Comprehending Physics

• Vectors

  • 2-Dimensional Vectors: Polar Form

The polar form of expressing a vector is the easiest way to express a 2-dimensional vector. In the polar form, we use the angle from a reference line to denote the direction of the vector. The reference lines for all of our vectors must be parallel for consistency. As with polar coordinates, the angle is measured counter-clockwise from the reference line.

There are two useful unit vectors associated with the polar form, both of which are vector functions. The first, , is associated with the angle from the reference line and is the unit vector for that direction. The second, , is the direction at right a angle to such that

.

These polar unit vectors are based on the polar coordinate system and therefore are functions of the polar coordinates. Their directions change with respect to where these vectors are in the coordinate system. always points outward and perpendicular to that.

• Comprehending Physics
  • Vectors
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