Spherical vs cylindrical notation

In summary, plotting a point in spherical coordinates uses the format ##(\rho, \theta, \phi)## instead of ##(x, y, z)## and taking a triple integral in spherical coordinates involves using ##\rho ^2 sin(\phi) d\rho d\theta d\phi## instead of ##dV##. In cylindrical coordinates, the point is plotted as ##(r, \theta, z)## and the triple integral uses the order ##r dz dr d\theta##. The order of integration doesn't matter as the "box" is not a rectangular parallelepiped in these coordinate systems.
  • #1
Calpalned
297
6

Homework Statement


Plotting a point in spherical coordinates means using the format ##(\rho, \theta, \phi)## in place of ##(x, y, z)##. Taking a triple integral means replacing ##dV## with ##\rho ^2 sin(\phi) d\rho d\theta d\phi ## As you can see, ##\rho, \theta, \phi ## are all in the same order.

However, for cylindrical coordinates, my textbook plots ##(r, \theta, z)## for points, but replaces ##dV## with ##r dz dr d\theta ##. Why are the three integrals suddenly switched around?

Homework Equations


n/a

The Attempt at a Solution


Is there a reason behind this? I dislike rote memorization
 
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  • #2
Nothing to worry about, ##dV## is an elemental volume with the shape of a "box". You won't care how you are going to arrange the order of the formula for the volume of a box, will you.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I mostly agree with blue_leaf77 -- the order of integration doesn't really matter. The "box" is a rectangular paralellipiped in cartesian coordinates, but in cylindrical or spherical coordinates, the ends aren't flat, and the "box" tapers toward the small end.
 

Related to Spherical vs cylindrical notation

What is the difference between spherical and cylindrical notation?

Spherical notation is a coordinate system that uses a combination of angles (latitude and longitude) and distance from a central point to describe a location in three-dimensional space. Cylindrical notation, on the other hand, uses a combination of angles (azimuth and elevation) and distance from a reference plane to describe a location in three-dimensional space.

Which notation is more commonly used in scientific fields?

Both spherical and cylindrical notation are frequently used in scientific fields, but the specific use will depend on the application. Spherical notation is often used in astronomy and geodesy, while cylindrical notation is more commonly used in physics and engineering.

How do you convert between spherical and cylindrical coordinates?

To convert from spherical to cylindrical coordinates, you can use the following formulas:
azimuth = longitude
elevation = 90 degrees - latitude
distance from reference plane = distance from central point * sin(latitude).
To convert from cylindrical to spherical coordinates, use the reverse formulas.

What are the advantages of using spherical notation?

One advantage of spherical notation is that it is well-suited for describing locations on a spherical surface, such as the Earth. It also simplifies calculations involving angles and distances. Additionally, it allows for a more intuitive understanding of directions and distances in three-dimensional space.

When would you use cylindrical notation over spherical notation?

Cylindrical notation is often preferred for applications involving linear motion or objects moving in a straight line, such as in physics and engineering. It also allows for easier visualization of planes and lines in three-dimensional space. Additionally, it is less computationally expensive compared to spherical notation.

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