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

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The discussion centers on the definition of curvature for plane curves, expressed as k = d(phi)/ds, where phi represents the angle between the tangent vector and the x-axis. Curvature is derived from the relationship between the first and second derivatives of a curve's parametrization, specifically when parametrized by arc length. The participants explore how the curvature can be related to the change in the tangent vector, denoted as T, and its relationship to the angle phi. The conversation also touches on the distinction between plane curves and three-dimensional curves, highlighting that the planar nature simplifies the curvature calculation. Understanding these relationships clarifies the mathematical foundation of curvature in the context of plane curves.
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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?
 
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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-dimentional curves?
 

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