# Cylindrical coordinates: unit vectors and time derivatives

## The Attempt at a Solution

I have found expressions for the unit vectors for cylindrical coordinates in terms of unit vectors in rectangular coordinates.

I have also found the time derivatives of the unit vectors in cylindrical coordinates. However, I am having trouble seeing how it simplifies. For instance, I do not understand how to arrive at the following for the rho hat unit vector.

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PeroK
Homework Helper
Gold Member
You say you have the time derivatives of the unit vectors. But, if the derivative of $\hat{\rho}$ is not that given, then you must have made a mistake.

Chestermiller
Mentor

## Homework Statement

View attachment 237940

## The Attempt at a Solution

I have found expressions for the unit vectors for cylindrical coordinates in terms of unit vectors in rectangular coordinates.
View attachment 237941
I have also found the time derivatives of the unit vectors in cylindrical coordinates. However, I am having trouble seeing how it simplifies. For instance, I do not understand how to arrive at the following for the rho hat unit vector.
View attachment 237943
You have $$\dot{\hat{\rho}}=(-\sin{\phi}\hat{x}+\cos{\phi}\hat{y})\dot{\phi}$$But you already showed that $$\hat{\phi}=(-\sin{\phi}\hat{x}+\cos{\phi}\hat{y})$$
You have $$\dot{\hat{\rho}}=(-\sin{\phi}\hat{x}+\cos{\phi}\hat{y})\dot{\phi}$$But you already showed that $$\hat{\phi}=(-\sin{\phi}\hat{x}+\cos{\phi}\hat{y})$$