Helmholtz's theorem — An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Helmholtz's theorem

فربین ِ هلمهولتس

farbin-e Helmholtz

Fr.: théorème de Helmholtz

A → decomposition theorem, whereby a continuous → vector field, F, can be broken down into the sum of a → gradient and a → curl term:
F = -∇φ + ∇ xA, where φ is called the → scalar potential and A the → vector potential.

See also: → Helmholtz free energy; → theorem.

An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics