Operations on 2 vector fields?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of vector fields F and G in operations such as dot product and cross product with another vector r, as well as finding the magnitude of vector G. The conversation also includes a request for help in writing the basis vector \hat r in terms of rectangular components and spherical-polar coordinates. The solution is ultimately found by exploring the relationship between the two coordinate systems and their respective basis vectors.
  • #1
Obstacle1
2
0
Supposing we have as 2 vector fields:

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

how do i perform the following operations on them?

- [tex] F\cdot r [/tex]

- [tex] F\times r [/tex]

- |G|

- [tex] G\cdot r [/tex]
 
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  • #2
Can you write [tex]\hat r[/tex] in terms of rectangular components and of spherical-polar coordinates?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
robphy said:
Can you write [tex]\hat r[/tex] in terms of rectangular components and of spherical-polar coordinates?



No, sorry. How do i do that??
 
  • #4
Obstacle1 said:
No, sorry. How do i do that??

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

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

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

1. What are vector fields?

Vector fields are mathematical functions that assign a vector to each point in a given space. They are commonly used to represent physical quantities such as velocity or force that vary over a region.

2. What is the difference between a scalar field and a vector field?

A scalar field assigns a single numerical value to each point in a space, while a vector field assigns a vector to each point. Scalar fields represent quantities such as temperature or pressure, while vector fields represent quantities like velocity or force.

3. How are vector fields represented mathematically?

In two or three dimensions, vector fields can be represented by a set of equations or as a grid of arrows, with each arrow representing the magnitude and direction of the vector at a specific point. In higher dimensions, they can be represented using vector calculus and linear algebra.

4. What are some common operations on vector fields?

Some common operations on vector fields include addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product. These operations can help to analyze and manipulate vector fields in a variety of applications.

5. How are vector fields used in science and engineering?

Vector fields are used in many scientific and engineering fields, including physics, engineering, meteorology, and computer graphics. They can help to model and analyze complex systems, simulate physical phenomena, and design efficient and effective solutions to real-world problems.

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