SPHERICAL ANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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A spherical angle is a geometric concept that describes the measure of the opening or inclination between two intersecting arcs or lines on the surface of a sphere. It is typically measured in radians or degrees.
In a three-dimensional space, a sphere serves as a reference object for measuring spherical angles. The center of the sphere is often used as the vertex for the angle, while the two intersecting arcs or lines are considered as the sides of the angle. These arcs or lines can be great circles, which are the largest possible circles that can be drawn on a sphere.
The magnitude of a spherical angle depends on the length of the arcs or lines associated with it. For instance, if the intersecting arcs cover a smaller proportion of the sphere's circumference, the spherical angle will be smaller. Conversely, if the arcs cover a larger portion of the circumference, the spherical angle will be larger.
Spherical angles have numerous applications in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and astronomy. They are particularly useful in spherical trigonometry, which deals with solving triangles on a curved surface like a sphere. Spherical angles are also relevant in celestial navigation, as they aid in determining the positions of celestial bodies.
Overall, the concept of a spherical angle provides a framework for understanding the measurement and relationship between intersecting arcs or lines on the surface of a sphere, playing a fundamental role in the study of curved geometries.
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In trig., an augle formed by the intersection of two great circles on the surface of a sphere or spheroid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPHERICAL ANGLE
- apherical angle
- zpherical angle
- xpherical angle
- dpherical angle
- epherical angle
- wpherical angle
- soherical angle
- slherical angle
- s-herical angle
- s0herical angle
- spgerical angle
- spberical angle
- spnerical angle
- spjerical angle
- spuerical angle
- spyerical angle
- sphwrical angle
- sphsrical angle
- sphdrical angle
Etymology of SPHERICAL ANGLE
The word "spherical" is derived from the Latin word "sphaericus", which comes from the Greek word "sphaira" meaning "sphere". It refers to anything related to a sphere or having a spherical shape.
The term "angle" traces its origins back to the Latin word "angulus", meaning "corner" or "angle". It can also be traced further back to the Greek word "ankulos".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "spherical angle" combines the Latin and Greek roots, where "spherical" refers to a sphere, and "angle" refers to a corner or a measured deviation from a straight line.
Similar spelling words for SPHERICAL ANGLE
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