1.

Vector Analysis
1.1 SCALARS AND VECTORS
Scalar refers to a quantity whose value may be represented by a single
(positive or negative) real number.
A vector quantity has both a magnitude1 and a direction in space. We are
concerned with two- and three-dimensional spaces only, but vectors may be
defined in n-dimensional space in more advanced applications.

1.2 VECTOR ALGEBRA

Commutative law for addition
Associative law for addition
Associative law for scalar multiplication
Distributive law for scalar multiplication
Dot Product
Cross Product

1.3 THE RECTANGULAR COORDINATE

SYSTEM

1.3 THE RECTANGULAR COORDINATE

SYSTEM

1.4 VECTOR COMPONENTS AND UNIT

VECTORS

Define a vector field and scalar field

We have defined a vector field as a vector function
of a position vector. In general, the magnitude and
direction of the function will change as we move thr
oughout the region, and the value of the vector fun
ction must be determined using the coordinate valu
es of the point in question. Because we have consid
ered only the rectangular coordinate system, we ex
pect the vector to be a function of the variables x ,
y, and z.
If we again represent the position vector as r, then
a vector field G can be expressed in functional
notation as G(r); a scalar field T is written as T (r).

Example of vector field and scalar

field

1.6

THE DOT PRODUCT

Example 1.2

1.7

THE CROSS PRODUCT

THE DOT PRODUCT and CROSS

PRODUCT

1.8 CIRCULAR CYLINDRICAL

COORDINATES

1.9 THE SPHERICAL COORDINATE

SYSTEM