Plotting Vector Field: V=(xi+yj+zk)/\sqrt{}(x^2+y^2+z^2)

In summary, to plot a vector field on a graph, choose specific points and calculate the vector at each point. The direction is determined by the position vector at each point, while the length is affected by the expression \sqrt{x^2+ y^2+ z^2} and the distance from the origin.
  • #1
mite
23
0
How to plot this vector field on a graph
[tex]\stackrel{}{\rightarrow}[/tex]
V=(xi+yj+zk)/[tex]\sqrt{}(x^2+y^2+z^2)[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Well, just ask yourself if you recognise the direction the vector field is pointing along at any given coordinate. In particular, consider the position vector of that coordinate as well. Doesn't this look familiar?
 
  • #3
First obvious point: For any vector field, choose some points (x,y,z) ( because you can't plot all of them!), calculate the vector at that point, and plot it.

Now, look at Defennder's post for this specific vector field. [itex]\sqrt{x^2+ y^2+ z^2}[/itex] is a number and affects the length of the post. How does being closer or farther away from the origin affect the length of the vector? The direction is given entirely by xi+yj+zk. What direction would that be starting at the point (x,y,z)?
 

1. What is a vector field?

A vector field is a mathematical concept that assigns a vector to each point in a given space. In other words, it is a function that maps a set of points to a set of vectors.

2. How is a vector field plotted?

A vector field can be plotted by representing each vector as an arrow starting at the corresponding point in the space. The length and direction of the arrow represent the magnitude and direction of the vector.

3. What does the equation V=(xi+yj+zk)/\sqrt{}(x^2+y^2+z^2) represent?

This equation represents a vector field in three-dimensional space, where V is the vector at a given point (x, y, z) and i, j, and k are unit vectors in the x, y, and z directions, respectively.

4. How is the magnitude of a vector represented in a vector field?

The magnitude of a vector in a vector field is represented by the length of the arrow representing that vector. The longer the arrow, the larger the magnitude of the vector.

5. How can vector fields be used in real-world applications?

Vector fields have various applications in science and engineering, including fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and weather forecasting. They can also be used in computer graphics to create realistic visual effects.

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