Introduction

A vector field or a scalar field can be differentiated with respect to position in three ways to produce another vector field or scalar field. This Section studies the three derivatives, that is: (i) the gradient of a scalar field (ii) the divergence of a vector field and (iii) the curl of a vector field.

Prerequisites

• be familiar with the concept of a function of two variables
• be familiar with the concept of partial differentiation
• be familiar with scalar and vector fields

Learning Outcomes

• find the divergence, gradient or curl of a vector or scalar field