Convert equation from cartesian to spherical

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting the equation y = x from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates. Participants are exploring the relationships between the variables in spherical coordinates and how they relate to the original equation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion process, with one attempting to simplify the equation and questioning the correctness of their steps. Others provide feedback and clarification on the implications of the conversion.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be progressing with participants affirming each other's reasoning and clarifying the relationship between the spherical coordinates and the original Cartesian equation. There is an acknowledgment of the fixed angle in the context of the conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, focusing on the conversion process without providing complete solutions or final outcomes.

glog
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This should be relitively simple:

y = x ... convert to spherical coords:

p*sin(r)*sin(t) = p*sin(r)*cos(t)

which reduces to...

sin(t) = cos(t)

tan(t) = 1 (is this right?)
t =~ 0.78... (Can i get a nice fraction for this?)

Any help is appreciated.

- glog
 
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Looks good to me.

pi/4

you simply substitute and simplify.
 
in other words, "y= x" in spherical coordinates reduces to the set of points where t= [itex]\theta= \pi/4[/itex], r= [itex]\phi[/itex] and p= [itex]\rho[/itex] can be anything. Do you see that that is, in fact, the same as the plane y= x?
 
yep makes perfect sense...
only one angle is fixed :)
 

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