A multivariate function of Toruses - tangent vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the manipulation of tangent vectors on toruses, specifically how they are affected by a mapping that multiplies them by a factor of sqrt(2). The user successfully calculated the metric for tangent vectors and derived that the mapping from coordinates (θ, φ) to (ζ, η) results in a new representation of tangent vectors. The final solution to the problem was determined to be 2, confirming the user's calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the metric in computing tangent vector lengths.

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  • Understanding of torus geometry and its properties
  • Familiarity with tangent vectors and their representation
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates and their applications
  • Proficiency in applying the Pythagorean theorem in multi-dimensional contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of tangent vectors in polar coordinates
  • Study the properties of metrics in differential geometry
  • Investigate the implications of orthogonality in multi-dimensional spaces
  • Learn about mappings and transformations in toroidal coordinates
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying differential geometry, particularly those interested in the properties of toruses and tangent vector analysis.

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Homework Statement
this map multiplies all lengths of tangent vectors by the same factor. what is the factor?
Relevant Equations
p^2+q^2=1
r^2+s^2=1

w^2+x^2=1
y^2+z^2=1

w=pr+qs
x=qr-ps
y=pr-qs
z=qr+ps
Thank you to all those who helped me solve my last question. This week, I've been assigned an interesting problem about toruses. I think I've solved most of this problem on my own, but I'd like to hear a few suggestions for part c.

Screen Shot 2020-10-09 at 10.01.51 PM.png


I think this map multiplies tangent vectors by a factor of sqrt(2). We can think of tangent vectors as velocity while traveling along a curve on the surface. From simply plotting points, we know if travel around the pq plane or the rs plane once, we travel around both the wx and yz planes. We also know the two planes are orthogonal to each other because it's the definition of the torus under this equation. Under this map, the velocity gains an additional orthogonal component of equal magnitude, and from Pythagorean theorem the net magnitude is sqrt(1+1) = sqrt(2).

Is my intuition correct?

I've calculated the metric in part a and solved part b. but, I don't think these parts will help with c. thanks
 
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The metric tells you how to compute the length of tangent vectors. Maybe it can help?
 
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If you set (p,q,r,s) = (\cos \theta, \sin \theta, \cos \phi, \sin \phi) you will find that in appropriate charts the map sends (\theta, \phi) to (\zeta, \eta) = (\theta - \phi, \theta + \phi). Thus a tangent vector X = \alpha \frac{\partial}{\partial \theta} + \beta\frac{\partial}{\partial \phi} is mapped to Y = (\alpha + \beta)\frac{\partial}{\partial \zeta} + (\alpha - \beta)\frac{\partial}{\partial \eta}. You can assume that all of the basis vectors are orthogonal with unit norm.
 
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Office_Shredder said:
The metric tells you how to compute the length of tangent vectors. Maybe it can help?

Thank you. I ended up using the metric and found the answer to be 2.
pasmith said:
If you set (p,q,r,s)=(cos⁡θ,sin⁡θ,cos⁡ϕ,sin⁡ϕ) you will find that in appropriate charts the map sends (θ,ϕ) to (ζ,η)=(θ−ϕ,θ+ϕ). Thus a tangent vector X=α∂∂θ+β∂∂ϕ is mapped to Y=(α+β)∂∂ζ+(α−β)∂∂η. You can assume that all of the basis vectors are orthogonal with unit norm.

Sorry I'm having trouble visualizing these tangent vectors. How does one understand tangent vectors in polar coordinates?

Thanks,
 

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Last edited:
I realized my solutions are wrong. How do I delete my previous post?
 
Here are the complete solutions to the problem. Feel free to let me know if you see an error :)
Screen Shot 2020-10-13 at 3.16.23 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-10-13 at 3.16.31 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-10-13 at 3.16.38 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-10-13 at 3.16.45 PM.png
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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