- #1
pherytic
- 7
- 0
This brief worked example from a textbook section on the method of images is confusing me.
Specifically I am confused about the vector α in the integral on the last line.
When α (or θ) is an angle, I've only ever seen the vector quantity α (or θ) as a polar vector in the plane. But here, that can't be right because the dot product of the unit vectors α ⋅ z = 1, so they are clearly parallel.
What is the correct understanding of the vector α?
It seems like maybe it is supposed to be an axial pseudovector whose magnitude gives a sort of angular position in the plane normal to the vector. But I don't think I have ever seen a vector used this way and I am not sure it makes sense.
Specifically I am confused about the vector α in the integral on the last line.
When α (or θ) is an angle, I've only ever seen the vector quantity α (or θ) as a polar vector in the plane. But here, that can't be right because the dot product of the unit vectors α ⋅ z = 1, so they are clearly parallel.
What is the correct understanding of the vector α?
It seems like maybe it is supposed to be an axial pseudovector whose magnitude gives a sort of angular position in the plane normal to the vector. But I don't think I have ever seen a vector used this way and I am not sure it makes sense.