4D angular coordinate system and corresponding hypervolume element

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the formulation of a 4D angular coordinate system, specifically seeking a representation involving a radius and three angles, along with the corresponding hypervolume element. The scope includes theoretical exploration of coordinate systems in higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a set of equations for 4D spherical coordinates, suggesting a method to compute the hypervolume element.
  • Another participant questions whether "4-D spherical coordinates" is an established term and if it represents a standard transformation, implying there may be alternative formulations.
  • A later reply references Wikipedia, noting that the generalization to arbitrary dimensions is termed "hyperspherical coordinates," which aligns with the earlier provided equations but mentions a difference in the order of coordinates.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the standard terminology for the case of four dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the terminology and standardization of the 4D coordinate system, indicating that multiple views on the naming and formulation exist.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions and standard terms used in higher-dimensional coordinate systems, as well as the potential for different formulations that may exist.

areslagae
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I am looking for a 4D angular coordinate system (radius and three angles) and its corresponding "hypervolume element".

2D: polar coordinates - dA = r dr dtheta
3D: spherical coordinates - dV = r^2 sin(phi) dphi dtheta dr
4D: ?
 
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4-D spherical coordinates:

x1 = r sin(theta1) sin(theta2) cos(phi)
x2 = r sin(theta1) sin(theta2) sin(phi)
x3 = r sin(theta1) cos(theta2)
x4 = r cos(theta1)

from which you can compute the hypervolume element.
 
Thanks.

Is "4-D spherical coordinates" established terminology?
Is this the "standard" transformation? I guess there are other ones?
 
areslagae said:
Thanks.

Is "4-D spherical coordinates" established terminology?
Is this the "standard" transformation? I guess there are other ones?

I just checked wikipedia. There, the generalization to arbitrary dimension is called http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersphere#Hyperspherical_coordinates". They are the same that I gave you in the 4-D case except for the order of the coordinates.
I don't know what the standard term in the case n=4 is.
 
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