Spherical coordinates length from differential length

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the differential length \( dl \) in spherical coordinates, specifically for the case where \( r=1 \) and the angles \( \Theta \) and \( \theta \) are constrained within specific ranges. The user questions the validity of the expression \( dl = \sqrt{(r d\Theta)^2 + (d\theta)^2} \) for this scenario. It is clarified that the correct expression for \( dl \) involves parameterizing the curve in spherical-polar coordinates and utilizing spherical-polar unit vectors, as detailed in the referenced document.

PREREQUISITES
  • Spherical coordinates and their applications
  • Understanding of differential geometry
  • Familiarity with parameterization of curves
  • Basic knowledge of vector calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the parameterization of curves in spherical coordinates
  • Learn about spherical-polar unit vectors and their applications
  • Explore differential geometry concepts related to length elements
  • Review classical mechanics resources, particularly section 1.5 of the provided document
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Students and professionals in physics, mathematics, and engineering who are working with spherical coordinates and differential geometry, particularly those interested in classical mechanics and curve parameterization.

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is it logical to ask this question in Spherical coordinates:

Using the differential length dl , find the length where r=1 0<Θ<∏/4 ∏/2< θ <∏/4 where Θ is the azimuthal angle.

What I mean by ∏/2< θ <∏/4 is that the line is a "diagonal" line which has an ascention of ∏/4 from the xy plane. I don't know how else to write it.

Is the differential length dl = sqrt( (rdΘ)^2 + (dθ)^2 ) ?
 
Last edited:
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Suspect not - but I'm not sure what you are asking.

if ##\vec r(t)=(r(t), \theta(t),\phi(t))^t## parameterzes a curve in spherical-polar coordinates, and ##dl## is the length element along that curve in the direction of increasing parameter ##t##, then ##dl## can be expressed in terms of the curve ##\vec r(t)## and the spherical-polar unit vectors.

See:
http://home.comcast.net/~szemengtan/ClassicalMechanics/SingleParticle.pdf
section 1.5 onwards.
 
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