How Do I Convert Circular Parametric Equations Using Arc Length as a Parameter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter waealu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Parametric
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves converting the parametric equations of a circle, defined by x^2+y^2=a^2, using arc length as a parameter. The original poster seeks clarification on how to relate the angle parameter to arc length.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between the angle parameter t and the arc length s. A participant questions how t relates to s, indicating a need for clarification on this connection.

Discussion Status

The discussion shows some progression, as the original poster later states they figured out the relationship, expressing it in terms of s/a. However, the conversation remains open with no explicit consensus on the approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working within the constraints of an assignment, which may impose specific requirements or methods for expressing the parametric equations.

waealu
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
For an assignment, I am supposed to find the parametric equation for the circle:
x^2+y^2=a^2,
using as a parameter the arc length, s, measured counterclockwise from the point (a,0) to the point (x,y).

I understand that the parametric equation for a circle is x=a*cos(t) and y=a*sin(t), but I'm not sure what they are asking me to do in this problem.

Would anyone be able to get me started on this problem?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How is t (in radians?) related to the arc length, s?
 
Nevermind, I was able to figure it out. They are looking for x=a*cos(\Theta)=a*cos(s/a) and y=a*sin(\Theta)=a*sin(s/a).

Thanks, though.
 
Yes.

You're welcome.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K