The product of a vector and the length of a polar coordinate

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the multiplication of a vector A with the scalar R^2, where A is defined as (x^2 + y^2 + z^2)(xe + ye + ze). Participants clarify that R is the magnitude of the vector, represented as (x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^(1/2), and emphasize the need for standard notation to avoid confusion. The multiplication of a vector by a scalar is highlighted, suggesting that the product A results in a vector scaled by the scalar value. Additionally, there is a request for clarification on the notation used for unit vectors. The conversation underscores the importance of clear definitions and standard mathematical notation in vector operations.
catsonmars
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Homework Statement


So I am not sure how to multiply these two (A*R^2) together.


Homework Equations


A=( x^2 + y^2 + z^2 ) (xe + y e + z e )
Where x represents the three vector compones

I also have R^2=x^2+y^2+z^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Is the product of A (x^3e + y^3 e + z^3 e )? If so why is that? I would think because of some vector rule I am not sure of.
 
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catsonmars said:

Homework Statement


So I am not sure how to multiply these two (A*R^2) together.


Homework Equations


A=( x^2 + y^2 + z^2 ) (xe + y e + z e )
Where x represents the three vector compones

I also have R^2=x^2+y^2+z^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Is the product of A (x^3e + y^3 e + z^3 e )? If so why is that? I would think because of some vector rule I am not sure of.

You haven't told us what R is. Also, (xe + y e + z e ) is strange notation. Is e the base of natural logarithms? Or is that supposed to represent a vector ##\langle x,y,z\rangle## and is that ##\vec R##? Is ##R^2## supposed to represent ##\vec R \cdot \vec R##? It would help greatly if you would define your terms and use standard notation.
 
R is just (x^2+y^2+z^2)^1/2 and it isn't a vector.

Let me rewrite A
A=( x^2 + y^2 + z^2 ) (x\hat{x} + y\hat{y} + z\hat{z} )
 
catsonmars said:
R is just (x^2+y^2+z^2)^1/2 and it isn't a vector.

Let me rewrite A
A=( x^2 + y^2 + z^2 ) (x\hat{x} + y\hat{y} + z\hat{z} )
x2 + y2 + z2 is just a scalar. What happens when you multiply a vector by a scalar?

Also, are ##\hat{x}##, ##\hat{y}##, and ##\hat{z}## some random unit vectors? If they are unit vectors in the directions of the x, y, and z axes, they are usually written i, j, and k.
 
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