Calculating Vector \overline{G} in Spherical Coordinates at Point (3,2,6)

In summary, The given vector is in spherical coordinate system (\overline{G}=\frac{4}{R}\hat{R}) and is to be found at the point (3,2,6). The magnitude of the y component at this point is unknown. The vector can be plotted on a graph at the given point, as it has a direction from the origin to the point.
  • #1
iflabs
11
0
I can't muster my mind around this.

A vector is given in spherical coordinate system: [tex]\overline{G}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{4}{R}[/tex][tex]\hat{R}[/tex]

Find [tex]\overline{G}[/tex] at point (3,2,6) and the magnitude of the y component at the point.

Can you actually plot this vector on a graph at the point? The vector only specifies a length with no direction.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
iflabs said:
I can't muster my mind around this.



Can you actually plot this vector on a graph at the point? The vector only specifies a length with no direction.

But you do have a direction. From the origin to the point given...
 
  • #3
In any coordinate system, the vector corresponding to a single point is the vector from the origin to the point, as berkeman said.
 

1. How do you calculate vector ‾G in spherical coordinates at point (3,2,6)?

To calculate vector ‾G in spherical coordinates at point (3,2,6), we use the formula ‾G = Gr + G&theta + G&phi, where Gr, G&theta, and G&phi are the components of the vector in the radial, azimuthal, and polar directions, respectively.

2. What are the components of vector ‾G in spherical coordinates at point (3,2,6)?

The components of vector ‾G in spherical coordinates at point (3,2,6) are Gr, G&theta, and G&phi, which represent the magnitudes of the vector in the radial, azimuthal, and polar directions, respectively.

3. How do you convert Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates?

To convert Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) to spherical coordinates (r, θ, φ), we use the formulas r = √(x2 + y2 + z2), θ = arccos(z/r), and φ = arctan(y/x).

4. What is the difference between spherical coordinates and Cartesian coordinates?

The main difference between spherical coordinates and Cartesian coordinates is the way they represent points in space. Spherical coordinates use a radial distance (r) and two angles (θ and φ) to describe a point, while Cartesian coordinates use three perpendicular axes (x, y, and z). Additionally, in spherical coordinates, the origin (0,0,0) is represented as the center of a sphere, while in Cartesian coordinates, it is represented as the intersection of the three axes.

5. Why are spherical coordinates useful in scientific calculations?

Spherical coordinates are useful in scientific calculations because they are well-suited for describing and analyzing objects and phenomena that have spherical symmetry, such as planets, stars, and electromagnetic fields. Additionally, they make it easier to solve certain types of mathematical equations, such as those involving spherical harmonics.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
566
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
373
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
699
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
803
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top