Polar Coordinates

Definition

Polar coordinates are a two-dimensional coordinate system in which each point is determined by its distance from a fixed point (the pole) and its angle from a fixed direction (the polar axis).

Related terms

Polar Axis: The polar axis is the reference line in polar coordinates. It serves as the equivalent of the x-axis in Cartesian coordinates.

Pole: The pole is the fixed point used as a reference for measuring distances in polar coordinates. It corresponds to the origin in Cartesian coordinates.

Polar Angle: The polar angle represents the measure of rotation from the reference direction (polar axis) to reach a specific point. It determines where exactly on the circle or spiral that point lies.