What is the Difference Between an Angular Sector and a Circular Sector?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the distinction between an angular sector and a circular sector, particularly in the context of geometry that may not be Euclidean. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these terms as they relate to mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a source that defines an angular sector in a non-Euclidean context, suggesting it is well-defined due to the Riemannian metric.
  • Another participant proposes that the term "angular" may be preferred over "circular" because it indicates a sector that is not necessarily flat and relates to areas in a broader geometric context.
  • There is a request for a formula to calculate the area of the angular sector A, along with a visual representation to clarify the parameters involved.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of visualizing A as part of a curved surface rather than a flat plane.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions or implications of angular versus circular sectors, with multiple interpretations and questions remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the potential ambiguity in terminology and the need for further clarification on the geometric context in which these sectors are defined. There are unresolved questions regarding the formulas and visual representations of the angular sector.

arlesterc
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In this article https://terrytao.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/ricci1.pdf the following is written:
"Consider now an angular sector A(x, r, θ, v) inside a small disk B(x, r) of small angular aperture θ (measured in radians) centred around some direction v (a unit vector) emanating from x; this sector is well-defined, basically because the Riemannian metric gives us the notions of distance and angle."

I have googled and not found any reference to angular sector but have found references to circular sector. is there a difference and if there is what is an angular sector?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I assume he says angular instead of circular, as the underlying geometry isn't necessarily Euclidean. It has also the advantage to denote it by an ##A## as in area, whereas a ##C## is occupied by too many other meanings. But the main difference is probably, because ##A(x,r,\theta,v)## isn't flat. One could now object that the ball isn't either, but this would lead too far. In the end it's some sector on a curved surface.
 
Thanks. So what is the formula for calculating A using the parameters referenced? A picture or illustration would be great so I can see what exactly the variables refer to.
 
sector.png


Now you just have to imagine, that ##A(x,r,\theta,v)## isn't part of a flat plane but part of a somehow curved surface.
 

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