Need free program to plot expressions in polar coordinates

In summary, a polar coordinate system is a two-dimensional coordinate system used in mathematics and physics to plot and analyze functions. Using a program for plotting in polar coordinates can save time and effort, and important features to look for include the ability to plot multiple functions, customizable axes and labels, and the option to export or save the graph. Free programs like GeoGebra, Desmos, and WolframAlpha are available for accurately plotting even complex polar expressions.
  • #1
morangta
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Homework Statement


Need a free program to plot expressions in polar coordinates. For example, I want to plot the equipotentials for an expression in polar coordinates of the potential for a dipole charge, 4q and -q separated by a distance L.


Homework Equations


V=kq(4/r1 - 1/r), where r12 = r2+ L2 - 2rLcosθ.


The Attempt at a Solution


Octave and SciPy/matplotlib are posted online as two (2) good programs.


PS Thank you to Simon for guiding me to a solution for the sheet charge electric field problem I posted.
 
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  • #2
You could try GNUPlot.
 
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Related to Need free program to plot expressions in polar coordinates

1. What is a polar coordinate system?

A polar coordinate system is a two-dimensional coordinate system that uses a distance from a fixed point (known as the origin) and an angle measured from a fixed direction to locate a point. It is commonly used in mathematics and physics to plot and analyze functions.

2. Why do we need a free program to plot expressions in polar coordinates?

Using a program to plot expressions in polar coordinates can save time and effort compared to manually graphing them. It also allows for easier manipulation and analysis of the plotted data.

3. What features should I look for in a free program for plotting expressions in polar coordinates?

Some important features to consider include the ability to plot multiple functions, customizable axes and labels, and the option to export or save the plotted graph. It is also helpful to look for a user-friendly interface and the ability to zoom in and out for a closer look at specific points.

4. Can a free program accurately plot complex polar expressions?

Yes, a good free program should be able to accurately plot even complex polar expressions. However, it is always recommended to double-check the plotted graph for accuracy and potential errors.

5. Are there any free programs available for plotting expressions in polar coordinates?

Yes, there are several free programs available online for plotting expressions in polar coordinates. Some popular options include GeoGebra, Desmos, and WolframAlpha. These programs are user-friendly and offer a variety of features for plotting and analyzing functions in polar coordinates.

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