Some concepts and terms are used strictly within the narrow framework of professional vocabulary. Other definitions are found in areas that are sharply opposed. So, for example, the concept of "gradient" is used by both a physicist, a mathematician, and a specialist in manicure or Photoshop. What is gradient as a concept? Let's get it right.
What do dictionaries say?
What is the "gradient" special thematic dictionaries interpret in relation to their specifics. Translated from Latin, this word means - "the one that goes, grows." And "Wikipedia" defines this concept as "a vector indicating the direction of increase in magnitude." In the explanatory dictionaries, we see the meaning of this word as "a change of any value by one value." A concept can carry both quantitative and qualitative significance.
In short, it is a smooth gradual transition of any value to one value, a progressive and continuous change in quantity or direction. Mathematics, meteorologists calculate vector. This concept is used in astronomy, medicine, art, computer graphics. A similar term defines completely dissimilar activities.
Math functions
What is function gradient in math? This is a vector whose direction indicates the direction of growth of the function in the scalar field from one value to another. The gradient value is calculated using the definition of partial derivatives. To find out the fastest direction of growth of the function, two points are selected on the graph. They determine the beginning and end of the vector. The rate of growth of a value from one point to another is the magnitude of the gradient. Mathematical functions based on the calculations of this indicator are used in vector computer graphics, the objects of which are graphic images of mathematical objects.
What is a gradient in physics?
The concept of gradient is widespread in many branches of physics: the gradient of optics, temperature, speed, pressure, etc. In this industry, the concept denotes a measure of increasing or decreasing value by one. It is calculated by calculations as the difference between two indicators. Let's consider some of the values in more detail.
What is a potential gradient? In working with an electrostatic field, two characteristics are determined: tension (power) and potential (energy). These different quantities are related to the environment. And although they determine different characteristics, they still have a relationship with each other.
To determine the strength of the force field, a potential gradient is used - a value that determines the rate of change of potential in the direction of the force line. How to calculate? The potential difference of two points of the electric field is calculated by the known voltage using the intensity vector, which is equal to the potential gradient.
Terms of meteorologists and geographers
For the first time, the concept of a gradient was used precisely by meteorologists to determine changes in the magnitude and direction of various meteorological indicators: temperature, pressure, wind speed and strength. It is a measure of the quantitative change in various quantities. Maxwell introduced the term into mathematics much later. In determining weather conditions, there are concepts of vertical and horizontal gradients. Let's consider them in more detail.
What is a vertical temperature gradient? This is a value that shows the change in indicators calculated at heights of 100 m. It can be either a positive direction or a negative one, in contrast to the horizontal one, which is always positive.
The gradient shows the magnitude or angle of slope on the ground. It is calculated as the ratio of the height to the length of the projection of the path in a particular section. It is expressed as a percentage.
Medical indicators
The definition of "temperature gradient" can also be found among medical terms. It shows the difference in the corresponding indicators of the internal organs and the surface of the body. In biology, the physiological gradient captures a change in the physiology of any organ or organism as a whole at any stage of its development. In medicine, the metabolic indicator is the metabolic rate.
Not only physicists, but also physicians use this term in their work. What is a pressure gradient in cardiology? This concept determines the difference in blood pressure in any interconnected departments of the cardiovascular system.
The decreasing gradient of automation is an indicator of a decrease in the frequency of excitations of the heart in the direction from its base to the top, arising automatically. In addition, cardiologists identify the location of the artery lesion and its degree due to the control over the difference in the amplitudes of the systolic waves. In other words, using the amplitude gradient of the pulse.
What is a speed gradient?
When we talk about the rate of change of a certain value, we mean by this the speed of change in time and space. In other words, the velocity gradient determines the change in spatial coordinates in relation to time indicators. This indicator is calculated by meteorologists, astronomers, chemists. The gradient of the shear rate of the liquid layers is determined in the oil and gas industry, to calculate the rate of rise of the liquid through the pipe. Such an indicator of tectonic movements is the area of calculation of seismologists.
Economic functions
To substantiate important theoretical conclusions, the concept of gradient is widely used by economists. When solving consumer problems, a utility function is used, which helps to present preferences from many alternatives. A “budget constraint function” is a term used to refer to a plurality of consumer sets. Gradients in this area are used to calculate optimal consumption.
Color gradient
The term "gradient" is familiar to creative individuals. Although they are far from exact sciences. What is a gradient for an artist, decorator, designer? Since in the exact sciences this is a gradual increase in value by one, so in color this indicator indicates a smooth, stretched transition of shades of one color from lighter to dark, or vice versa. Artists call this process “stretching.” It is also possible to switch to different accompanying colors in one gamut.
Gradient stretch marks of shades in the coloring of the premises took a strong position among the design techniques. The new-fashioned ombre style - smooth flowing of a shade from light to dark, from bright to pale - effectively transforms any room in the house and office.
Opticians use special lenses in sunglasses. What is the gradient in glasses? This is the manufacture of the lens in a special way, when from top to bottom the color changes from darker to lighter shade. Products made using this technology protect the eyes from sunlight and allow you to view objects even in very bright light.
Color in web design
Those who are engaged in web design and computer graphics are well aware of the universal tool "gradient", with which a lot of various effects are created. Color transitions are transformed into glare, a fancy background, three-dimensionality. Manipulation with shades, the creation of light and shadow gives volume to vector objects. For this purpose, several types of gradients are used:
- Linear.
- Radial.
- Conical.
- Mirrored.
- Diamond shaped.
- Noise gradient
Gradient beauty
For visitors to beauty salons, the question of what a gradient is will not be unexpected. True, in this case, knowledge of the mathematical laws and foundations of physics is not necessary. It is still about color transitions. The gradient becomes the hair and nails. The ombre technique, which is translated from French as “tone”, came into fashion from sports lovers of surfing and other beach activities. Naturally burnt and regrown hair became a hit. Fashionistas began to specially dye their hair with a barely noticeable transition in shades.
Ombre technology did not pass by nail salons. The gradient on the nails creates a color with a gradual lightening of the plate from the root to the edge. Masters offer horizontal, vertical, with transition and other varieties.
Needlework
For needlewomen, the concept of "gradient" is familiar on one side. A technique of this kind is used in the creation of handmade items in the decoupage style. In this way, they create new antique things, or restore old ones: chests of drawers, chairs, chests and more. Decoupage involves applying a pattern using a stencil, the basis for which is a color gradient, like a background.
Fabric artists have adopted coloring in this way for new models. Dresses with a gradient coloring conquered the catwalks. The needlewomen, knitters, picked up fashion. Knitwear with a smooth transition of color are a success.
Summing up the definition of "gradient", we can say about a very vast area of human activity, in which there is a place for this term. Not always replacing the synonym "vector" is suitable, since the vector is still a functional, spatial concept. What determines the generality of a concept - this is a gradual change in a certain quantity, substance, physical parameter per unit over a certain period. In color, this is a smooth transition of tone.