---
tag: 0MWV6ZTK6S
kind: concept
name: Divergence
aliases: [div]
msc: [26B12]
uses: [0299VCW1TH, 09EGC6F8PT]
sources:
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergence
    locator: Physical interpretation of divergence
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergence
    locator: Definition
same_as:
  wikidata: Q189000
  wikipedia: Divergence
---

## Summary

The divergence of a differentiable [[vector field|0299VCW1TH]] is a scalar function. At each point, it measures the net rate of outward flow of the field per unit volume.
In Cartesian coordinates it is the sum of the [[partial derivatives|09EGC6F8PT]] $\partial F_i / \partial x_i$ of the components.