Position vector in spherical coordinates

[xoxomae]

Is the position vector r=xi+yj+zk just r=re_rin spherical coordinates?

 

[andrewkirk]

Yes. Note however that, unlike in the Cartesian representation, we can't use that to tell us where the point is, because we first need to know where the point is to know what vector $\mathbf e_r$ is.

 

[pixel]

You can use your equation, r=xi+yj+zk, with

x = r sinθ cosφ
y = r sinθ sinΦ
z = r cosθ

to continue using Cartesian base vectors. Check out: http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/220/handouts/The Position Vector.pdf

 

[DoobleD]

Check out: http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/220/handouts/The Position Vector.pdf

Amazing link.