Vector valued functions and normal vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is tasked with finding the tangent vector T(t), normal vector N(t), tangential acceleration aT, and normal acceleration aN for a vector-valued function r(t) defined as r(t) = at a specific point t = t0. The problem falls within the subject area of vector calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants note the importance of showing attempts and understanding before receiving help. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the variable "w" and its role in the differentiation process. There is discussion about the need to compute derivatives and the meaning of the notation used for vector magnitudes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on treating "w" as a constant and focusing on the differentiation process. The original poster is encouraged to clarify their understanding of the derivatives involved. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored, particularly regarding the significance of the variable "w".

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that the homework is due soon, which adds urgency to their request for assistance. There is also a note that the instructor did not cover certain aspects of the problem, contributing to the confusion.

ahmetbaba
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Homework Statement


Find T(t), N(t), aT, and aN

r(t)= <wt-sinwt,1-coswt> t=t0


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You are apparently new here. To receive help on a problem such as this you are expected to fill in parts 2 and 3 to show what you know and what you have tried, and where you are stuck. Nobody here will just work the problem for you.
 
You need to make some attempt at the problem in order to receive assistance here. Your textbook should have formulas for finding the (unit?) tangent and normal for a general curve...
 
Yeah, I'm new, so let's see.

r(t0)= (wt0-sinwt0)i + ( 1-coswt0)j

v(t0)= r(t0)'. Well this is the first place I'm stuck, I don't know what w stands for. The instructor didn't get this far, however the h-w is due, and this is one of the questions.

a(t0)= v(t0)'

T(t0)= r'(t0)/[r'(t0)]

N(t0)= T'(t)/[T'(t)]

aT= a.T=v.a/[v]

aN=a.N=[v x a]/[v]

So,

If I could do the first two derivatives of this problem, I should be fine. oh, and the [] stand for magnitude(length) of the vectors.
 
"w" is just a constant (angular frequency), so treat it like one and find the derivatives of r(t)...
 
ahmetbaba said:
Yeah, I'm new, so let's see.

r(t0)= (wt0-sinwt0)i + ( 1-coswt0)j

v(t0)= r(t0)'. Well this is the first place I'm stuck, I don't know what w stands for. The instructor didn't get this far, however the h-w is due, and this is one of the questions.
This is mathematics, not physics! For the mathematics, it doesn't matter what the letters stand for. The variable is t0 and that is all you need to know to differentiate. "w" (its really [itex]\omega[/itex], the Greek letter "omega", commonly used for "angular frequency" as gabbagabbahey said, but, again, you don't need to know that to solve this problem.) is just a constant.

a(t0)= v(t0)'

T(t0)= r'(t0)/[r'(t0)]

N(t0)= T'(t)/[T'(t)]

aT= a.T=v.a/[v]

aN=a.N=[v x a]/[v]

So,

If I could do the first two derivatives of this problem, I should be fine. oh, and the [] stand for magnitude(length) of the vectors.

Do you know how to find the derivatives, with respect to t, of "at", "sin(bt)", and "cos(bt)"? That's all you need.
 

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