Standard unit vector in the positive z direction?

In summary, the line integral of a vector field with respect to a position vector r is equal to the dot product of the curl of the vector field and the unit vector in the positive z direction. This unit vector is designated as k and its components are (0, 0, 1). It is also known as the standard basis vector in the positive z direction. This vector can also be obtained by normalizing the vector field F.
  • #1
space-time
218
4
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcIII/CurlDivergence.aspx

In the above link, in the 2nd to last blue box on the page (where it tells how to solve a line integral with respect to a vector field using the curl), it says that the line integral of vector field F with respect to r (with an arrow over the r) equals the iterated integral of the dot product of the curl of F and the standard unit vector in the positive z direction k (with an arrow over the k).

Now when I hear "the standard unit vector in the positive z direction" I generally think of the standard basis vector:

(0,0,1)

Is this the vector that k refers to? I ask this because that seems too simple as well as redundant. If this was the case, they could have just said that the integrand of the iterated integral is simply the z-component of the curl of the vector field.

If this is not what k refers to, then do they potentially mean that k is the unit vector you get when you normalize the vector field F?

If neither of those, then what exactly do they mean by "the standard unit vector in the positive z direction"?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's not clear what you are confused about.

The unit vectors which are aligned with the x, y, and z coordinate axes are usually designated i , j , and k , respectively.

In other words, i = (1, 0, 0) ; j = (0, 1, 0) ; k = (0, 0, 1)
 
  • #3
SteamKing said:
It's not clear what you are confused about.

The unit vectors which are aligned with the x, y, and z coordinate axes are usually designated i , j , and k , respectively.

In other words, i = (1, 0, 0) ; j = (0, 1, 0) ; k = (0, 0, 1)

So you are saying that the vector k that they refer to in the link I posted is in fact the unit vector (0,0,1)?

I just wanted to make sure of this.
 
  • #4
Yes.
 

What is a standard unit vector in the positive z direction?

A standard unit vector in the positive z direction is a vector with a magnitude of 1 and a direction that points in the positive z direction of a three-dimensional coordinate system.

How is a standard unit vector in the positive z direction represented?

A standard unit vector in the positive z direction is commonly represented as ̂k or simply k.

What is the purpose of using a standard unit vector in the positive z direction?

A standard unit vector in the positive z direction is used to define the direction of the z-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system. It is also used in vector operations and calculations.

How is a standard unit vector in the positive z direction calculated?

A standard unit vector in the positive z direction is calculated by dividing the z-component of a vector by its magnitude. This will result in a vector with a magnitude of 1 and a direction pointing in the positive z direction.

Can a standard unit vector in the positive z direction be negative?

No, a standard unit vector in the positive z direction always has a direction that points in the positive z direction and cannot be negative.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
973
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
979
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top