When to use the Jacobian in spherical coordinates?

Click For Summary
In spherical coordinates, the Jacobian is indeed represented as r^2*sin(v), which is essential for transforming volume elements. The area element in spherical coordinates derives from the cross product of partial derivatives of the surface parameterization. This relationship highlights that the Jacobian is inherently accounted for in the calculation of surface area. Understanding the geometric interpretation of these transformations clarifies the role of the Jacobian in spherical coordinates. Proper application of these concepts is crucial for accurate integration in multivariable calculus.
Amaelle
Messages
309
Reaction score
54
Homework Statement
look at the image
Relevant Equations
jacobian is r^2 sinv
Greetings!
1639498591229.png


here is the solution which I undertand very well:
1639498692794.png

1639498769703.png


my question is:
if we go the spherical coordinates shouldn't we use the jacobian r^2*sinv?

thank you!
 

Attachments

  • 1639410956821.png
    1639410956821.png
    10.7 KB · Views: 197
  • 1639411043905.png
    1639411043905.png
    8.3 KB · Views: 169
Physics news on Phys.org
It's sort of already baked in. The surface element comes from a little parallelogram with sides ##d\boldsymbol{l}_u = \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial u} du## and ##d\boldsymbol{l}_v = \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial v} dv## and therefore area
\begin{align*}
dS = |d\boldsymbol{l}_u \times d\boldsymbol{l}_v| = \left| \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial u} \times \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial v} \right| du dv
\end{align*}The part ##\frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial u} \times \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{\sigma}}{\partial v}## is what your solutions denoted by the vector ##\mathbf{N}##.
 
Last edited:
thank you so much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K