What are the distributions for R and fi in polar coordinates?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Nina22
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Distribution
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the probability distributions for the variables R and fi in polar coordinates, derived from two independent variables X and Y. The scope includes theoretical aspects of probability distributions and their characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that R has a distribution of the form r*e^((-r^2)/2), while others suggest it may follow a Rayleigh distribution under certain conditions.
  • Participants discuss that fi is uniformly distributed between -pi and pi, with a distribution function of 1/2pi.
  • One participant mentions that if X and Y are normal random variables, then the angle fi is uniformly distributed, and the magnitude R is Rayleigh distributed.
  • There is a request for identifying parameters of the distributions and confirming the characteristics of uniform and Rayleigh distributions.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the distributions and seek clarification on the bounds and characteristics of the uniform distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement that fi is uniformly distributed, while the distribution of R is debated, with suggestions of both Rayleigh and other forms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact identification of distributions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific forms of probability density functions and characteristics but do not resolve the identification of distributions definitively. The discussion includes assumptions about the distributions based on the properties of X and Y.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in probability theory, statistical distributions, and applications of polar coordinates in statistics may find this discussion relevant.

Nina22
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello, I have a problem. I have two independent variables, X and Y. I use polar coordinates so X=r*cos(fi) and Y=r*sin(fi)

R >= 0 and -pi <= fi <= pi

I got two distributions: for R is: r*e^((-r^2)/2)
and for fi: 1/2pi

but now I don't know which kind of distribution is for each of them (I don't know the names of the distributions)

Please help me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nina22 said:
Hello, I have a problem. I have two independent variables, X and Y. I use polar coordinates so X=r*cos(fi) and Y=r*sin(fi)

R >= 0 and -pi <= fi <= pi

I got two distributions: for R is: r*e^((-r^2)/2)
and for fi: 1/2pi

but now I don't know which kind of distribution is for each of them (I don't know the names of the distributions)

Please help me

Welcome to MHB Nina! :)The relevant distributions are:
  • Uniform distribution, identified with a lower bound $a$ and an upper bound $b$.
  • Normal distribution, identified with a mean $\mu$ and a standard deviation $\sigma$.
  • Weibull distribution, with parameters $k$ and $\lambda$.

Can you match them with your random variables and find their identifying parameters?
Or otherwise show some of your thoughts?
 
Nina22 said:
Hello, I have a problem. I have two independent variables, X and Y. I use polar coordinates so X=r*cos(fi) and Y=r*sin(fi)

R >= 0 and -pi <= fi <= pi

I got two distributions: for R is: r*e^((-r^2)/2)
and for fi: 1/2pi

but now I don't know which kind of distribution is for each of them (I don't know the names of the distributions)

Please help me

Wellcome to a new Italian member on MHB!... congratulation to Nina!...

If You consider to have a vector V(X,Y) where X and Y and normal random variables with zero mean a variance $\displaystyle \sigma^{2}$, then both X and Y have p.d.f. ... $\displaystyle f(u) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\ \pi}\ \sigma}\ e^{- \frac{u^{2}}{2\ \sigma^{2}}}\ (1)$

In such a case You can demonstrate that the angle of V is uniformly distributed between $- \pi$ and $\pi$ and the module |V| of the vector is Rayleigh distributed, i.e. |V| fas p.d.f. ...$\displaystyle g(w) = \frac{w}{\sigma^{2}}\ e^ {- \frac{w^{2}}{2\ \sigma^{2}}}\ (2)$

In Your case X and Y are normal distributed r.v. with zero mean and variance $\displaystyle \sigma^{2}= 1$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Thank you very much for your answers!

I like Serena: I was thinking and didn't know if it was right that fi is distributed uniformely
 
Nina22 said:
Thank you very much for your answers!

I like Serena: I was thinking and didn't know if it was right that fi is distributed uniformely

Yes. That is correct!

Its distribution function is $\frac{1}{2\pi}$, which is constant.
That is the prime characteristic of a uniform distribution function: whatever the outcome, the probability is the same.
Can you tell what its lower and upper bounds are?
With the right bounds the total cumulative probability has to come out as $1$.
 
So I was right :) Thank you

and R has the Rayleigh distribution
 
Nina22 said:
So I was right :) Thank you

and R has the Rayleigh distribution

Good! :D
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K