Angles - why in radians instead of in degrees?

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Angles in electrical engineering are primarily represented in radians rather than degrees because radians simplify mathematical equations, particularly in calculus. Using radians allows for more straightforward differentiation and integration of trigonometric functions, avoiding additional constants that arise when using degrees. The relationship between angle measures and their corresponding sine and cosine values is more direct in radians, facilitating easier calculations in various electrical problems. This flexibility in switching between radians, angles, frequency, and period is essential for effective problem-solving in the field. Understanding and utilizing radians is crucial for mastering electrical engineering concepts.
amaresh92
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angles -- why in radians instead of in degrees?

greetings,

why all the angle in electrical is represented in radian instead in degree?
advanced thanks
 
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amaresh92 said:
greetings,

why all the angle in electrical is represented in radian instead in degree?
advanced thanks

Can you think of some reasons? What kind of equations do we typically use in EE?
 


amaresh92 said:
greetings,

why all the angle in electrical is represented in radian instead in degree?
It makes for simpler equations,
e.g., the arc length of a circle segment = r.θ[/size][/color]
 


berkeman said:
Can you think of some reasons? What kind of equations do we typically use in EE?

equations normally involves both magnitude and phase.
 


It seems quite arbitrary until you look into the basic principles of differentiation. You are looking to find the slope of a curve, a sine wave say, by making a small triangle and working out the lengths of the sides. Then you find the value as the triangle size approaches zero. The simple answer that d(Sin θ)/dθ = Cos θ relies on using radians to measure that angle.
"www.mash.dept.shef.ac.uk/Resources/sincosfirstprinciples.pdf" presents it more or less as I remember being taught in medieval times by dear old Mr Worthington. Half way through, they make the point that the angle is in radians. If you don't measure the angle in radians, every time you differentiate or integrate a trig function, you get a bizarre constant, depending on which angle units you chose.
The inhabitants of Planet Zog, who use 413 zogdegrees in their circles will also be using radians and not zogdegrees for this reason.
 
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If they didn't use both angles and radians...they wouldn't have anything to test you on in school...lol

Seriously, you need to be able to "snap" back and forth from angles to radians and then snap over to frequency...then snap over to the period. You will always be going back and forth between these things. Learn them now and embrace them. They all have their purposes.
 

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