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Differential Operator

The differential operator ∇ is defined as the partial derivative with respect to x in the i direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to y in the j direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to z in the k direction. It can operate on scalar and vector fields. The gradient of a scalar field U, written as gradU or ∇U, is the differential operator applied to U and represents the steepest rate of increase of U at given points in three-dimensional space.

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Christine Perlada
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303 views4 pages

Differential Operator

The differential operator ∇ is defined as the partial derivative with respect to x in the i direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to y in the j direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to z in the k direction. It can operate on scalar and vector fields. The gradient of a scalar field U, written as gradU or ∇U, is the differential operator applied to U and represents the steepest rate of increase of U at given points in three-dimensional space.

Uploaded by

Christine Perlada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Differential Operator

Definition:

∇: del or nabla
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Differential Operator
Definition:
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Direction in the Cartesian Coordinates
Differential/Derivative

Can be operated on Scalar and Vector


Gradient
Definition:
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
grad𝑈 ≡ ∇𝑈 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
where:
𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is a scalar field
Gradient
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
∇𝑈 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Significance:
• Direction of gradient ∇𝑈 points in the direction of maximum increase of the function 𝑈
• Magnitude |∇𝑈| gives the slope (rate of increase) along this maximal direction

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