Retrieving "Radial Distance" from the archives
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Cartesian Coordinates
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While Cartesian coordinates provide an orthogonal framework, non-orthogonal or curvilinear systems are often preferred for describing specific physical phenomena.
Polar Coordinates (2D): Points are defined by a radial distance $r$ from the origin and an angular displacement $\theta$ from the positive $x$-axis. The transformation equations are:
$$ x = r \cos \theta, \quad y = r \sin \theta $$
Crucially, the [Jacobian determinant](/entries/jacobian-determinant/… -
Spatial Coordinate
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Cylindrical coordinates $(r, \theta, z)$ are an extension of the planar polar coordinate system into three dimensions, particularly advantageous for problems exhibiting axial symmetry.
$r$: The radial distance from the $Z$-axis (the rotational axis).
$\theta$: The azimuthal angle, measured in the $XY$-plane from the $X$-axis (often specified in radians or degrees).
$z$: The perpendic… -
Spatial Coordinate
Linked via "radial distance"
For systems with central symmetry, spherical coordinates $(\rho, \phi, \theta)$ are preferred. These define a point based on its distance from the origin and two angles describing its orientation.
$\rho$ (rho): The radial distance from the origin to the point.
$\phi$ (phi): The polar angle (colatitude), measured from the positive $Z$-axis. Ranges from $0$ to $\pi$.
$\theta$ (theta): The [azimuthal angle](/entries/azimuthal-…