1.3: Coordinate Systems

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May 9, 2020
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- 1.2: Notation
- 1.4: Electromagnetic Field Theory- A Review

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The coordinate systems most commonly used in engineering analysis are the Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical systems. These systems are illustrated in Figures $\PageIndex{1}$ , $\PageIndex{2}$ , and $\PageIndex{3}$ , respectively. Note that the use of variables is not universal; in particular, it is common to encounter the use of $r$ in lieu of $\rho$ for the radial coordinate in the cylindrical system, and the use of $R$ in lieu of $r$ for the radial coordinate in the spherical system.

Figure

$\PageIndex{1}$ : Cartesian coordinate system ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri)

Figure

$\PageIndex{2}$ : Cylindrical coordinate system. ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri)

Figure

$\PageIndex{3}$ : Spherical coordinate system. ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri)

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