# Calculate the distance between these two points (sphr. and cyl. coordinates)

## Homework Statement

Calculate the distance between these two points:

(3;π/2;−1) and (5;3π/2;5) (cylindrical coordinates)
(10;π/4;3π/4) and (5;π/6;7π/4) (spherical coordinates)

Do I need to put them in cartesian coordinates and continue the calc. or can I do with integrals?

## Homework Equations

->dl = dr ûr + r d∅ û∅ + dz ^k

->dl = dr ûr + r dθ ûθ + r sin (∅) û∅

SammyS
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
Gold Member

## Homework Statement

Calculate the distance between these two points:

(3;π/2;−1) and (5;3π/2;5) (cylindrical coordinates)
(10;π/4;3π/4) and (5;π/6;7π/4) (spherical coordinates)

Do I need to put them in Cartesian coordinates and continue the calc. or can I do with integrals?

## Homework Equations

->dl = dr ûr + r d∅ û∅ + dz ^k

->dl = dr ûr + r dθ ûθ + r sin (∅) û∅

## The Attempt at a Solution

Hi Tanegashima. Welcome to PF.

It's likely easier in Cartesian coordinates . But for the first one, what is the distance from (3, π/2) to (5, 3π/2) in polar coordinates?

Thanks, but can anyone provide me with a sample in sph.c. or cyl.c.?

Re: (2, π)

SammyS
Staff Emeritus