Question on spherical integration

In summary, when integrating over a spherical area, the range for the polar angle, ##\phi##, is [0, ##\pi##], not [0, ##2\pi##], as it covers the entire sphere.
  • #1
PsychonautQQ
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Homework Statement


So if you integrate over a spherical area, say a ball of radius 1, then 0≤p≤1, 0≤θ≤2∏, and 0≤∅≤∏. My question is why don't you integrate ∅ between 0 and 2∏? I mean if you are integrating over a sphere then you have to go around it vertically AND horizontally completely? wouldn't both the angles be from 0 to 2∏?

Thanks genius's :D

edit: does it have something to do with the fact that you add a p^2sin(phi) when integrating in spherical coordinates?
 
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  • #2
PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement


So if you integrate over a spherical area, say a ball of radius 1, then 0≤p≤1, 0≤θ≤2∏, and 0≤∅≤∏. My question is why don't you integrate ∅ between 0 and 2∏? I mean if you are integrating over a sphere then you have to go around it vertically AND horizontally completely? wouldn't both the angles be from 0 to 2∏?

Thanks genius's :D

edit: does it have something to do with the fact that you add a p^2sin(phi) when integrating in spherical coordinates?
No, it's much simpler than that.

A point (r, θ) describes any point in the horizontal plane, and as you know, 0 ≤ θ ≤ ##2\pi##. To describe a point in space, and we can do this by adding a 3rd coordinate, ##\phi##. All we need to identify this point in space is a direction angle, ##\phi##. Keep in mind that ##\phi## is measured from the positive z-axis, so having a range of [0, ##\pi##] gets us all the way from straight up to straight down.

Note that r is the distance from the origin to the point in polar and cylindrical coordinates. In spherical coordinates, the distance from the origin to the point is ρ, "rho."
 

FAQ: Question on spherical integration

1. What is spherical integration?

Spherical integration is a mathematical process used to calculate the total volume of a three-dimensional shape, such as a sphere, by integrating over the entire surface of the shape.

2. What is the formula for spherical integration?

The formula for spherical integration is ∫∫∫ f(r, θ, φ) r2 sin(θ) dr dθ dφ, where f(r, θ, φ) is the function being integrated, r is the radial distance, θ is the angle from the z-axis, and φ is the angle from the x-axis.

3. What is the difference between spherical integration and Cartesian integration?

Spherical integration is used to integrate over a three-dimensional shape, while Cartesian integration is used to integrate over a two-dimensional plane. Spherical integration takes into account the curvature of the shape, while Cartesian integration does not.

4. What are some real-world applications of spherical integration?

Spherical integration is used in physics and engineering to calculate properties of three-dimensional objects, such as the moment of inertia of a sphere or the electric field of a charged sphere. It is also used in geodesy to calculate the surface area and volume of the Earth.

5. Are there any limitations to using spherical integration?

One limitation of spherical integration is that it can only be used on symmetrical shapes, such as spheres or ellipsoids. It also requires a good understanding of calculus and trigonometry to properly set up and solve the integral.

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