Calculating Polar Arc Length for r=1/theta from 2 Pi to Infinity | Homework Help

In summary, the problem is to find the length of the spiral r=1/theta for theta\geq2 \pi using the formula for polar arc length. The integrand is \sqrt{r^{2}+r'^{2}} and the limits of the improper integral are from 2 \pi to infinity. It is possible that the integral does not converge and the curve is known as a hyperbolic spiral.
  • #1
dtl42
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Homework Statement


Find the length of the spiral of r=1/theta for theta[tex]\geq[/tex]2 [tex]\pi[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\sqrt{r^{2}+r'^{2}}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought of the formula for polar arc length, which is the integral of the square root of the sum of the square of r and the square of r'. I tried to evaluate this from 2 [tex]\pi[/tex] to infinity, but could not come up with a definitive answer. I think it might be infinity, but cannot show it legitimately
 
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  • #2
dtl42 said:
[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\sqrt{r^{2}+r'^{2}} d\theta[/tex]

You probably aren't getting help because you haven't shown any work. What did you set up as your integrand? Your limits for the improper integral are correct; it really is possible that the integral doesn't converge. (This curve is called a hyperbolic spiral -- see http://mathworld.wolfram.com/HyperbolicSpiral.html .)
 

Related to Calculating Polar Arc Length for r=1/theta from 2 Pi to Infinity | Homework Help

1. What is the formula for calculating polar arc length for r=1/theta?

The formula for calculating polar arc length for r=1/theta is L = ∫ √(r² + (dr/dθ)²) dθ, where r is the radius and θ is the angle.

2. How do you find the value of r in the formula for calculating polar arc length?

In this case, r is given as 1/theta. This means that for every value of θ, the radius will be equal to 1 divided by that value of θ.

3. Why does the integral start at 2π and go to infinity?

This is because we are calculating the polar arc length from 2π, which is the starting point of the curve, to infinity, which represents the entire length of the curve. This is necessary to get an accurate measurement of the arc length.

4. Can this formula be used for any curve with polar coordinates?

Yes, this formula can be used for any curve with polar coordinates. However, the value of r and the limits of the integral may be different depending on the specific curve.

5. How is the polar arc length related to the Cartesian arc length?

The polar arc length and the Cartesian arc length are related by the formula L = ∫ab √(1 + (dy/dx)²) dx, where a and b are the limits of integration. This means that the polar arc length can be calculated from the Cartesian arc length and vice versa.

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