Vector Higgs field 2026-10-06
In the SO(3) vector Higgs model, a real scalar field transforms as . Its gauge covariant derivative is for generators acting by the cross product.
Vector surface element of a graph Created 2026-10-06 Updated 2026-10-18
The graph has upward-oriented vector area element and scalar area element . These follow from the cross product of the parametrization derivatives and . The vector element is used in flux surface integrals and Stokes theorem; reversing orientation changes its sign.
Velocity selector Created 2026-10-18 Updated 2026-10-20
A velocity selector uses perpendicular electric field and magnetic field to transmit a narrow range of speeds along a chosen beam direction. Assume uniform static electric field and magnetic field , with , and an incident velocity . The cross product gives , so the transverse Lorentz force isFor an electron, the electric force points downward and the magnetic force upward. A faster electron initially bends upward; a slower one initially bends downward. At the selected speed, both forces cancel along the whole straight trajectory. The cancellation is independent of mass and nonzero electric charge; it selects velocity, not a particular charge-to-mass ratio. A component of velocity parallel to the magnetic field is not constrained by the cancellation, so the incident beam must also have its direction restricted.
A real exit slit accepts a finite range of speeds and incident directions. A zero displacement at one screen alone does not establish zero force throughout the path: a curved trajectory could return to that screen position. The ideal velocity selector interpretation requires a straight aligned beam, known overlapping electric field and magnetic field, and sufficiently narrow entrance and exit slits. Its useful role in the Thomson charge-to-mass experiment teaching model is to supply speed independently of the subsequent magnetic bending.
Volume integral of a curl 2026-10-25
The divergence theorem applied to for every constant vector gives , with outward unit normal . Indeed , while . Equality of the scalar projections for every proves the vector identity. Reversing the surface cross product reverses the sign.
