How to Perform Operations on Vector Fields F and G?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on performing operations on two vector fields, F and G, expressed in different coordinate systems. Participants explore how to compute dot products, cross products, and magnitudes of these vector fields, as well as the relationship between Cartesian and spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents vector fields F and G and asks how to perform specific operations on them, including F·r, F×r, |G|, and G·r.
  • Another participant requests clarification on expressing the unit vector \hat{r} in terms of rectangular components and spherical-polar coordinates.
  • There are repeated requests for guidance on how to relate the coordinates (r, θ, φ) to (x, y, z) and how to connect the basis vectors of the two coordinate systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express confusion and seek clarification on the relationships between coordinate systems and vector operations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet established the necessary relationships between the coordinate systems or provided specific methods for the operations requested.

Obstacle1
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Supposing we have as 2 vector fields:

F = x^2i + 2zj +3k
and
G = r^2e_r + 2\cos\Theta e_{\Theta} + 3\sin(2\phi) e_\phi

how do i perform the following operations on them?

- F\cdot r

- F\times r

- |G|

- G\cdot r
 
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Can you write \hat r in terms of rectangular components and of spherical-polar coordinates?
 
Last edited:
robphy said:
Can you write \hat r in terms of rectangular components and of spherical-polar coordinates?



No, sorry. How do i do that??
 
Obstacle1 said:
No, sorry. How do i do that??

Suppose that you are in three dimensions. You can use standard Cartesian coordinates (x,y,z) or spherical polar coordinates (r,\theta,\phi) to describe this three-dimensional space in a convenient manner.

To begin finding a solution to your problem, how are the coordinates (r,\theta,\phi) related to the coordinates (x,y,z)?

Now how are the basis vectors \{\hat{e}_x,\hat{e}_y,\hat{e}_z\} for the Cartesian coordinate system related to the basis vectors \{\hat{e}_r,\hat{e}_\theta,\hat{e}_\phi\} of the spherical polar coordinate system?
 

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