How Do Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates Represent the Same Point?

In summary, the conversation discusses the various cylindrical and spherical coordinates of a given point. It is mentioned that adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ does not change the point, and it is questioned whether $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ must differ by an integer multiple of $2\pi$. The meaning of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in both coordinate systems is also brought up, with the reminder that there are different conventions. The conversation ends with a suggestion to consult Wikipedia for definitions and clarification on the angles represented by $\theta$ and $\phi$.
  • #1
evinda
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Hello!

  • Suppose that a point has cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ where $r$ is not zero. Describe all other cylindrical coordinates of that point.
  • Suppose $(R, \theta_1, \phi)$ and $(R, \theta_2, \phi)$ are two representations of the same point in spherical coordinates. Is it true that $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ must differ by an integer multiple of $2 \pi$?
If we have the cylindrical coordinates of a point how can we find other ones so that these represent the same point?

How can we find what relation the $r, \theta$ and $z$ of the two representations have to have?
 
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  • #2
evinda said:
Suppose that a point has cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ where $r$ is not zero. Describe all other cylindrical coordinates of that point.
Adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ does not change the point.

evinda said:
Suppose $(R, \theta_1, \phi)$ and $(R, \theta_2, \phi)$ are two representations of the same point in spherical coordinates. Is it true that $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ must differ by an integer multiple of $2 \pi$?
Please remind the meaning of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in spherical coordinates. There are slightly different conventions.
 
  • #3
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Adding $2\pi$ to $\theta$ does not change the point.

What does $\theta$ represent?

Also is then $(r, \theta+ 2k \pi, z)$ the only other cylindrical coordinate of the given point?
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Please remind the meaning of $\theta$ and $\phi$ in spherical coordinates. There are slightly different conventions.
The spherical coordinates of $(x,y,z)$ are defined as follows:

$$x= \rho \sin{\phi} \cos{\theta} , \ \ \ y= \rho \sin{\phi} \sin{\theta} , \ \ \ z= \rho \cos{\phi}
\\ \text{ where } \rho \geq 0, 0 \leq \theta < 2 \pi, 0 \leq \phi \leq \pi $$

But what angle do $\theta$ and $\phi$ represent?
 
  • #4
Why don't you check out definitions of spherical and cylindrical coordinates in Wikipedia? Note, however, that angles can have different names there.
 

FAQ: How Do Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates Represent the Same Point?

What is a point in representation?

A point in representation is a basic element used to describe the position of an object in space. It is often represented as a dot or a small circle and is usually defined by its coordinates in a specific coordinate system.

What are the different ways to represent a point?

There are several ways to represent a point, including using Cartesian coordinates (x,y), polar coordinates (r,θ), or using vectors. Points can also be represented in 3D space using Cartesian coordinates (x,y,z) or spherical coordinates (r, θ, φ).

Why is point representation important in science?

Point representation is important in science because it allows us to describe the location and movement of objects in a precise and standardized way. It is used in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering to model and analyze physical phenomena.

Can a point have a negative coordinate?

Yes, a point can have a negative coordinate. This usually means that the point is located to the left or below the origin in a specific coordinate system. In some cases, negative coordinates can also represent a vector pointing in the opposite direction of a positive coordinate.

What is the difference between a point and a vector?

A point and a vector are both used to represent position and direction in space, but they have different properties. A point has a fixed location and does not have a magnitude or direction, while a vector has a magnitude and direction, but its position can vary. Additionally, points are represented by coordinates, while vectors are represented by magnitude and direction.

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