The word divergence It is a term that has several references depending on the context. Among the observations that are appreciated we have 1) the separation between lines and / or surfaces, 2) the crossing and debate of opinions, 3) at the behest of mathematics, highlights the flow that enters and leaves a vector field, 4) in the analysis of the climate, understands part of the movement of the air currents.
Progressive separation that occurs on two or more lines or surfaces
The progressive separation of two or more lines or surfaces it is called divergence.
Disagreement with others for thinking differently
Another use of the term, at the behest of the world of ideas and their exchange, the divergence will imply the diversity of opinions, the disagreement between two or more people regarding an issue that involves them or regarding an ideology, among others. “ Although we are separated by differences with Juan on political matters, on the rest of the issues we agree.”
A human question that is solved with dialogue and a consensus position
Disagreements or divergences are a common and human matter, which occur at all levels and aspects of life.
By this we mean that they are not strange at all but it is common that sometime in life we see ourselves in the midst of them, now, what is suggested, ideally, is to solve them as soon as possible, through mechanisms like dialogue, and not letting them pass because later it may be more difficult to overcome and resolve them.
There are divergences that are easier to solve than others, of course those people who are more affected by dialogue and consensus will be able to settle differences with others faster, while on the contrary, those who are reluctant to do so, because they have a A closed personality and very little inclined to approach positions with the other, clearly will impose a more complex scenario when it comes to finding solutions.
And looking at the issue of divergence from another perspective, we must say that on some occasions they turn out to be the most welcome and favorable, because divergences in some areas, yes or yes, propose dialogue, exchange of ideas and opinions to reach an agreement , and while in that round trip, questions naturally appear that allow enriching the discussion, and finally synthesizing a solution that contains the best of the opposing views.
Because it is important to make it clear that disagreeing, not agreeing, does not always have to be bad and predispose yes or yes to the fight and dog-face discussions that do not end in finding solutions. In some situations, what has been said can happen, but it is not always, and that is where the divergence undoubtedly has its positive aspect, and that it is very important that it be highlighted and valued.
Another relevant issue that we cannot ignore is that in the face of divergence the important thing is to be constructive, not only to agree but also, even if the agreement is not found, to learn to respect and tolerate that the other does not think like us, this position will make us better people without a doubt.
Application in mathematics and meteorology
On the other hand, in mathematics, the divergence of a vector field measures the difference between flow in and flow out of a vector field.
Continuing within the mathematical context, the Kullback-Leibler divergence is an indicator of the similarity between two probability distribution functions.
And on his side, a divergent series It is that infinite series (the sum of the terms of a sequence) that does not converge, therefore, the individual terms must tend to zero.
On meteorology We also find a reference for the term divergence, since in this way it is called the division of each of the vertical air currents into two flows that move away in different directions.
Normally, one goes in the general direction of the north and the other to that of the south; divergences and convergences alternate at different levels: altitude and ground level; the passage from one level to another is carried out vertically by the ascents, while the four movements will give space to a circuit, when there is a lower convergence the air masses will rise and when arriving at a certain height they are divided into two flows, each one of the flows descends upon reaching a convergence zone and once close to the ground, in a new entry to the divergence, they will move in the opposite direction from the one they had undertaken at altitude.
And the divergence of an electromagnetic beam turns out to be the angular measure of the increase in the diameter of the beam relative to the distance from the optical aperture or the aperture of the antenna from which the beam emerges.
