Types of Vector Fields

Abstract

Vector fields can be classified as

• source fields (synonymously called lamellar, irrotational, or conservative fields) and

• vortex fields (synonymously called solenoidal, rotational, or nonconservative fields)

Electric fields E (x,y,z) can be source or vortex fields, or combinations of both, while magnetic fields B (x,y,z) are always vortex fields (see 3 .1.4). In this text the concept of sources is consistently reserved for positive or negative electric charges only. Vortex fields are said to originate from vortices.