Inverse-square Law - Field Theory Interpretation

Field Theory Interpretation

For an irrotational vector field in three-dimensional space the inverse-square law corresponds to the property that the divergence is zero outside the source. This can be generalized to higher dimensions. Generally, for an irrotational vector field in n-dimensional Euclidean space, the intensity "I" of the vector field falls off with the distance "r" following the inverse (n − 1)th power law

,

given that the space outside the source is divergence free.

Read more about this topic:  Inverse-square Law

Famous quotes containing the words field and/or theory:

    But the old world was restored and we returned
    To the dreary field and workshop, and the immemorial feud

    Of rich and poor. Our victory was our defeat.
    Sir Herbert Read (1893–1968)

    By the “mud-sill” theory it is assumed that labor and education are incompatible; and any practical combination of them impossible. According to that theory, a blind horse upon a tread-mill, is a perfect illustration of what a laborer should be—all the better for being blind, that he could not tread out of place, or kick understandingly.... Free labor insists on universal education.
    Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)