# Symbols on Div/Curl Question

1. Oct 16, 2008

### TFM

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Determine Div E and Curl E for each of the following vector fields:

$$\vec{E} = (\hat{x} - \hat{z})cos(3(x - z))$$

$$\vec{E} = (\hat{x} + \hat{z})sin(3y)$$

2. Relevant equations

N/A

3. The attempt at a solution

I can do the div and curl, but I am uncertain what the hat x and y are representing. They normally mean vectors, but I haven't seen them put togther like that? if there was just one letter in hat, I would know that it is, for examle, $$\hat{x}sin(x)$$ the div would be cos(x), but I confused by the two hats together. Any ideas?

TFM

Last edited: Oct 16, 2008
2. Oct 16, 2008

### Dick

Suppose you write it this way instead?
$$\vec{E} = \hat{x} cos(3(x - z))- \hat{z} cos(3(x - z))$$
Is it still confusing? The hats are just the unit vectors.

3. Oct 16, 2008

### TFM

Now that makes sense - I knew that they were unit vectors, but I wasn't sure what it meant when they were grouped together like that.

Thanks ,

TFM

4. Oct 20, 2008