Partial derivative in spherical coordinates

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of derivatives in spherical coordinates and the differences in results obtained from different approaches. The participant is questioning why the inverse relationship between partial derivatives is not true in this case.
  • #1
jonathanpun
6
0
I am facing some problem about derivatives in spherical coordinates

in spherical coordinates:
x=r sinθ cos[itex]\phi[/itex]
y=r sinθ sin[itex]\phi[/itex]
z=r cosθ

and
r=[itex]\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}}[/itex]
θ=tan[itex]^{-1}[/itex][itex]\frac{\sqrt{x^{2}+y{2}}}{z}[/itex]
[itex]\phi[/itex]=tan[itex]^{-1}[/itex][itex]\frac{y}{x}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{\partial x}{\partial r}[/itex]=sinθ cos[itex]\phi[/itex]
then [itex]\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}[/itex]=[itex]\frac{1}{sinθ cos \phi }[/itex]

but if i calculate directly from r:
[itex]\frac{\partial r}{\partial x} = \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}}}[/itex]
substitute:
=[itex]\frac{r sinθ cos \phi }{r}[/itex]
= sinθ cos[itex]\phi[/itex]

Why do the results are different? what i did wrong?From https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=63886
not this case is the second case? but why the inverse still not true?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
∂r/∂x is defined for constant x and y.
∂x/∂r is defined for constant θ and φ.

There is no reason that they should be reciprocal.
 
  • #3
mathman said:
∂r/∂x is defined for constant x and y.
You mean "for constant y and z" don't you?

∂x/∂r is defined for constant θ and φ.

There is no reason that they should be reciprocal.
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
You mean "for constant y and z" don't you?

Correct - my typo.
 

What is a partial derivative in spherical coordinates?

A partial derivative in spherical coordinates is a mathematical concept used in multivariable calculus to measure the rate of change of a function with respect to one variable while holding all other variables constant. It is denoted by ∂f/∂θ or ∂f/∂r, where θ is the azimuthal angle and r is the radial distance.

How is a partial derivative in spherical coordinates calculated?

To calculate a partial derivative in spherical coordinates, we use the chain rule and the definition of spherical coordinates. For example, to find ∂f/∂θ, we hold r constant and calculate ∂f/∂x and ∂f/∂y using the chain rule, and then use the definition of spherical coordinates to convert these derivatives to polar coordinates.

What is the physical interpretation of a partial derivative in spherical coordinates?

The partial derivative in spherical coordinates has a physical interpretation as the slope of a tangent line on a surface at a specific point. This slope represents the rate of change of the function in the direction of the corresponding coordinate axis.

What are the advantages of using spherical coordinates for partial derivatives?

Spherical coordinates have many advantages for calculating partial derivatives, including their ability to simplify complex calculations and their use in solving physical problems involving spherical objects or systems. They also provide a more natural and intuitive way of visualizing and understanding mathematical concepts.

How are partial derivatives in spherical coordinates used in real-world applications?

Partial derivatives in spherical coordinates are used in many fields, including physics, engineering, and astronomy, to model and analyze physical systems. They can be used to calculate the electric and magnetic fields of a charged particle, the temperature distribution in a spherical object, and the gravitational potential of a massive object, among other applications.

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