The discussion centers on the correct notation of the displacement vector in polar coordinates, specifically addressing the equation \(\hat{r} = r\hat{e}_{r}\). A participant clarifies that the original query misquoted the solution, which states that the unit vector \(\hat{r}\) is equivalent to the scalar \(r\) multiplied by the unit vector \(\hat{e}_{r}\). This notation indicates that the magnitude of the unit vector \(\hat{r}\) is 1, while \(r\) represents the distance from the origin.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, particularly those studying mechanics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking to clarify vector notation in polar coordinates.
There is nothing to explain. You misquoted the solution. It says [itex]\hat{r}[/itex]=r[itex]\hat{e}_{r}[/itex]. In plain English it says "Vector r is the same as scalar r times a unit vector in the direction of r." I am not sure why there is a "hat" over r instead of an arrow thus making the magnitude r =1, but it is what it is.athrun200 said:
