In vector calculus, a vector potential is a vector field whose curl is a given vector field. This is analogous to a scalar potential, which is a scalar field whose gradient is a given vector field.
Formally, given a vector field v, a vector potential is a vector field A such that
If a vector field v admits a vector potential A, then from the equality
(divergence of the curl is zero) one obtains
which implies that v must be a solenoidal vector field.
Read more about Vector Potential: Theorem, Nonuniqueness
Famous quotes containing the word potential:
“Laughing at someone else is an excellent way of learning how to laugh at oneself; and questioning what seem to be the absurd beliefs of another group is a good way of recognizing the potential absurdity of many of one’s own cherished beliefs.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)