How to write a Vector Field in Cylindrical Co-ordinates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how to express a vector field in cylindrical coordinates, particularly focusing on a field that circulates around a central axis and does not vary with height (z). Participants explore the components of the vector field in terms of cylindrical coordinates and seek clarification on specific terms and concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a vector field with arrows circulating around a central axis in the x-y plane, suggesting that the field's strength is a function of radial distance, f(r).
  • Another participant proposes that the vector can be represented as V = (Aφ) * unit vector φ, with Aρ = 0 and Az = 0, indicating that the vector field has no components in the ρ and z directions.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on the meaning of Aρ = 0 and requests a description of how cylindrical unit vectors function.
  • One participant explains that Aρ = 0 and Az = 0 means the vector field is perpendicular to both the ρ and z unit vectors, being entirely along the φ unit vector.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the representation of the vector field and the implications of having Aρ and Az equal to zero, but there is a request for further clarification on the cylindrical unit vectors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specifics of how to derive the function f(r) or the implications of the vector field's behavior in different contexts.

greswd
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Ethetahat.jpg

Let's say we have a vector field that looks similar to this. Assume that the above image is of the x-y plane.

The vector arrows circulate a central axis, you can think of them as tangents to circles.

The field does not depend on the height z.

The lengths of the arrows is a function of their radial distance from the center/axis, f(r).How do we write this vector field in terms of Cylindrical coordinates?
##A_\rho \hat{\boldsymbol \rho} + A_\varphi \hat{\boldsymbol \varphi} + A_z \hat{\mathbf z}##

How does one find ##A_\rho , A_\varphi## and ##A_z ## ?
 
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Vector V = (Aφ)* unit vector φ, where Aφ = f(ρ) with Aρ = 0 and Aρ = 0 and Az = 0
 
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Let'sthink said:
Vector V = (Aφ)* unit vector φ, where Aφ = f(ρ) with Aρ = 0 and Aρ = 0 and Az = 0
thanks!

But what do you mean by "with Aρ = 0"?

Also, can you describe how the cylindrical unit vectors work? You can post a link if you like.
 
Aρ = 0 and Az = 0 means the component of the vector field along ρ unit vector and along z unit vector both are zero.In other words vector field every where is perpendicular to ρ unit vector and z unit vector and is entirely along unit vector φ.
 
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Let'sthink said:
Aρ = 0 and Az = 0 means the component of the vector field along ρ unit vector and along z unit vector both are zero.In other words vector field every where is perpendicular to ρ unit vector and z unit vector a ρ unit vector and is entirely along unit vector φ.
thanks, that was a great simple explanation.
 

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