Coordinate systems

Cartesian
Z

r
P(x,y,z)
Y

x
y
X

Example of a
problem where a
Cartesian coordinate
system is a good
choice
 Coordinate systems
Z Spherical

r sinq

P(r sinq cosf,

r cosq
r sinq sinf,
r
q r cosq )
Y
f
r sinq cosf

X r sinq sinf

Example of a
problem where a
spherical system is
required
 Coordinate systems : Cylindrical
Z

P( r cosf,
z
r sinf,
r
z)
Y
f r
r cosf
r sinf
X

Example of a
problem where a
cylindrical system
is required
Multiple systems : Examples