Finding the unit tagent vector, normal vec and curvature problem

In summary, the problem is to find the unit tangent vector, unit normal vector, and curvature for the given curve r(t) = <1/3* t^3, 1/2 * t^2, t>. The unit tangent vector is found by taking the derivative of r(t) and dividing by its magnitude. The unit normal vector can be found by taking the derivative of the unit tangent vector and dividing by its magnitude. However, in the given solution, the unit normal vector was incorrectly found by using the derivative of r(t) instead of the unit tangent vector.
  • #1
mr_coffee
1,629
1
Hello everyone, the problem says to:
For the curve gien by r(t) = <1/3* t^3, 1/2 * t^2, t>
find (a) The unit tagent vector;
(b) the unit normal vector;
(c) the curvature;

Well it seems easy enough! the formula's are just derivatives for instance:
The unit tagent vector says:
T(t) = r'(t)/|r'(t)| i got this one right, you can see my work on the image below:
but part (b) i missed..
The normal vector N is suppose to just be:
N(t) = T'(t)/|T'(t)|;
Here is my work and it does not match the back of the book.
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/800636/0/nouser_800/T0_-1_800636.jpg
 
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  • #2
In finding N, you did NOT find T'/|T'|. You used r' rather than T.

Yes, [tex]T= <t^2, t, 1>/\sqrt{t^4+ t^2+ 1}[/tex].
To find N(t) you have to differentiate THAT: differentiate
[tex]\left<\frac{t^2}{\sqrt{t^4+ t^2+ 1}},\frac{t}{\sqrt{t^4+ t^2+ 1}},\frac{1}{\sqrt{t^4+ t^2+ 1}}\right>[/tex].
 

Related to Finding the unit tagent vector, normal vec and curvature problem

1. What is the unit tangent vector?

The unit tangent vector is a vector that is tangent to a curve at a specific point and has a magnitude of 1. It shows the direction in which the curve is heading at that point.

2. How do you find the unit tangent vector?

To find the unit tangent vector, you first need to find the derivative of the curve at the given point. Then, divide the derivative vector by its magnitude to get a vector with a magnitude of 1 in the same direction as the derivative vector.

3. What is the normal vector?

The normal vector is a vector that is perpendicular to the curve at a specific point. It is always perpendicular to the tangent vector at that point.

4. How do you find the normal vector?

The normal vector can be found by taking the derivative of the tangent vector and then rotating it 90 degrees counterclockwise. This will result in a vector that is perpendicular to the tangent vector at the given point.

5. What is curvature and how is it related to the unit tangent and normal vectors?

Curvature is a measure of how much a curve deviates from a straight line at a specific point. It is related to the unit tangent and normal vectors because the magnitude of the curvature is equal to the magnitude of the derivative of the unit tangent vector, which in turn is equal to the magnitude of the normal vector.

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