Polar Coordinates
A 2D coordinate system specifying point location by radial distance r from the origin and angular displacement θ from a reference axis.
Governing formula
x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ, r = √(x² + y²)
SI unit
m, rad
In depth
Polar coordinates simplify physical problems with central force symmetry, such as orbital mechanics, circular motion, and dipole electric fields.
Examples in the real world
Describing planetary orbits or radar target sweeps using distance r and azimuth angle θ.