Finding mass of circular piece of wire?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total mass of a circular piece of wire with a radius of 4 cm and a mass density defined as ρ(x,y) = x² g/cm. The parametrization of the circle is given by C(t) = (4cos(t), 4sin(t)), with the bounds for t established as -π ≤ t ≤ π, representing a complete revolution around the circle. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding parametrization for various shapes, including the parabola y = x², which can be parametrized as C(t) = (t, t²). The participants emphasize that there is no unique parametrization, but finding a suitable one is crucial for solving problems in calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of line integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with parametrization of curves
  • Knowledge of Cartesian equations for circles and parabolas
  • Basic concepts of mass density in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the parametrization of different geometric shapes, including ellipses and hyperbolas
  • Learn about line integrals and their applications in physics and engineering
  • Explore the use of mass density functions in calculating total mass
  • Practice problems involving parametrization and integration in multivariable calculus
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Students in calculus courses, particularly those struggling with parametrization and line integrals, as well as educators seeking to reinforce these concepts in their teaching.

Chandasouk
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Calculate the total mass of a circular piece of wire of radius 4cm centered at the origin whose mass density is\rho(x,y) = X2 g/cm

I get that you have to parametrize the circular peace, giving you C(t) =(4cost, 4sint) but how do you get the bounds for t?

The solution states that it is -\pi<=t<=\pi but how?

Also, it's actually been a while since my class spoke on line integrals and I realized now that I have great difficulty parameterizing shapes and curves that gives me problems further on in Calc 3. Are there parametrization I should automatically know? For example how does a wire in the shape of a parabola y = x2 parameterize to C(t) = (t, t^2) ?
 
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Chandasouk said:
Calculate the total mass of a circular piece of wire of radius 4cm centered at the origin whose mass density is\rho(x,y) = X2 g/cm

I get that you have to parametrize the circular peace, giving you C(t) =(4cost, 4sint) but how do you get the bounds for t?

The solution states that it is -\pi<=t<=\pi but how?
those represent a full revolution of a circle
Chandasouk said:
Also, it's actually been a while since my class spoke on line integrals and I realized now that I have great difficulty parameterizing shapes and curves that gives me problems further on in Calc 3. Are there parametrization I should automatically know? For example how does a wire in the shape of a parabola y = x2 parameterize to C(t) = (t, t^2) ?

Homework Statement

the cartesian equation of a circle is x^2 + y^2 = 1, that of a parabola is y = x^2

try substituting in the parametrix equations for x and y in each and you will see they are satisfied.

Note there is no unique paramterisation for these problems, just finding one that works (and is easy to use in the problem) is enough
 

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