Calculating Orthogonality of Binormal Vector with Dot Product

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around demonstrating the orthogonality of the binormal vector with respect to the tangent and normal vectors using the dot product. Participants explore theoretical approaches and definitions related to the binormal vector in the context of vector calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to show that the binormal vector is orthogonal to the tangent and normal vectors, indicating a need for clarification on the method.
  • Another participant suggests using the determinant property of the dot product with the cross product to demonstrate orthogonality, referencing the relationship between the vectors.
  • A different participant questions the definition of the binormal vector being used, implying that orthogonality may be inherent to its definition.
  • One participant expresses a desire to show perpendicularity without specific component values, indicating a focus on a general proof.
  • Another participant supports the previous reasoning by stating that the dot product of the binormal with either the normal or tangent vector results in a determinant with identical rows, leading to a value of zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method of proof or the definitions being used, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the approach to demonstrating orthogonality.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of the binormal vector and the assumptions made about the vectors involved, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

ronaldor9
Messages
91
Reaction score
1
How can I show that the binormal vector is orthogonal to the tangent and normal vector. I know i should use the dot product to determine this, however i do i actually go about doing it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, if T is the tangent vector, N the normal to T, and B=TxN (cross product of the two), then you should use the fact that a*(bxc)=det[a,b,c] where * is the dot product.
I.e it equals the determinant of the vectors (in rows) a,b and c.
 
ronaldor9 said:
How can I show that the binormal vector is orthogonal to the tangent and normal vector.
Isn't that (most of) the definition of the binormal vector?


Maybe you're using a different exposition than I would expect -- what definition of "binormal vector" is your class using?
 
this was a problem in a my book. MathematicalPhysicist, that is what i want to do however is there a way to show it is perpendicular without any specific values for the components of the vector?
 
If you follow the reasoning of Mathematical Physicist, when you take the dot product of either the normal or tangent vector with the binormal, the determinant in question has two identical rows, so that its value is 0.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
7K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K