Vector Transformation in Cartesian and Polar Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of vectors from rectangular Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates, as posed in a question from the book "Tensor Analysis" by Barry Spain. Participants explore the discrepancies between their solutions and the book's provided solution, focusing on the angular component of the transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over their solution yielding an angular component that is r^2 times that of the book's solution, suggesting a potential error in the book.
  • Another participant proposes that both answers may be correct, hinting at a normalization issue.
  • A participant shares a solution using specific vectors for the radial and angular components, noting that their answer does not match exactly with the book's solution.
  • One participant observes that the solutions differ by a factor of r and argues that the solution they found is likely correct due to its dimensional consistency with acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the correctness of the solutions and the potential reasons for the discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made in the transformations and the definitions of the components involved, particularly concerning dimensional analysis and normalization.

Septim
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Greetings,

My question is from the book "Tensor Analysis" by Barry Spain. I am asked to show that how a vector transforms from rectangular Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates. I have attached the question in jpeg format. I have came up with a solution but the angular component in my solution is r^2 times the angular component given in the book. I have checked some books about this subject and found out that both the solution given in the attachment and I have found exist. I am pretty confused about this and I assume that this book is wrong. I will be grateful if someone can provide some insight.
 

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Any ideas ?
 
My guess: normalization question. Both answers may be right.
 
Here is a solution based on using vector u_r = [cos(A) , sin(A)] and vector u_A = [-sin(A), cos(A)] normal to it. Edit: It appears the answer is not exactly the same.
 
Last edited:
Ferramentarius said:
Here is a solution based on using vector u_r = [cos(A) , sin(A)] and vector u_A = [-sin(A), cos(A)] normal to it. Edit: It appears the answer is not exactly the same.

I just saw your post much later but I did not understand your argument.

P.S The link is not accessible.
 
The link was accessible and I saw the solution which is similar to mine though less detail is provided. The two answers differ by a factor of r and I think the solution in the link you suggest is the correct one, since it has the dimensions of acceleration and this is acceleration am I correct?
 

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