Transformation from Cartesian to spherical polar coordinates

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on the transformation from Cartesian to spherical polar coordinates, specifically the relationships defined by x, y, and z in terms of r, θ, and φ. An example is provided to demonstrate the derivative transformation, aiming to verify the equation δαβ = ∂zα/∂xμ ∂xμ/∂zβ. The user presents their calculations for δyx and δrθ, seeking confirmation of their correctness. They express ongoing confusion about the transformations and simplifications involved. The thread emphasizes the importance of accurately applying the chain rule in these coordinate transformations.
andrey21
Messages
475
Reaction score
0
Transformation from Cartesian to spherical polar coordinates

In dimensions:

x=r sinθ cos \varphi and y= r sin θ sin \varphi z=r cos θ

Show one example of:

∂z\alpha/ ∂xμ . ∂xμ/ ∂z\alpha = δ\alpha\beta

Now here is my answer:

δyx=(∂y/∂r . ∂r/∂x) + (∂y/∂θ . ∂θ/∂x) + (∂y/∂\varphi . ∂\varphi/∂x)



Is this correct? If not where have I made an error... Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Just like to pick up in this old thread, still having trouble with the question.

Using what I have already done:

δrθ=(∂r/∂x . ∂x/∂θ) + (∂r/∂y . ∂y/∂θ) + (∂r/∂z . ∂z/∂θ) (1)

Where:

x=r sin θ cos φ and y= r sin θ sin φ z= r cos θ

Would (1) then become:

δyx= = ((sin θ cos φ) . ( r cos θ cos φ)) + ((sin θ sin φ) . (cos θ sin φ)) + ((cos θ) . (-r sin θ))

Then multiply out the brackets and simplify
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K