Partial derivative in spherical coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of partial derivatives in spherical coordinates, specifically the relationship between the derivatives \(\frac{\partial x}{\partial r}\) and \(\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}\). Participants explore the definitions and conditions under which these derivatives are computed, questioning the apparent discrepancy in their values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation showing \(\frac{\partial x}{\partial r} = \sin\theta \cos\phi\) and claims \(\frac{\partial r}{\partial x} = \frac{1}{\sin\theta \cos\phi}\) based on this.
  • The same participant calculates \(\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}\) directly from the definition of \(r\) and finds it equals \(\sin\theta \cos\phi\), leading to confusion over the differing results.
  • Another participant clarifies that \(\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}\) is defined for constant \(x\) and \(y\), while \(\frac{\partial x}{\partial r}\) is defined for constant \(\theta\) and \(\phi\), suggesting that these derivatives are not necessarily reciprocal.
  • A subsequent reply corrects a typo regarding the constants involved in the definition of \(\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between the derivatives, with some asserting that they are not reciprocal due to differing conditions of constancy.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved issue regarding the definitions of the variables held constant during the differentiation process, which affects the interpretation of the results.

jonathanpun
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I am facing some problem about derivatives in spherical coordinates

in spherical coordinates:
x=r sinθ cos\phi
y=r sinθ sin\phi
z=r cosθ

and
r=\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}}
θ=tan^{-1}\frac{\sqrt{x^{2}+y{2}}}{z}
\phi=tan^{-1}\frac{y}{x}

\frac{\partial x}{\partial r}=sinθ cos\phi
then \frac{\partial r}{\partial x}=\frac{1}{sinθ cos \phi }

but if i calculate directly from r:
\frac{\partial r}{\partial x} = \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}}}
substitute:
=\frac{r sinθ cos \phi }{r}
= sinθ cos\phi

Why do the results are different? what i did wrong?From https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=63886
not this case is the second case? but why the inverse still not true?
 
Last edited:
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∂r/∂x is defined for constant x and y.
∂x/∂r is defined for constant θ and φ.

There is no reason that they should be reciprocal.
 
mathman said:
∂r/∂x is defined for constant x and y.
You mean "for constant y and z" don't you?

∂x/∂r is defined for constant θ and φ.

There is no reason that they should be reciprocal.
 
HallsofIvy said:
You mean "for constant y and z" don't you?

Correct - my typo.
 

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