume through an infinitesimal box to predict the sign and relative magnitude of the divergence in each quadrant. Optionally, a prepared Mathematica worksheet can be used to calculate the divergence, so students can check their predictions.
A quick whole class discussion of the items listed in Student Conversations.
assignment Homework
Consider the vector field \(\vec F=(x+2)\hat{x} +(z+2)\hat{z}\).
assignment Homework
Shown above is a two-dimensional vector field.
Determine whether the divergence at point A and at point C is positive, negative, or zero.
assignment Homework
The gravitational field due to a spherical shell of matter (or equivalently, the
electric field due to a spherical shell of charge) is given by:
\begin{equation}
\vec g =
\begin{cases}
0&\textrm{for } r<a\\
-G \,\frac{M}{b^3-a^3}\,
\left( r-\frac{a^3}{r^2}\right)\, \hat r & \textrm{for } a<r<b\\
-G\,\frac{M}{r^2}\, \hat r & \textrm{for } r>b \\
\end{cases}
\end{equation}
This problem explores the consequences of the divergence theorem for this shell.
assignment Homework
assignment Homework
Find the upward pointing flux of the electric field \(\vec E =E_0\, z\, \hat z\) through the part of the surface \(z=-3 s^2 +12\) (cylindrical coordinates) that sits above the \((x, y)\)--plane.
assignment Homework
Calculate the divergence of each of the following vector fields. You may look up the formulas for divergence in curvilinear coordinates.
assignment Homework
For an infinitesimally thin cylindrical shell of radius \(b\) with uniform surface charge density \(\sigma\), the electric field is zero for \(s<b\) and \(\vec{E}= \frac{\sigma b}{\epsilon_0 s}\, \hat s\) for \(s > b\). Use the differential form of Gauss' Law to find the charge density everywhere in space.
assignment Homework
Shown above is a two-dimensional cross-section of a vector field. All the parallel cross-sections of this field look exactly the same. Determine the direction of the curl at points A, B, and C.
group Small Group Activity
10 min.
group Small Group Activity
5 min.