Plotting a 3-d surface in spherical co-ordinates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on plotting a 3D surface defined by the equation r = sin(theta) in spherical coordinates. A participant converted this equation into Cartesian coordinates, resulting in (x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^2 = (x^2 + y^2), and questioned its correctness for plotting. The surface exhibits axial symmetry around the z-axis, and the projection onto the y=0 plane reveals the curve that, when rotated around the z-axis, forms the 3D surface. It is identified as the radiation pattern of a Hertz Dipole Antenna, providing a practical context for the mathematical representation. The conversation emphasizes the visualization and understanding of the surface's geometric properties.
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Homework Statement


The following is an equation of a 3-d surface in spherical co-ordinates.
r = f(theta,phi) = sin(theta)
Plot it on 3-d space.

Homework Equations


r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2 }
theta = arccos (z/ \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2 })

The Attempt at a Solution


I converted the equation of the surface into cartesian co-ordinates , and got the following equation of a 3-d surface

(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^2 = (x^2 + y^2)
is the above equation in cartesian co-ordinates right ?
and is it a right approach to plot it?

I think the plot is as shown in image given below ,
but how to arrive at the plot given below I am unable to think.Please help

[PLAIN]http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/7079/capturevug.jpg
 
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The surface has axial symmetry around the z axis. What is the projection of the surface to the y=0 plane? You get the 3D surface by rotating this curve around z. What kind of curve is this? ehild
 
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ehild said:
The surface has axial symmetry around the z axis. What is the projection of the surface to the y=0 plane? You get the 3D surface by rotating this curve around z.


ehild

Thanks for helping me in visualising how to plot the curve.

ehild said:
What kind of curve is this?


ehild

It is the radiation pattern of a Hertz Dipole Antenna.For more you can readhttp://books.google.co.in/books?id=...R K shevgaonkar&pg=PA379#v=onepage&q&f=false"from google books
 
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