Vector Analysis

E N G R . M A RV I N Y. V I L L O R E N T E , R E C E , R E E , E C T,
M . EN G.
Chapter 1
Vector Analysis

 1.1 Scalars and Vectors

 Scalar Quantity – refers to a quantity whose value may be represented by a single (positive or negative) real
number. A quantity that has magnitude only.
 Vector Quantity – has both a magnitude and a direction in space.

 1.2 Vector Algebra

 The addition of vectors follows the parallelogram law. The sum of two vectors A and B is easily seen that A +
B = B + A, or that vector addition obeys the commutative law. Vector addition also obeys the associative law,
A + (B + C ) = ( A + B ) + C
 Coplanar Vectors are vectors lying in a common plane.
 The rule for the subtraction of vectors follows easily from that for addition, for we may always express A –
B as A + (-B ); the sign, or direction, of the second vector is reversed, and this vector is then added to the first
by the rule for vector addition.
 Vectors may be multiplied by scalars. The magnitude of the vector changes, but its direction does not when
the scalar is positive, although it reverses direction when multiplied by a negative scalar.
 Multiplication of vector by a scalar also obeys the associative and distributive laws of algebra, by leading to
(r + s)(A + B) = r(A + B) + s(A + B) = r A + rB + sA + sB
 Two vectors are said to be equal if their difference is zero, or A = B if A – B = 0
Chapter 1
Vector Analysis

 1.3 The rectangular 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
 A point is located by giving its x, y, and z coordinates. These are respectively, the distances from the
origin to the intersection of a perpendicular dropped from the point to the x, y, and z axes.

 1.4 Vector Components and Unit Vectors

 The component vectors have magnitudes which depend on the given vector (such as r), but they each
have a known and constant direction.
 If the component vector y happens to be two units in magnitude and directed toward increasing values
of y, we should then write y = 2a. A vector rp pointing from the origin to the point P(1,2,3) is written
rP = ax + 2ay + 3az. 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 is equal to the vector
from the origin to Q. the desired vector from P(1,2,3) to Q(2, -2, 1) is therefore

RPQ = rQ – rP = (2 – 1)ax + (-2 -2)ay + (1 – 3)az

= ax – 4ay -2az
 If we are discussing a force vector F, or indeed any vector other than a displacement-type vector
such as r, the problem arises of providing suitable letters for the three component vectors. It would
not do to call them x, y, and z, for these are displacements, or directed distances, and are measured
in meters (abbreviated m) or some other unit in length. The problem is most often avoided by using
component scalars, simply called components, Fx, Fy, and Fz. The components are the signed
magnitudes of the component vectors. We may then write F = Fxax + Fyay + Fzaz. The components
vectors are Fxax, Fyay, and Fzaz.
 Any vector B then may be described by B = Bxax + Byay + Bzaz. The magnitude of B written (B) or
simply B, is given by

 A unit vector in the r direction is , and a unit vector in the direction of the
vector B is
Example 1.1
 Specify the unit vector extending from the origin toward the point G(2, -2, -1).
Solution. We first construct the vector extending from the origin to point G,

We continue by finding the magnitude of G,

and finally expressing the desired unit vector as the quotient,

 A special identifying symbol is desirable for a unit vector so that its character is immediately apparent.
Symbols is have been used are uB, aB, 1B, or even b. we shall consistently use the lowercase a with an
appropriate subscript.

• Note: Throughout the text, drill problems appear following sections in which a new principle is introduced in
order to allow students to test their understanding of basic fact itself. The problems are useful in gaining
familiarity with new terms and ideas and should all be worked. More general problems appear at the ends of
the chapters. The answers to the drill problems are given in the same order as the parts of the problem.
1.5 The Vector Field
 We have already 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 throughout the region, and the value of
the vector function must be determined using the coordinate values of the point in question.

1.6 The Dot Product

 Given two vectors A and B, the dot product, or scalar product, is defined as the product of the magnitude
of A, the magnitude of B, and the cosine of the smaller angle between them,

 The dot appears between the two vectors and should be made heavy for emphasis. The dot, or scalar,
product is a scalar, as one of the names implies, and it obeys the commutative law,

for the sign of the angle does not affect the cosine term. The expression A . B is read “ A dot B”
 A more helpful result is obtained by considering two vectors whose rectangular components are given, such
as A = Axax + Ayay + Azaz and B = Bxbx + Byby + Bzbz. The dot product also obeys the distributive law, and,
therefore, A ∙ B yields the sum of nine scalars terms, each involving the dot product of two unit vectors.
Since the angle between two different unit vectors of the rectangular coordinate system is 90°, we then have

The remaining three terms involve the dot product of a unit vector with itself, which is unity, giving finally

which is an expression involving no angles.

A vector dotted with itself yields the magnitude squared, or

and any unit vector dotted with itself in unity,

One of the most important applicants of the dot product is that of finding the component (scalar) of B in the
direction specified by the unit vector a as

The sign of the component is positive if 0 ≤ ϴ Ba ≤ 90°, and negative whenever 90° ϴ Ba ≤ 180°
Example 1.2
 In order to illustrate these definitions and operations, let us consider the vector field
G = yax – 2.5xay + 3az and the point Q(4, 5, 2). We wish to find: G at q; the scalar
component of G at Q in the direction of aN = 1/3(2ax + ay – 2az); the vector component of G
at Q in the direction of aN; and finally, the angle ϴGa between G(rQ) and aN.
Solution; substituting the coordinates point Q into the expression for G, we have

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

The vector component is obtained by multiplying the scalar component by the unit vector in the
direction of aN.

The angle between G(rQ) and aN is found from

Activity
A triangle is defined by the three points A(2,-
5,1), B(-3,2,4) and C(0,3,1). Find
a. RBC
b. RBA
c. RBC .RBA
1.7 The Cross Product
 The cross product A x B is a vector; the magnitude of A x B is equal to the product of the
magnitudes of A, B, and the sine of the smaller angle between A and B; the direction of A x
B is perpendicular to the plane containing A and B and is along that one of the two possible
perpendiculars which is in the direction of advance of a right-handed screw as A is turned
into B.
 Reversing the order of the vector A and B results in a unit vector in the opposite
direction, and we see that the cross product is not commutative, for B x A = -(A x B).
 The cross product may be used to replace the right-hand rule familiar to all electrical
engineers.
 Using the vector notation, we may write the result neatly as F = IL x B.
 The evaluation of a cross product by means of its definitions turns out to be more
work than the evaluation of the dot product from its definition, for the two vectors A
and b and expanding the cross product as a sum of nine simpler cross products, each
involving two unit vector,

 We have already found that aX x aY = aZ, aY x aZ = aX, and aZ x aX = aY. The three
remaining terms are zero, for the cross product of any vector with itself is zero, since
the included angle is zero. These results may be combined to give

or written as a determinant in a more easily remembered from,

Example
A triangle is defined by the three points A(2,-
5,1), B(-3,2,4) and C(0,3,1). Find
a. RBC x RBA
b. Area of the triangle
c. A unit vector perpendicular to the plane in
which the triangle is located.
2. Given the three points M(6, 2, -3), N(-2,3,0)
and P(-4,6,5), find a) area of triangle b) unit
vector perpendicular to this triangular surface.