Vector Field
A vector field represents direction and magnitude at all points in a coordinate system.
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Description
A vector field F is defined for some domain D and maps points to a vector. Generally the vectors have as many dimensions as the coordinate system. That is, a point (x,y) maps to a vector <P,Q>; a point (x,y,z) maps to a vector <P,Q,R>.
A vector field's domain can be characterized as simply connected, connected, or not connected.
Conservative Fields
A conservative field is path independent. That is, for all Ci that connect A to B and are entirely within D,
Cross-Partial Property of Conservative Fields
A conservative field must satisfy the cross-partial property.
In two dimensions the property specifies that, given F = <P(x,y), Q(x,y)>,
In three dimensions is specifies that, given F = <P(x,y,z), Q(x,y,z), R(x,y,z)>,
Equivalently, test if the curl of F is 0.
If the domain D is simply connected, then satisfying this property is enough to confirm that a vector field is conservative. Otherwise there are more edge cases to consider.
Identifying Gradient Function
if a vector field is conservative, then there exists at least one function f satisfying F = ∇f. There is a general process for identifying this function f.
As an example, consider a vector field given as F = <P(x,y), Q(x,y)>.
Integrate P with respect to x. This produces a function like g(x,y) + h(y) where h(y) is unknown, encompasses the constant C, and accounts for variation in all variables that were held constant for the partial integration.
Derive g(x,y) + h(y) with respect to y. This produces a function like gy(x,y) + h'(y).
Set gy(x,y) + h'(y) equal to Q(x,y) and solve for h'(y).
Integrate h'(y), solving for the actual h(y).
The gradient function is g(x,y) + h(y) + C.
Source-Free Fields
A vector field is source-free if there is zero divergence. This means that there are no sources (points where the field originates) or sinks (points where the field terminates). A consequence is that, for any closed circular path C, movement in is equal to movement out (flux is zero).
Conservative and Source-Free Fields
If vector field F is both conservative and source-free, then the function f that satisfies F = ∇f is harmonic.
A harmonic function notably satisfies Laplace's equation (fxx + fy = 0).