Why curvature of a plane curve is k =d(phi)/ds?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The curvature of a plane curve is defined as \( k = \frac{d\phi}{ds} \), where \( \phi \) represents the angle between the tangent vector \( T \) and a fixed direction, typically the x-axis. This relationship arises from the parametrization of the curve by arc length, where \( \left\| \frac{d\varphi}{ds} \right\| = 1 \) and \( \left\| \frac{d^2\varphi}{ds^2} \right\| = \kappa \), indicating that curvature is a measure of how rapidly the curve deviates from a straight line. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between plane curves and three-dimensional curves, particularly in how curvature is expressed in terms of angles and tangential vectors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of curvature in differential geometry
  • Familiarity with parametrization of curves
  • Knowledge of tangent vectors and their properties
  • Basic concepts of arc length in calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of curvature formulas in differential geometry
  • Learn about the Frenet-Serret formulas for curves in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the relationship between curvature and torsion in 3D curves
  • Investigate applications of curvature in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and engineers interested in the geometric properties of curves, particularly those focusing on the analysis of plane curves and their applications in various fields.

A330NEO
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Why curvature of a plane curve is k = \frac{d\phi }{ds}?

I know that curvature of a plane is \frac{\left | r'(t) \times r''(t) \right |}{\left | r'(t) \right |^3}, and that led to this.

k = \frac{\left | \frac{d^2s}{dt^2} \right |sin\phi }{\left | \frac{ds}{dt}\right |^2}

But I can't go any further. Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That is the definition of curvature. The expression you presented is the expression for the curvature given in terms of the derivatives of an arbitrary parametrization of a curve.

Consider a parametrization by arc length $\varphi: I \subset \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}^3$. Then

$$\left\| \frac{d \varphi}{ds} \right\| = 1 \text{ and } \left\| \frac{d^2 \varphi}{ds^2} \right\| = \kappa,$$

which is the curvature of the curve.
 
Fantini said:
That is the definition of curvature. The expression you presented is the expression for the curvature given in terms of the derivatives of an arbitrary parametrization of a curve.

Consider a parametrization by arc length $\varphi: I \subset \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}^3$. Then

$$\left\| \frac{d \varphi}{ds} \right\| = 1 \text{ and } \left\| \frac{d^2 \varphi}{ds^2} \right\| = \kappa,$$

which is the curvature of the curve.
uhh... I still don't get it. k=\left|\d{T}{s} \right|(if length of curve is s and T is for its tangential vector), but how does that become \left| \d{\phi}{s} \right|? why use \phi, which is the angle between T and i(1, 0, 0)? Is there an specific characteristic of 'plane' curve that separages it from other 3-dimensional curves?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K