Electromagnetics

ACEE4-M
Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering – TUP Manila

Module 1
VECTOR ANALYSIS

Contents
• Module Focus
• Introduction
• Power Words
• Lecture Notes
A. Scalars and Vectors
B. Vector Algebra
C. The Rectangular Coordinate System
D. Vector Components and Unit Vector
E. Dot Product
F. Cross Product
G. The Circular Cylindrical Coordinate System
H. The Spherical Coordinate System
• Sample Problems
• Practice Problems
• Assignment
• References

Module Focus
After working with this module, the learner should be able to,

• Identify the difference between a scalar and vector.

• Memorize and explain the meanings of dot and cross products
• Describe vectors in three coordinate systems.
• Compute dot and cross products of vectors written in rectangular, cylindrical and
spherical form.
• Apply dot or cross product to determine angles between vectors, orientation of
axes, areas of triangles and parallelograms in space, scalar and vector projections,
and volumes of solids formed.

Introduction
In this module, you will learn about vector analysis on the viewpoint of an engineer
rather than of a mathematician. You will also learn the difference between a scalar and vector

quantities and operations of vectors. You will also explore on how to describe vectors using the
three common coordinate systems in three dimensions, i.e. the rectangular, circular cylindrical

and spherical coordinate system.

Power Words
Vector analysis - a branch of mathematics that deals with quantities that have both
magnitude and direction. (Britanica.com)

Scalars -defined by specifying the magnitude of a physical quantity. Examples are mass,
time, speed, temperature, mass, distance, length.

Vectors – defined by specifying the magnitude and direction of a physical quantity.

Examples are velocity, weight, force, acceleration, torque, displacement

Scalar Projection of Vector – it is the dot product between a vector and a unit vector in
the direction of another vector.

Unit Vector – is a vector having a magnitude of 1. Its purpose is to point direction in

space.

Lecture Notes
❖WEEK 1 Orientation
Chapter 1 - VECTOR ANALYSIS
What are scalars and vectors?
A. Scalars and Vectors
The term scalar refers to a quantity whose value may be represented by a single (positive

or negative) real number. The x, y, and z we use in basic algebra are scalars, and the quantities
they represent are scalars. Other examples of scalar quantities are mass, density, pressure (but not

force), volume, volume resistivity, and voltage. A vector quantity has both a magnitude and a

direction in space. Can be described in two- and three-dimensional spaces only, but vectors may

be defined in n-dimensional space. Force, velocity and acceleration are quantity which can be
characterized by both a magnitude and a direction. Our study will focus scalar and vector fields.

A field (scalar or vector) may be defined mathematically as some function that connects an

arbitrary origin to a general point in space. Not that the field concept invariably is related to a
region. Some quantity is defined at every point in a region. Both scalar fields and vector fields

exist. The temperature throughout the bowl of soup and the density at any point in the earth are
examples of scalar fields. The gravitational and magnetic fields of the earth, the voltage gradient

in a cable, and the temperature gradient in a soldering-iron tip are examples of vector fields. The
value of a field varies in general with both position and time. Scalars can be described by a line

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segment whose length signifies the magnitude while vectors can be described by an arrow whose

length signifies the magnitude and its tip for its directions as shown,

magnitude

(a) (b)

Source: grc.nasa.gov

(c)

Fig 1: Representation of physical quantities (a) scalar (b) vector (c) examples of scalar and vector

quantities

B. VECTOR ALGEBRA

Vector operation defines the rules of vector arithmetic, vector algebra, and vector

calculus. Some of the rules will be similar to those of scalar algebra. The addition of vectors

follows the parallelogram law. Figure 2 shows the sum of two vectors, A and B. It is easily seen

that A+B = B+A, or that vector addition obeys the commutative law. Vector addition also obeys
the associative law and distributive law

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 Fig. 2: Shows the sum of two vectors

Division of a vector by a scalar is merely multiplication by the reciprocal of that scalar.

Two vectors are said to be equal if their difference is zero, or A = B if A − B = 0. In the use of
vector fields, vectors are added and subtracted that are defined at the same point.

C. The Rectangular Coordinate System

To describe a vector accurately, some specific lengths, directions, angles, projections, or

components must be given. There are three simple methods of doing this, and about eight or ten

other methods that are useful in very special cases. We are going to use only the three simple

methods, and the simplest of these is the rectangular, or rectangular cartesian, coordinate system

.In the rectangular coordinate system, we set up three coordinate axes mutually at right angles to
each other and call them the x, y, and z axes as shown on Fig 3.

Fig. 3: (a) shows a right-handed rectangular coordinate system (b) shows points P and Q whose

coordinates are (1, 2, 3) and (2,−2, 1) (c) volume element

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 It is customary to choose a right-handed coordinate system as shown in Fig. 3(a). A point

is located by giving its x, y, and z coordinates. These are, respectively the distances from the origin

to the intersection of perpendicular lines dropped from the point to the x, y, and z axes. An

alternative method of interpreting coordinate values, which must be used in all other coordinate
systems, is to consider the point as being at the common intersection of three surfaces. These are

the planes x = constant, y = constant, and z = constant, where the constants are the coordinate

values of the point. Figure 3(b)shows points P and Q whose coordinates are (1, 2, 3) and (2,−2,

1),respectively. Point P is therefore located at the common point of intersection of the planes x =
1, y = 2, and z = 3, whereas point Q is located at the intersection of the planes x = 2, y = −2, and

z = 1.If we visualize three planes intersecting at the general point P, whose coordinates are x, y,

and z, we may increase each coordinate value by a differential amount and obtain three slightly

displaced planes intersecting at point P’, whose coordinates are x +dx, y + dy, and z +dz. The
six planes define a rectangular parallelepiped whose volume is dv = dxdydz; the surfaces have

differential areas dS of dxdy, dydz, and dzdx. Finally, the distance dL from P to P’ is the

diagonal of the parallelepiped and has a length of (dx)2 + (dy)2 + (dz)2.shows points P and Q

whose coordinates are (1, 2, 3) and (2,−2, 1)is shown in Figure 3(c) ;point P’ is indicated, but point
P is located at the only invisible corner.

D. Vector Components and Unit Vector

To describe a vector in the rectangular coordinate system, let us first consider a vector A
extending outward from the origin as shown on Fig 4. A logical way to identify this vector is by

giving the three component vectors, lying along the three coordinate axes, whose vector sum

Az

az Ay y

Ax ax ay

Fig. 4. Vector A extending outward from the origin

must be the given vector. If the component vectors of the vector A are Ax,Ay, and Az,then

A = Ax+Ay+Az (1)

A = (Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2) 1/2 - magnitude of A (2)

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 aA = ( A ) / ( A ) – direction of A (3)

The component vectors have magnitudes that depend on the given vector (such as r), but

they each have a known and constant direction. This suggests the use of unit vectors having unit
magnitude by definition; these are parallel to the coordinate axes and they point in the direction

of increasing coordinate values. We reserve the symbol a for a unit vector and identify its direction

by an appropriate subscript. Thus a x , a y, and az are the unit vectors in the rectangular

coordinate system. They are directed along the x, y, and z axes, respectively, as shown in Figure 4.

If the component vector y happens to be two units in magnitude and directed toward increasing

values of x, we should then write Ax = 2ax. If a vector A and B pointing from the origin to point
P(1, 2, 3) is written A = ax + 2ay + 3az and Q(2,−1, 4) is written B = 2ax- ay + 4az

Q(2, -1, 4)CaA P (1, 2, 3)

B A

-y O y

Fig 5. Showing the position of vector A, B and C

The vector from P to Q may be obtained by applying the rule of vector addition. This rule shows

that the vector from the origin to P plus the vector from P to Q (vector C) is equal to the vector

from the origin to Q. The desired vector from P(1, 2, 3) to Q(2,−1, 4) is therefore

C = B − A = (2 − 1)ax + (−1 − 2)ay + (4 − 3)az= ax − 3ay − az

for the magnitude of C

C = { 12 + ( - 3 ) 2 + ( - 1 )2 }1/2 = 3.31

for the unit vector in the direction of C,

aC = (ax − 3ay − az) / 3.31 = 0.32ax–0.91ay –0.32az

The vectors A, B, and C are shown in Figure 5. The last vector does not extend outward from the

origin, as did the vector A initially considered.

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➢ Sample Problem

1. Specify the unit vector extending from the origin toward the point G(2,2,3).

Given: z
G(2, 2, 3)

-y +y
o

Solution. We first construct the vector extending from the origin to point G,

G = 2ax − 2ay –3az ,

We continue by finding the magnitude of G,

|G| = [ (2)2 + (−2)2 + (−3)2 ] ½ = 4.123

and finally expressing the desired unit vector as the quotient,

aG = G / |G| = (2/ 4.123)ax – (2 / 4.123)ay – (3/4.123)az

az = 0.485ax − 0.485ay − 0728az - answer

➢ Practice Problem
1. Given points M(−3, 2, 2), N(1,−2, 2), and P(−1,−3,−2), find:(a) RMN; (b) RMN + RMP;
(c) |rM|; (d) aMP; (e) |2rP − 3rN |.

2 .The three vertices of a triangle are located at A(6,−1, 2), B(−2, 3,−4),and C(−3, 1, 5).
Find: (a) RAB; (b) RAC; (c) the angle θBAC at vertex A; (d) the(vector) projection of RAB on RAC.

❖Week 2

E. Dot Product (Scalar Product)

Consider two vectors A and B separated by and angle θ

B Sin θ B

θ A

B Cos θ (component of vector B parallel to vector A)

Figure 6: Vector A and B separated by an angle θ

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 The dot product between two vectors is the product of the magnitude of vector A and the

component of vector B parallel to vector A. From the above diagram it shows that,

A · B(read A dot B) = A x B Cos θ (4 )

In terms of the components of vector,

Let A = Axax + Ayay + Azazand Bxax + Byay + Bzaz then,

A · B = (Axax + Ayay + Azaz) · (Bxax + Byay + Bzaz)

= AxBxax · ax+ AxBy ax · ay + AxBz ax · az +

AyBx ay · ax + AyBy ay · ay + AyBz ay · az +

AzBx az · ax + AzBy az · ay + AzBz az · az

but ax · ax = ay · ay = az · az = 1 and

ax · ay= ax · az=ay · ax=ay · az=az · ax=az · ay = 0

therefore, in terms of the components,

A · B = AxBx + AyBy + AzBz (5)

One of the most common applications of the dot product is in mechanics, where a

constant force F applied over a straight displacement L does an amount of work FL cos θ, which

is more easily written F · L and if the force varies along the path, integration is necessary to find
the total work and the result becomes

Work = F · dL (6)

F. Cross Product

Consider two vectors A and B separated by and angle θ

AxB
B Sin θ B
(perpendicular to vector A) θ

Figure 7: Vector A and B separated by an angle θ

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 The dot product between two vectors is the product of the magnitude of vector A and the

component of vector B perpendicular to vector A. From the above diagram it shows that,

A x B (read AcrossB) = A x B Sin θ - scalar form( 7 )

A x B (read AcrossB) = A x B Sin θaN - vector form( 8 )

In terms of the components of vector,

Let A = Axax + Ayay + Azaz and Bxax + Byay + Bzazthen,

AxB = (Axax + Ayay + Azaz) x (Bxax + Byay + Bzaz)

= AxBxaxxax + AxByaxxay + AxBzaxxaz +

AyBxay xax + AyByay xay + AyBzay xaz +

AzBxaz xax + AzByaz xay + AzBzaz xaz

andapplying cross product,

axxax = ay xay = az xaz = 0

axxay = az , ay xax = - az , az xax = ay

axxaz = -ay , ay xaz = ax , az xay = - ax

therefore, in terms of the components,

A x B = (AyBz - AzBy)ax +(AzBx – AxBz)ay+ (AxBy - AyBx)az (9)

also in determinant form,

ax ay az
AxB= Ax Ay Az
Bx By Bz

A x B = (AyBz - AzBy)ax - (AxBz – AzBx)ay+ (AxBy - AyBx)az ( 10 )

the equations ( 9 ) and ( 10 ) above are equal.

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 The cross product may be used to replace the right-hand rule familiar to all electrical

engineers. Consider the force on a straight conductor of length L, where the direction assigned to

L corresponds to the direction of the steady current I , and a uniform magnetic field of flux density

B is present. Using vector notation, we may write the result neatly as,

F = IL × B ( 11 )

➢ Sample Problem

1. In order to illustrate the definitions and operations of dot product, consider the
vector field G = yax −2.5xay+3az and the point Q(4, 5, 2).find: (a) G at Q; (b) the
scalar component of G at Q in the direction of aN = (1/3) (2ax + ay − 2az ); (c) the
vector component of G at Q in the direction of aN; and finally, (d) the angle θGa
between G(rQ) and aN .

Solution. Substituting the coordinates of point Q into the expression for G, we have
X = 4, y = 5, z=2

G(rQ) = 5ax− 10ay+ 3az

next we find the scalar component. Using the dot product, we have

G· aN= (5ax− 10ay+ 3az) ・(1/3)(2ax+ ay− 2az) = (1/3) (10 − 10 − 6) = −2

The vector component is obtained by multiplying the scalar component by the

unit vector in the direction of aN,

(G· aN)aN= −(2)(1/3) (2ax + ay− 2az) = −1.333ax− 0.667ay+ 1.333az

The angle between G(rQ) and aNis found from

G· aN= |G| cos θGa

−2 = √25 + 100 + 9 cos θGa, and

θGa= cos−1(−2 /√134)

2. Find the cross product between vector A and B if vector A = 2ax− 3ay+ az and
vector B = −4ax− 2ay+ 5az , we have

ax ay az

AxB = 2 −3 1

−4 −2 5

= [(−3)(5) − (1(−2)]ax− [(2)(5) − (1)(−4)]ay+ [(2)(−2) − (−3)(−4)]az

= −13ax− 14ay− 16az

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 ➢ Practice Problems

1. The vector from the origin to point A is given as (6,−2,−4), and the unit vector
directed from the origin toward point B is (2,−2, 1)/3. If points A and B are 15 units
apart, find the coordinates of point B.

2. Find the acute angle between the two vectors A = ax+ 3ay+ 2az and B = 2ax− ay+ 2az
by using the definition of (a) the dot product; (b) the cross product.

❖Week 3
G. The Circular Cylindrical Coordinate System

The rectangular coordinate system is generally the one in which students prefer to work

every problem. This often means a lot more work, because many problems possess a type of
symmetry that pleads for a more logical treatment. The circular cylindrical coordinate system is

the three-dimensional version of the polar coordinates of analytic geometry as shown on Figure

8.

Figure 8: Showing three planes intersecting at one point

Referring to the diagram shown above

Any point in space is considered to be at the intersection of three mutually

perpendicular surfaces:

• A circular cylinder ( ρ = constant )

• A vertical plane ( φ = constant )

• A horizontal plane ( z = constant )

Any point in space is represented by three coordinates P ( ρ, φ, z )

• ρ denotes the radius of an imaginary cylinder passing

through P or the radial distance from z axis to point P.

• φ denotes azimuthal angle, measured from the x axis to a

vertical intersecting plane passing through P.

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 • z denotes distance from xy – plane to a horizontal

intersecting plane passing through P. It is the same as in

rectangular coordinate system.

Three unit vectors must also be defined, but we may no longer direct them along the

“coordinate axes,” for such axes exist only in rectangular coordinates. Instead, we take a broader

view of the unit vectors in rectangular coordinates and realize that they are directed toward
increasing coordinate values and are perpendicular to the surface. In a corresponding way we may

now define three unit vectors in cylindrical coordinates, aρ, aφ, and az as show on Figure 9(a) .
The unit vector aρ at a point P(ρ1, φ1, z1) is directed radially outward, normal to the cylindrical
surface ρ = ρ1. It lies in the planes φ = φ1and z = z1. The unit vector aφ is normal to the
plane φ = φ1, points in the direction of increasing φ, lies in the plane z = z1, and is tangent to
the cylindrical surface ρ = ρ 1. The unit vector az is the same as the unit vector az of the

rectangular coordinate system. A differential volume element in cylindrical coordinates may be

obtained by increasing ρ, φ, and z by the differential increments dρ, dφ, and dz as shown

on Figure 9(b)

(a) (b)

Fig. 9:(a) The three unit vectors of the circular cylindrical coordinate system. (b) The
differential volume unit in the circular cylindrical coordinate system; dρ, ρdφ, and dz are
all elements of length.

The two cylinders of radius ρ and ρ + dρ, the two radial planes at angles φ and φ +
dφ, and the two “horizontal” planes at “elevations” z and z + dz now enclose a small volume,
as shown in Figure 1.6c, having the shape of a truncated wedge. As the volume element becomes

very small, its shape approaches that of a rectangular parallelepiped having sides of length dρ ,
ρdφ, and dz. Note that dρ and dz are dimensionally lengths, but dφis not; ρdφ is the length.

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The surfaces have areas of ρ dρ dφ, dρ dz, and ρ dφdz, and the volume becomes ρ dρ
dφ dz.

The variables in rectangular and cylindrical coordinate systems are easily related to each
other. Thus, conversion is possible. Referring to Figure 10, we see that given ρ and φ, rectangular
variables can be determined.

Fig. 10: The relationship between the rectangular variables x, y, z and the cylindrical
coordinate variables ρ, φ, z. There is no change in the variable z between the two
systems.

• Conversion from RCS to CCCS given ρ, φ and z – scalar function

x = ρ cos φ, y = ρ sin φ, z=z

From the other viewpoint, we may express the cylindrical variables in terms of x, y,

and z:

• Conversion from CCCS to RCS given x, y and z – scalar function

ρ = ( x2 + y2 ) 1/2 (ρ ≥ 0) , φ = tan−1 y/x, z=z

• Conversion from RCS to CCCs – vector function

Give vector A in rectangular form

A = Axax + Ayay + Azaz

where each component is given as a function of x, y, and z, and we need a vector in cylindrical

coordinates, A = Aρaρ + Aφaφ + Azaz

where each component is given as a function of ρ, φ, and z. To find any desired component of a

vector, we recall from the discussion of the dot product that a component in a desired direction

may be obtained by taking the dot product of the vector and a unit vector in the desired direction.

Hence,

Aρ = A· aρ andAφ = A· aφ

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Expanding these dot products, we have

Aρ = (Axax + Ayay + Azaz ) · aρ = Axax · aρ + Ayay · aρ

Aφ = (Axax + Ayay + Azaz ) · aφ = Axax · aφ + Ayay · aφ

and

Az = (Axax + Ayay + Azaz ) · az = Azaz · az = Az

since az · aρ and az · aφ are zero.

In order to complete the transformation of the components, it is necessary to know the

dot products ax · aρ, ay · aρ, ax · aφ, and ay · aφ. Applying the definition of the dot
product, we see that since we are concerned with unit vectors, the result is merely the cosine of

the angle between the two unit vectors in question. Referring to Figure 1.7 and thinking mightily,

we identify the angle between ax and aρ as φ, and thus ax · aρ = cos φ, but the angle between
ay and aρ is 90◦ − φ, and ay · aρ = cos (90◦ − φ) = sin φ. The remaining dot products of
the unit vectors are found in a similar manner, and the results are tabulated as functions of φ in

Table 1.

Table 1. Dot products of unit vectors in cylindrical and rectangular coordinate systems

Therefore, given vector in rectangular form to transform into cylindrical

Aρ = Ax cos θ + Ay Sin θ ( 12 )

Aφ = -Ax Sinθ + Ay Cos θ ( 13 )

Az = Az ( 14 )

➢ Sample Problem

Transform the vector B = yax− xay+ zaz into cylindrical coordinates.

Solution.
The new components are

Bρ = B · aρ= y(ax· aρ) − x(ay· aρ)

= y cos φ − x sin φ = ρ sin φ cos φ − ρ cos φ sin φ = 0

Bφ = B · aφ= y(ax· aφ) − x(ay· aφ)

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 = −y sin φ − x cos φ = −ρ sin2 φ − ρ cos2 φ = −ρ
Thus,
B = −ρaφ + zaz - answer

➢ Practice Problems
1. Transform to cylindrical coordinates: (a) F = 10ax−8ay+6azat point P(10,−8, 6);
(b)G =(2x+y)ax−(y−4x)ay at point Q(ρ, φ, z). (c) Give the rectangular components of
the vector H = 20aρ − 10aφ+ 3az at P(x = 5, y = 2, z = −1).

2. The surfaces ρ =2, ρ = 4, φ = 30O, φ = 60O, z = 1, and z = 5 define a closed surface.

Find (a) the enclosed volume; (b) the total area of the enclosing surface; (c) the total
length of the twelve edges of the surfaces ;(d) the length of the longest straight line
that lies entirely within the volume.

❖ Week 4 – QUIZ 1
❖ Week 5
H. The Spherical Coordinate System

Let us start by building a spherical coordinate system on the three rectangular axes (Figure
1.8a). We first define the distance from the origin to any point as r . The surface r = constant is a

sphere. The second coordinate is an angle θ between the z axis and the line drawn from the origin

to the point in question. The surface θ = constant is a cone, and the two surfaces, cone and sphere,

are everywhere perpendicular along their intersection, which is a circle of radius r sin θ.

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 Fig 11: (a) The three spherical coordinates. (b) The three mutually perpendicular
surfaces of the spherical coordinate system. (c) The three unit vectors of spherical
coordinates: ar× aθ= aφ. (d) The differential volume element in the spherical
coordinate system.

The third coordinate φ is also an angle and is exactly the same as the angle φ of
cylindrical coordinates. It is the angle between the x axis and the projection in the z = 0 plane of
the line drawn from the origin to the point.

The surface φ = constant is a plane passing through the θ = 0 line (or the z axis). We
again consider any point as the intersection of three mutually perpendicular surfaces—a sphere,
a cone, and a plane. The three surfaces are shown in Figure 11 (b) .

Three unit vectors may again be defined at any point.

• unit vector ar is directed radially outward, normal to the sphere r = constant, and
lies in the cone θ = constant and the plane φ = constant.

• unit vector aθ is normal to the conical surface, lies in the plane, and is tangent to
the sphere.

• unit vector aφ is the same as in cylindrical coordinates, being normal to the plane
and tangent to both the cone and the sphere.

The three unit vectors are shown in Figure 11 (c). They are, of course, mutually
perpendicular, and a right-handed coordinate system is defined by causing ar ×aθ = aφ.

A differential volume element may be constructed in spherical coordinates by increasing

r, θ, and φ by dr, dθ, and dφ, as shown in Figure 11 (d) . The distance between the two
spherical surfaces of radius rand r + dr is dr; the distance between the two cones having
generating angles of θand θ + dθ is rdθ; and the distance between the two radial planes at
angles φ andφ + dφ is found to be r sin θdφ, after a few moments of trigonometric
thought. The surfaces have areas of r dr dθ, r sin θ dr dφ, and r 2 sin θ dθ dφ,
and the volume is r 2 sin θ dr dθ dφ.

The transformation of scalars from the rectangular to the spherical coordinate

system is easily made by using Figure 11(a) to relate the two sets of variables:

x = r sin θ cos φ, y = r sin θ sin φ, z = r cos θ

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 The transformation in the reverse direction is achieved with the help of

r = (x2 + y2 + z2)1/2 (r ≥ 0) , θ = cos−1( z /r ) (0◦ ≤ θ ≤ 180◦),

φ = tan−1 (y/x)

The transformation of vectors requires us to determine the products of the unit vectors
in rectangular and spherical coordinates. We work out these products from Figure 11 (c) and a
pinch of trigonometry. Because the dot product of any spherical unit vector with any rectangular
unit vector is the component of the spherical vector in the direction of the rectangular vector,
the dot products with az are found to be

az · ar = cos θ, az · aθ = −sin θ, az · a φ = 0

The dot products involving ax and ay require first the projection of the spherical
unit vector on the xy plane and then the projection onto the desired axis. For example,
ar · ax is obtained by projecting ar onto the xy plane, giving sin θ, and then projecting
sin θ on the x axis, which yields sin θ cos φ. The other dot products are found in a
like manner, and all are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Dot products of unit vectors in spherical and rectangular coordinate systems

Therefore, given vector in rectangular form to transform into spherical

Aρ = Ax sin θ cos φ + Ay Sin θ sin φ + Az cos θ ( 15 )

Aρ = Ax cos θ cos φ + Ay cos θ Sin φ – Az Sin θ ( 16 )

Aφ = - Ax Sin θ + Ay Cos θ ( 17 )

➢ Sample Problem

Transform the vector field G=(xz/y)ax into spherical components and variables.

Solution.
We find the three spherical components by dotting G with the appropriate
unit vectors, and we change variables during the procedure:

Gr = G· ar=xzyax· ar=xzysin θ cos φ= r sin θ cos θcos2 φsin φ

Gθ = G· aθ=xzyax· aθ=xzycos θ cos φ= r cos2 θcos2 φsin φ

Gφ = G· aφ=xzyax· aφ=xzy(−sin φ)= −r cos θ cos φ

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 Collecting these results, we have

G = r cos θ cos φ (sin θ cot φ ar+ cos θ cot φ aθ− aφ) - answer

➢ Practice Problem
1. Given vector A = 4ax – 2ay – 4az transform to spherical form at point A ( 2, 3, 5 )

2. The surfaces r = 2 and r = 4.5, ϴ = 30O and ϴ = 45O, φ = 45O and φ = 70O define a
closed surface. Find (a) the enclosed volume; (b) the total area of the enclosing
surface; (c) the total length of the twelve edges of the surfaces; (d) the length of the
longest straight line that lies entirely within the volume.

❖ WEEK 6 – PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Supplemental Problems with Solutions

1. Given two vectors A = - ax – 3ay – 4az and B = 2ax + 2ay + 2az and point C(1, 3, 4).
Find: a) RAB, b) A c) aA d) aAB

z
A( -1, -3, -4 ) • pt. C ( 1, 3, 4 )
AB

A B( 2, 2, 2 )
B
-y y
o

Solution:

a) RAB = ( 2+ 1) ax + ( 2 + 3 ) ay + ( 2 + 4 ) az
= 3 ax + 5 ay + 6 az

b) A = - ax – 3 ay – 4 az, then / A / = √ ( -1 )2 + ( - 3 )2 + ( -4 )2 = 5.10

c) aA = A / A = - ax – 3 ay – 4 az / 5.10 = - 0.196ax – 0.588 ay – 0.784 az

d) RAB = 3 ax + 5 ay + 6 az , RAB = √ 32 + 52 + 62 = 8.367

aAB = RAB / RAB = = ( 3 ax + 5 ay + 6 az ) / 8.367

aAB = 0.359ax + 0.598ay + 0.717az - answer

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2. Transform each of the ff vectors to cylindrical coordinates at the point specified.
a) P = 5 ax at P( 4, 120O, 2 ) b) Q = ax at Q( 3, 4, -1 )
c) A = 4ax – 2ay – 4az at A( 2, 3, 5 )

Solution:

a) From ( 12 )
Pρ = P • a ρ = 5 ( a x • a ρ ) = 5 cos 120O = - 2.5aρ

From (13)
Pφ = P • a φ = 5 (ax • aφ ) = 5 ( -Sin 120O ) = - 4.83aφ

From (14)
Pz = P z =0

P = -2.5aρ - 4.83aφ - answer

b) At Q 9 3, 4, -1 ), convert to cylindrical values

ρ = √ 32 + 42 = 5, φ = tan -1 = y/x = 4 / 3 = 53.13O

from (12)

Qρ = Q • aρ = 5 ( ax • aρ ) = 5 cos 53.13O = 3 aρ

From ( 13)
Qφ = Q • aφ = 5 (ax • aφ ) = 5 ( -Sin 53.13O ) = - 4 aφ

From (14)
Qz = QZ = 0

Q = 3 aρ - 4 aφ - answer

c) A = 4ax – 2ay – 4az at A( 2, 3, 5 ) convert to cylindrical values

ρ = √ 22 + 32 = 3.61 , φ = tan -1 = y/x = 3 / 2 = 56.31O

z = 5

from (12)

Aρ = A • aρ = 4 cos 56.31O +2 sin 56.31 = 0.555 aρ

From (13)
Aφ = A • aφ = - 4 Sin 56.31O - 2 cos 56.31O = - 4.44 aφ

from (14)
Az = Az = – 4az
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 A = 0.555 aρ - 4.44 aφ - 4az - answer

Practice Problems
Try solving the following problems. Answers are provided for each problem as guide.

1.Given points M(−1, 2, 1), N(3,−3, 0), and P(−2,−3,−4), find:(a) RMN; (b) RMN + RMP;
(c) |rM|; (d) aMP; (e) |2rP − 3rN |.

Ans.(a) 4ax− 5ay− az; (b) 3ax− 10ay− 6az; (c) 2.45; (d) −0.14ax − 0.7ay− 0.7az; (e) 15.56

2.A vector field S is expressed in rectangular coordinates as S =

{125/[(x−1)2+(y−2)2+(z+1)2]}{(x −1)ax+(y−2)ay+(z+1)az}. (a) Evaluate S at P(2, 4, 3). (b)
Determine a unit vector that gives the direction of S at P.(c) Specify the surface f (x, y, z) on
which |S| = 1.

Ans.(a) 5.95ax + 11.90ay+ 23.8az; (b) .218ax+ 0.436ay+ 0.873az; (c) (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 + (z +
1)2 = 125

3.The three vertices of a triangle are located at A(6,−1, 2), B(−2, 3,−4),and C(−3, 1, 5). Find:
(a) RAB; (b) RAC; (c) the angle θBAC at vertex A; (d) the(vector) projection of RAB on RAC.

Ans.(a) −8ax+ 4ay− 6az; (b) −9ax+ 2ay+ 3az; (c) 53.6◦; −5.94ax+ 1.319ay+ 1.979az

4.The three vertices of a triangle are located at A(6,−1, 2), B(−2, 3,−4),and C(−3, 1, 5). Find:
(a) RAB× RAC; (b) the area of the triangle; (c) a unit vector perpendicular to the plane in which
the triangle is located.

Ans.(a)24ax+ 78ay+ 20az; (b) 42.0; (c) 0.286ax + 0.928ay+ 0.238az

5. (a) Give the rectangular coordinates of the point C(ρ = 4.4, φ =−115◦, z = 2). (b) Give the
cylindrical coordinates of the point D(x =−3.1, y = 2.6, z = −3). (c) Specify the distance from
C to D.

Ans.1)C(x = −1.860, y = −3.99, z = 2); D(ρ = 4.05, φ = 140.0◦, z = −3); 8.36

6. Transform to cylindrical coordinates: (a) F = 10ax−8ay+6azat point P(10,−8, 6);

(b)G =(2x+y)ax−(y−4x)ay at point Q(ρ, φ, z). (c) Give the rectangular components of the
vector H = 20aρ − 10aφ+ 3az at P(x = 5, y = 2, z = −1).

Ans.(a) 12.81aρ+6az; (b) (2ρ cos2 φ−ρ sin2 φ+5ρ sin φ cos φ)aρ+(4ρ cos2 φ−ρ sin2 φ− 3ρ
sin φ cos φ)aφ; (c) Hx = 22.3, Hy = −1.857, Hz = 3

Homework
1. Given the vectors M = −10ax+ 4ay− 8azand N = 8ax+ 7ay− 2az, find:(a) a unit vector in
the direction of −M+ 2N; (b) the magnitude of 5ax+ N − 3M; (c) |M||2N|(M+N).

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2. Vector A extends from the origin to (1, 2, 3), and vector B extends from the origin to
(2, 3,−2). Find (a) the unit vector in the direction of (A − B); (b) the unit vector in the
direction of the line extending from the origin to the midpoint of the line joining the
ends of A and B.

3. The vector from the origin to point A is given as (6,−2,−4), and the unit vector directed
from the origin toward point B is (2,−2, 1)/3. If points A and B are ten units apart, find the
coordinates of point B.

4. A vector field is specified as G = 24xyax+ 12(x2 + 2)ay+ 18z2az. Given two points, P(1,
2,−1) and Q(−2, 1, 3), find (a) G at P; (b) a unit vector in the direction of G at Q; (c) a unit
vector directed from Q toward P; (d) the equation of the surface on which |G| = 60.

5.Find the acute angle between the two vectors A = 2ax+ ay+ 3az and B = ax− 3ay+ 2az
by using the definition of (a) the dot product; (b) the cross product.

6.Given the vector field E = 4zy2 cos 2xax+ 2zy sin 2xay+ y2 sin 2xazforthe region |x|, |y|,
and |z| less than 2, find (a) the surfaces on which Ey = 0; (b) the region in which Ey = Ez;
(c) the region in which E = 0.

7. Three vectors extending from the origin are given as r1= (7, 3,−2),r2= (−2, 7,−3), and
r3= (0, 2, 3). Find (a) a unit vector perpendicular to both r1 and r2; (b) a unit vector
perpendicular to the vectors r1 − r2 andr2− r3; (c) the area of the triangle defined by r1
and r2; (d) the area of the triangle defined by the heads of r1, r2, and r3.

8. Point A(−4, 2, 5) and the two vectors, RAM= (20, 18 − 10) and RAN= (−10, 8, 15), define
a triangle. Find (a) a unit vector perpendicular to the triangle; (b) a unit vector in the
plane of the triangle and perpendicular to RAN; (c) a unit vector in the plane of the
triangle that bisects the interior angle at A.

9. The surfaces ρ = 3, ρ = 5, φ = 100◦, φ = 130◦, z = 3, and z = 4.5 define a closed

surface. Find (a) the enclosed volume; (b) the total area of the enclosing surface; (c) the
total length of the twelve edges of the surfaces ;(d) the length of the longest straight line
that lies entirely within the volume.

10. The surfaces r = 3 and r = 5, ϴ = 20O and ϴ = 50O, φ = 45O and φ = 90O define a
closed surface. Find (a) the enclosed volume; (b) the total area of the enclosing surface;
(c) the total length of the twelve edges of the surfaces; (d) the length of the longest
straight line that lies entirely within the volume.

References
1. Hayt, W. H. Jr. and Buck J. A, Engineering Electromagnetics, McGraw-Hill, 8th Edition

2. Grossman, S. I. Calculus. 3d ed. Orlando, Fla.: Academic Press and Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1984.

3. Spiegel, M. R. Vector Analysis. Schaum Outline Series. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959.

4. Swokowski, E. W. Calculus with Analytic Geometry. 3d ed. Boston: Prindle, Weber, &
Schmidt, 1984.

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