It is difficult to get anywhere in physics without a firm understanding of vectors and their common operations. Here, we will give vector identities as a reference. Basic terminology to keep straight.
Operation | Symbol |
Gradient | ![]() |
Laplacian | ![]() |
divergence |
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curl |
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scalar product (Dot Product)
vector product (Cross Product)
It can be easier to remember with determinant formulation
Vector Triple Product, aka. BAC CAB
scalar Triple Product
Gradient identities
Divergence of the cross product
Divergence of the curl
Laplacian Identities
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