» Required Reading » Table of Contents Chapter 9: Derivatives of Vector Fields and the Gradient in Polar Coordinates
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Introduction

We discuss how to compute the gradient in coordinate systems like polar coordinates in which we can define orthogonal basis vectors . We also define derivatives of vector fields, the divergence and curl, and discuss the problem of representing functions of several variables so they can be visualized.

Topics

9.1 Derivatives of Vector Functions; the Divergence

9.2 The Curl

9.3 Visualizing Functions of Two Variables

9.4 The Gradient in Polar Coodinates and other Orthogonal Coordinate Systems