Solving for Spherical Coordinate Angles in 3D: Understanding the Formulas

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The discussion centers on understanding the formulas for spherical coordinates in 3D, specifically the equations for calculating the components of a vector in the X, Y, and Z axes. The user expresses confusion about why the Z-axis formula only includes cosine while the X and Y axes include both sine and cosine. Participants suggest that visual aids and diagrams can clarify the geometric derivation of these formulas. The importance of right triangles in understanding these calculations is emphasized. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for visual learning tools to grasp the concepts of spherical coordinates.
ricky_fusion
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Hi guys,
This is my first time in this forum, thanks for your time.
Now, I learn about spherical angles (vektor) in 3 Dimension
I still confuse about the formula, such as:
Fx = F sinφ cosθ ( in X axis = i)
Fy = F sinφ sinθ ( in y-axis = j)
Fz = F cosφ ( in z axis = k)

I want to send the pictures too, but I still don't have the way to upload it.Maybe next time.
Does anybody know about why in X axis there are sin and cos but in Z axis there is only cos??
Thaks for your help.
 
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You can calculate all these by playing around with right triangles... I only just learned this stuff 2 weeks ago, so I can hardly explain it in words. I would look around online for a detailed picture that explains how the equations are geometrically derived. it isn't too complicated.
 
Does this diagram help?
 

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  • spherical-coords.gif
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Hmm..
Yes, you are right, Thanks alot.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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