Convert equation from cartesian to spherical

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the equation y = x into spherical coordinates. The conversion simplifies to the relationship sin(t) = cos(t), leading to the conclusion that t = π/4. This indicates that in spherical coordinates, the equation represents a set of points where t = θ = π/4, while r = φ and p = ρ can take any value. The transformation confirms that this representation is consistent with the original Cartesian plane y = x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their parameters (r, θ, φ).
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and functions.
  • Basic knowledge of Cartesian coordinates and their geometric interpretations.
  • Ability to perform algebraic substitutions and simplifications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of spherical coordinates from Cartesian coordinates.
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in coordinate transformations.
  • Learn about the geometric implications of spherical coordinates in three-dimensional space.
  • Investigate other equations and their conversions to spherical coordinates for practice.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with coordinate transformations and geometric interpretations in three-dimensional space.

glog
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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= \theta= \pi/4, r= \phi and p= \rho 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 :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K