Transform vector to Cylindrical Coordinates

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on transforming the vector equation r(t) = Asin(wt)i + Bsin(wt)j + (Ct - D)k into cylindrical coordinates. The user expresses confusion regarding the notation of unit vectors i, j, and k, which represent the Cartesian coordinates x, y, and z, respectively. A participant clarifies that these notations are interchangeable with \mathbf{\hat{x}}, \mathbf{\hat{y}}, and \mathbf{\hat{z}}, and suggests substituting these with their cylindrical counterparts. The transformation involves using the relationships x = r cos(φ) and y = r sin(φ) to convert the equation appropriately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector notation, specifically unit vectors i, j, and k.
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates and their relationships to Cartesian coordinates.
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine.
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving constants and variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the transformation formulas between Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of unit vectors in different coordinate systems.
  • Explore examples of vector transformations in physics and engineering contexts.
  • Practice solving problems involving trigonometric functions in cylindrical coordinates.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, engineering, or mathematics who are working with vector transformations and coordinate systems, particularly those needing to convert between Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates.

ph351
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
i need help transforming this equation into cylindrical coordinates...

w = omega
i = i hat
j = j hat
k = k hat
r is a vector

r(t) = Asin(wt)i + Bsin(wt)j + (Ct - D)k where w, A, B, C and D are constants.

i, j, and k are throwing me off...i know they are components of x, y and z...and i know xhat = cos(phi ro{hat}) - sin(phi phi{hat} likewise for yhat swapping sin and cos...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
ph351 said:
i need help transforming this equation into cylindrical coordinates...

w = omega
i = i hat
j = j hat
k = k hat
r is a vector

r(t) = Asin(wt)i + Bsin(wt)j + (Ct - D)k where w, A, B, C and D are constants.

i, j, and k are throwing me off...i know they are components of x, y and z...and i know xhat = cos(phi ro{hat}) - sin(phi phi{hat} likewise for yhat swapping sin and cos...

HI ph351, welcome to PF!:smile:

The [itex]\mathbf{\hat{i}}[/itex], [itex]\mathbf{\hat{j}}[/itex], and [itex]\mathbf{\hat{k}}[/itex] are just another way of writing [itex]\mathbf{\hat{x}}[/itex], [itex]\mathbf{\hat{y}}[/itex] and [itex]\mathbf{\hat{z}}[/itex]. Different authors use different notations, and it is usually a good idea to familiarize yourself with the notation of a text before attempting to solve problems from it, or apply equation found in it. Other common notations for the Cartesian unit vectors are [itex]\{\mathbf{\hat{e}}_x,\mathbf{\hat{e}}_y,\mathbf{\hat{e}}_z\}[/itex] and [itex]\{\mathbf{\hat{e}}_1,\mathbf{\hat{e}}_2,\mathbf{\hat{e}}_3\}[/itex].

So basically, you have [itex]\textbf{r}(t)=A\sin(\omega t)\mathbf{\hat{x}}+B\sin(\omega t)\mathbf{\hat{y}}+(Ct-D)\mathbf{\hat{z}}[/itex]...and you can just make your substitutions for [itex]\mathbf{\hat{x}}[/itex] and [itex]\mathbf{\hat{y}}[/itex] in cylindrical coordinates.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K