Metrics on the plane and the sphere

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the comparison between the metric spaces of a plane and the surface of a sphere. Participants explore whether the distance function applicable to the plane can also be applied to the sphere, considering the implications of their differing properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the plane and the surface of the sphere are different metric spaces due to the plane being unbounded and the sphere being bounded.
  • One participant proposes that the standard metric formula for the plane can define a metric on the surface of the sphere, provided the coordinates satisfy the sphere's equation.
  • Another participant mentions that the sphere is compact while the plane is not, indicating they are not homeomorphic.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the plane as a Euclidean metric space and the sphere's surface potentially being non-Euclidean, although this claim requires specification of the metric used.
  • Participants discuss the intersection of a plane and a sphere, noting that it can be empty, a point, or a circle, but emphasize that this is not directly relevant to the question of whether they are different metric spaces.
  • One participant expresses a desire to learn more, indicating their status as a learner and seeking further clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the plane and the surface of the sphere are different metric spaces, but there are multiple competing views regarding the nature of their metrics and the implications of their properties. The discussion remains unresolved in terms of the specifics of the metrics and their applications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarification on which metric is being referenced when discussing the sphere's surface and the implications of compactness versus non-compactness in relation to homeomorphism.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of geometry, topology, and metric spaces, particularly those interested in the properties and relationships between different types of spaces.

gianeshwar
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Are plane and surface of sphere different metric spaces?
Can distance function of plane be applied as distance function of surface of sphere?
Please correct my question if needed?
 
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They certainly are different metric spaces! One is unbounded while the other is bounded. I presume that by "distance function of plane" you mean the "standard metric" in three dimension" d((x_0, y_0, z_0), (x_1, y_1, z_1))= \sqrt{(x_1- x_0)^2+ (y_1- y_0)^2+ (z_1- z_0)^2} where (x, y, z) satisfy the equation of the plane.

Yes, with the provision that (x, y, z) satisfy the equation of the surface of the sphere instead of that of a plane, that same formula defines a metric on the surface of the sphere. But they are still different metric spaces. There is, after all, a difference between a metric formula and a metric space.
 
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Like HIvy said, they are not homeomorphic, one, the sphere is compact, plane is not.
 
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1.Plane is a Euclidean metric space and sphere surface ,I think is non Euclidean metric space.
2.How (x,y,z) of plane can satisfy surface of sphere,except in the condition when their intersection is the circle.?
3. Please bear with me as I am a learner.
 
gianeshwar said:
1.Plane is a Euclidean metric space and sphere surface ,I think is non Euclidean metric space.
This doesn't mean anything until you have specified which metric you are using.

2.How (x,y,z) of plane can satisfy surface of sphere,except in the condition when their intersection is the circle.?
Yes, the intersection of a given plane with a given sphere is either
1) empty
2) a point
3) a circle

But that is not relevant to the original question:
Are plane and surface of sphere different metric spaces?
which is a question about homeomorphism of metric spaces, NOT a question about the intersection of two sets.

3. Please bear with me as I am a learner.
 
gianeshwar said:
1.Plane is a Euclidean metric space and sphere surface ,I think is non Euclidean metric space.
2.How (x,y,z) of plane can satisfy surface of sphere,except in the condition when their intersection is the circle.?
3. Please bear with me as I am a learner.

Yes, a plane is Euclidean, in the sense that it is a manifold with a single chart , e.g., the identity, but the circle does not admit a global Euclidean structure as ## \mathbb R^n ## for any n (because, e.g., this would imply that ## \mathbb R^n ## is compact, which it is not ). For 2, see Ivy's reply.
 
Thankyou very much dear friends! Your answers motivate me to study more.Will be back after more study.
 

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