What is the definition of unit vector? - Physics Stack Exchange
Apr 3, 2021 · 2 In many physics textbooks it is given the following definition of unit vector: "A unit vector is every vector whose magnitude is 1 unit". I don't like this definition. On one hand, it is …
Confusion about unit vectors - Physics Stack Exchange
Aug 2, 2025 · By definition, A unit vector is a vector with magnitude $1$. But, what does this even mean? Shouldn't the magnitude come with units like cm, m, inches etc.? Upon reading more …
Unit Vector vs. Basis Vector - Physics Stack Exchange
Jun 23, 2016 · A unit vector might be a basis vector, and vice-versa: a unit vector is simply a vector whose magnitude is 1, while a basis vector is an element of a basis of a vector space V …
Mathematical definition for unit vector along the rotational axis
Aug 5, 2025 · There are two unit vectors along the axis of rotation, pointing in opposite directions. What is your criterion for choosing between them? Do these formulas reflect that choice?
How do the unit vectors in spherical coordinates combine to result …
Feb 5, 2020 · The unit vectors are non-constant, depending on position and its coordinates. For example er at any given point is the vector pointing from the origin to the point,then converted …
Why do we need a unit vector? - Physics Stack Exchange
Jan 31, 2023 · A vector by definition has a direction and a magnitude, I don't get it on why we have to find a unit of it to find the direction of a vector. Mathematically, this means that any …
Understanding definition of flux as a vector field
Aug 10, 2023 · where n n is the unit normal vector to that element of area that admits the greatest net crossings. I'm having a slightly hard time digesting this definition; it just seems rather …
Where does the expression of the unit vector $\hat {z}$ in terms of ...
Nov 11, 2023 · These are not unit vectors. However, in terms of this (non-normalized) basis, we can identify the vector with components 0, 0, 1 0, 0, 1 in the x, y, z x, y, z basis as having …
definition - In vector algebra, why does the cross product of unit ...
Dec 18, 2020 · A final comment is that the story and motivations about the definition of the cross product are even much richer. I just mention that the possibility of embodying in a vector the …
How to describe the unit vector for a complex wave vector?
Jun 25, 2019 · The question is, how would we define the direction of the wave or rather how would we define the unit vector of the complex wave vector (I am thinking of something like k^ …