How Do Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates Represent the Same Point?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of points in cylindrical and spherical coordinates, specifically how to express the same point using different coordinate systems. Participants explore the relationships between the coordinates and the implications of changing angles within these systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that for a point with cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ where $r$ is not zero, adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ yields another valid cylindrical coordinate representation of the same point.
  • There is a question regarding whether two spherical coordinates $(R, \theta_1, \phi)$ and $(R, \theta_2, \phi)$ representing the same point must have $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ differing by an integer multiple of $2\pi$.
  • Participants seek clarification on the meanings of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in spherical coordinates, noting that conventions may vary.
  • One participant asks if $(r, \theta + 2k\pi, z)$ is the only other cylindrical coordinate representation for a given point.
  • Another participant provides the mathematical definitions of spherical coordinates in terms of Cartesian coordinates, but questions the specific meanings of the angles involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of changing angles in both cylindrical and spherical coordinates. There is no consensus on the necessity of integer multiples of $2\pi$ for spherical coordinates or the exclusivity of the cylindrical coordinate representations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that definitions and conventions for angles in spherical and cylindrical coordinates may vary, which could affect interpretations and applications of the coordinates.

evinda
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Hello!

  • Suppose that a point has cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ where $r$ is not zero. Describe all other cylindrical coordinates of that point.
  • Suppose $(R, \theta_1, \phi)$ and $(R, \theta_2, \phi)$ are two representations of the same point in spherical coordinates. Is it true that $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ must differ by an integer multiple of $2 \pi$?
If we have the cylindrical coordinates of a point how can we find other ones so that these represent the same point?

How can we find what relation the $r, \theta$ and $z$ of the two representations have to have?
 
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evinda said:
Suppose that a point has cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ where $r$ is not zero. Describe all other cylindrical coordinates of that point.
Adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ does not change the point.

evinda said:
Suppose $(R, \theta_1, \phi)$ and $(R, \theta_2, \phi)$ are two representations of the same point in spherical coordinates. Is it true that $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ must differ by an integer multiple of $2 \pi$?
Please remind the meaning of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in spherical coordinates. There are slightly different conventions.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ does not change the point.

What does $\theta$ represent?

Also is then $(r, \theta+ 2k \pi, z)$ the only other cylindrical coordinate of the given point?
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Please remind the meaning of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in spherical coordinates. There are slightly different conventions.
The spherical coordinates of $(x,y,z)$ are defined as follows:

$$x= \rho \sin{\phi} \cos{\theta} , \ \ \ y= \rho \sin{\phi} \sin{\theta} , \ \ \ z= \rho \cos{\phi}
\\ \text{ where } \rho \geq 0, 0 \leq \theta < 2 \pi, 0 \leq \phi \leq \pi $$

But what angle do $\theta$ and $\phi$ represent?
 
Why don't you check out definitions of spherical and cylindrical coordinates in Wikipedia? Note, however, that angles can have different names there.
 

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