MHB Change from cartesian coordinates to cylindrical and spherical

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on converting equations from Cartesian coordinates to cylindrical and spherical coordinates. The user presents six equations and seeks assistance with the conversions. Key equations for conversion include: for cylindrical coordinates, \( r^2 = x^2 + y^2 \), \( \theta = \text{atan2}(y,x) \), and \( z = z \); for spherical coordinates, \( \rho^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 \), \( \theta = \text{atan2}(y,x) \), and \( \phi = \arccos(z/\rho) \). The discussion emphasizes recognizing patterns in equations to facilitate conversions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cartesian coordinates
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinates
  • Basic trigonometric identities and functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion formulas between Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn the conversion techniques from Cartesian to spherical coordinates
  • Practice solving equations using the \( \text{atan2} \) function
  • Explore trigonometric identities relevant to coordinate transformations
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who need to convert between coordinate systems for problem-solving and analysis.

akkex
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Hello, I have 6 equations in Cartesian coordinates a) change to cylindrical coordinates b) change to spherical coordinate
This book show me the answers but i don't find it
If anyone can help me i will appreciate so much!
Thanks for your time1) z = 2 a) z = 2 b)ρcos(Φ) = 2

2) z = 5x² + 5y² a) z = 5r² b)5ρ = cos(Φ)cosec²(Φ)

3) x² + y² + z² = 9 a) r² + z² = 9 b)ρ = 3

4) x² + y² + 2z² = 4 a) r² +2z² = 4 b)ρ² (1 + cos²(Φ) = 4

5) x² - y² -2z² = 1 a) 2z² = r²cos(2θ) b)ρ² (sin²(Φ)cos(2θ) -2cos²(Φ) = 1

6) x² + y² = 2x a) r = 2cos(θ) b)ρsin(Φ) = 2cos(θ)
 
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I can do the first because from Cartesian coordinates to a) z = z in cylindrical coordinates and b) z = ρcos(Φ) in spherical coordinates. But in the other exercises i can't find a way to solve it
 
So, rectangular to cylindrical:
\begin{align*}
r^2&=x^2+y^2 \\
\theta&=\text{atan2}(y,x) \\
z&=z.
\end{align*}
This is basically rectangular to polar in 2D, but with the third dimension in the $z$ direction the same. Note that the atan2 function is the "intelligent" arctangent function - it gives you an answer in the correct quadrant. Other useful equations for conversions are the ones going the other direction:
\begin{align*}
x&= r \cos(\theta) \\
y&= r \sin(\theta)
\end{align*}

Rectangular to spherical:
\begin{align*}
\rho^2&=x^2+y^2+z^2 \\
\theta&=\text{atan2}(y,x) \\
\phi&=\arccos(z/\rho).
\end{align*}
Here I'm using the convention that $\theta$ is the azimuthal angle (the one that "curves around" the $z$ axis), and $\phi$ is the polar angle (the one that comes straight down from the positive $z$ axis). I believe this is the same convention you're using.

Again, the equations going the other direction are sometimes useful in doing conversions:

\begin{align*}
x&=\rho \cos(\theta) \sin(\phi) \\
y&=\rho \sin(\theta) \sin(\phi) \\
z&=\rho \cos(\phi).
\end{align*}

So, if you take a look at problem 2, you have the equation $z=5x^2+5y^2$. Notice the pattern (this is what mathematics is all about: noticing patterns): $5x^2+5y^2=5(x^2+y^2)$. Oh! The thing in the parentheses is just $r^2$. That gives us $z=5r^2$.

The spherical conversion is more difficult. I would simply plug in the spherical-to-rectangular equations, and use trig identities to simplify:
\begin{align*}
z&=5x^2+5y^2 \\
\rho \cos(\phi)&=5[\rho \cos(\theta) \sin(\phi)]^2 + 5[\rho \sin(\theta) \sin(\phi)]^2 \\
\rho \cos(\phi)&=5\rho^2 \cos^2(\theta) \sin^2(\phi) + 5\rho^2 \sin^2(\theta) \sin^2(\phi) \\
\cos(\phi)&=5\rho \cos^2(\theta) \sin^2(\phi) + 5\rho \sin^2(\theta) \sin^2(\phi) \\
\cos(\phi)&=5\rho\sin^2(\phi)[\cos^2(\theta) + \sin^2(\theta)] \\
\cos(\phi)&=5\rho\sin^2(\phi) \\
\csc^2(\phi) \cos(\phi)&=5\rho.
\end{align*}

The other problems will work out similarly, I expect. If you can't see some high-level pattern, then plug in and use your trig identities! Let me know how you get on.
 
I am studying the mathematical formalism behind non-commutative geometry approach to quantum gravity. I was reading about Hopf algebras and their Drinfeld twist with a specific example of the Moyal-Weyl twist defined as F=exp(-iλ/2θ^(μν)∂_μ⊗∂_ν) where λ is a constant parametar and θ antisymmetric constant tensor. {∂_μ} is the basis of the tangent vector space over the underlying spacetime Now, from my understanding the enveloping algebra which appears in the definition of the Hopf algebra...

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