Solid angle: Difference between revisions
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A '''solid angle''' is a three-dimensional generalization of two-dimensional angles. | A '''solid angle''' is a three-dimensional generalization of two-dimensional angles. | ||
Simple examples are formed by three or more planes intersecting at a common point. | Simple examples are formed by three or more planes intersecting at a common point. | ||
The unit of measure is the [[steradian]] (sr), an analogue of the [[radian]] (rad) measure for | The unit of measure is the [[steradian]] (sr), an analogue of the [[radian]] (rad) measure for planar angles. | ||
In mathematics, real numbers (without any unit) are used for solid angles because the steradian is dimensionless. | In mathematics, real numbers (without any unit) are used for solid angles because the steradian is dimensionless. | ||
Revision as of 20:06, 20 December 2011
A solid angle is a three-dimensional generalization of two-dimensional angles. Simple examples are formed by three or more planes intersecting at a common point. The unit of measure is the steradian (sr), an analogue of the radian (rad) measure for planar angles. In mathematics, real numbers (without any unit) are used for solid angles because the steradian is dimensionless.