Intersection of surfaces/tangent vector

In summary, the intersection of surfaces is the set of points where two or more surfaces meet or cross each other. It can be calculated by solving the equations of the surfaces simultaneously, either algebraically or graphically. A tangent vector is a vector that is perpendicular to the surface at a specific point and is often used to determine the intersection of surfaces. This vector represents the direction in which the surface is changing the fastest at that point and can help determine the point of intersection. The intersection of surfaces is significant in various fields of science, such as physics and engineering, as it can aid in understanding the behavior of objects in motion and solve mathematical and physical problems.
  • #1
Odyssey
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Hi, how do I find a tangent vector to the curve intersection of the surfaces [itex]2x^2+2y^2-z^2=25[/itex] and [itex]x^2+y^2=z^2[/itex] which has positive x-direction?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
Note that your last equation implies that we may write:
[tex]x=z\cos\theta,y=z\sin\theta,0\leq\theta\leq2\pi[/tex]
Inserting these relations into your first equation, yields:
[tex]z^{2}=\frac{25}{3}[/tex]
Can you take it from here?
 
  • #3


To find the tangent vector to the curve intersection of the two surfaces, we can use the method of Lagrange multipliers. This method involves finding the gradient vectors of both surfaces and setting them equal to each other, along with the constraint equation for the curve intersection.

First, we can find the gradient vectors of the two surfaces:
∇(2x^2+2y^2-z^2) = (4x, 4y, -2z)
∇(x^2+y^2-z^2) = (2x, 2y, -2z)

Next, we set these two gradient vectors equal to each other, along with the constraint equation x^2+y^2=z^2:
(4x, 4y, -2z) = λ(2x, 2y, -2z)
x^2+y^2-z^2 = 0

Solving this system of equations, we get three possible solutions:
- The first solution is when λ=1 and x=y=√2, z=√3. This is a point on the curve of intersection.
- The second solution is when λ=0 and x=y=z=0. This is the origin, which is not on the curve of intersection.
- The third solution is when λ=-1 and x=y=-√2, z=-√3. This is another point on the curve of intersection.

To determine the tangent vector with positive x-direction, we can choose the first solution, which gives us the point (x,y,z)=(√2,√2,√3).

To find the tangent vector at this point, we can take the partial derivatives of the constraint equation with respect to x, y, and z:
∂x(x^2+y^2-z^2) = 2x
∂y(x^2+y^2-z^2) = 2y
∂z(x^2+y^2-z^2) = -2z

Plugging in the values from the point (x,y,z)=(√2,√2,√3), we get the tangent vector (2√2, 2√2, -2√3).

Therefore, the tangent vector to the curve intersection of the surfaces 2x^2+2
 

What is the definition of "Intersection of surfaces"?

The intersection of surfaces refers to the set of points where two or more surfaces meet or cross each other.

How is the intersection of surfaces calculated?

The intersection of surfaces can be calculated by solving the equations of the surfaces simultaneously. This can be done algebraically or graphically using computer software.

What is a tangent vector?

A tangent vector is a vector that is perpendicular to the surface at a specific point. It represents the direction in which the surface is changing the fastest at that point.

How is the tangent vector related to the intersection of surfaces?

The tangent vector is often used to determine the intersection of surfaces. It can help determine the direction in which the surfaces are intersecting and can aid in finding the point of intersection.

What is the significance of the intersection of surfaces in science?

The intersection of surfaces is important in many fields of science, such as physics and engineering. It can help in understanding the behavior of objects in motion and can be used to solve various mathematical and physical problems.

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