# Unit Vector polar in terms of cartesian

by aaj92
Tags: cartesian, mechanics, polar, unit vectors
 P: 25 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Prove that the unit vector r{hat} of two-dimensional polar coordinates is equal to r{hat}= x{hat}cosθ + y{hat}sinθ and find the corresponding expression for θ{hat}. all I need is the last part... I'm just not sure what θ{hat} is? How do I go about doing this? Nothing in my book even hints at how to do this. 2. Relevant equations x = r cos(theta) y = r sin(theta) r = sqrt(x^2 + y^2) theta = arctan(y/x) 3. The attempt at a solution I really just need help getting started... I've been staring at this for over an hour which I know is sad but r{hat} is significantly easier than theta{hat}.
 Homework Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks ∞ PF Gold P: 11,070 How did you do the first bit? What would be the analogous method for the second bit? You are not asked to prove it, just write it down. note: $\text{\hat{a}} \rightarrow \hat{a}$ ... rather than a{hat}. (welcome to PF)
 P: 260 I'm not sure if this will help you, but the general form of the transformation of a basis vector is: $$\vec{e}_{\bar{\nu}}=\sum_{\mu=1}^n \frac{ \partial x^\mu }{ \partial x^{\bar{\nu}}}\vec{e_\mu}$$ where n is the number of dimensions (in this case two). xμ represents the Cartesian coordinates x and y (i.e. x1=x, x2=y). xν (with a bar over it - this distinguishes between Cartesian and polar coordinates) represents the polar coordinates r and θ. What you need to do is differentiate the Cartesian coordinates x and y with respect to r and θ (i.e. dx/dr, dx/dθ, dy/dr, and dy/dθ). When you sum the Cartesian basis vectors e1=(1,0) and e2=(0,1) times the appropriate values, you'll get basis vectors for r and θ.
P: 29

## Unit Vector polar in terms of cartesian

Could someone give me a hint on the first part of this? Because I can derive it - that is just simple trigonometry - but I can't figure out how to concretely prove that $\hat{r}= \hat{x}cosθ + \hat{y}sinθ$

Edit: I'm thinking illustrate that $\vec{r} = r\hat{r}$ in polar and then showing that in Cartesian $\vec{r} = \hat{x}cos\phi +\hat{y}sin\phi$

Edit2: Nope, I'm confused again.. I think elfmotat is correct, but I don't quite understand his explanation.

Edit3: nevermind - I got it.

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