Need Help: Cartesian to Polar Coordinates

AI Thread Summary
To convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates, the formulas r = √(x² + y²) and θ = arctan(y/x) are used. For the points (2, -4) and (-3, 3), the distance r can be calculated, and the angle θ can be determined using trigonometric functions. Resources like MathWorld and visual calculus sites can provide additional guidance on this topic. Understanding these conversions is essential for applying concepts in physics. Mastering this will enhance your ability to work with polar coordinates effectively.
Dorita
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Just got back into physics after 4 years in social science and I have forgotten how to convert cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates. The textbook I have makes no metion of it. probably bc I am expected to know this, but I can't remember. I remember how to calculate the distace between two points, but that's it. The two points I have are (2,-4) and (-3,3)

Thanks

Dora
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org

Thread 'Non-orthogonal bases'

Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
View full post »

Thread 'What Exactly is Dirac’s Delta Function? - Insight'

Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Moving center of coordinates in the polar graph
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Cartesian Space vs. Euclidean Space
Replies
10
Views
2K
A How do I express an equation in Polar coordinates as a Cartesian one.
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Cartesian and polar terminology
Replies
7
Views
3K
I Area Differential in Cartesian and Polar Coordinates
Replies
13
Views
3K
B Invariant under rotation: Banal, obvious, or noteworthy?
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Understanding Polar and Cartesian Graphs: Comparing Two Coordinate Systems
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Transforming coordinates between Cartesian and spherical
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Describing a position vector with polar coordinates.
Replies
7
Views
8K
B Reprise: Calculate the distance between two points without using a coordinate system
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top