Physical interpretation of a parametrization and its derivative

Topic(s):

Vector-Valued Functions and Velocity/Acceleration

This page introduces students to the notion of particle motion and tangent (or velocity) vectors using text and accompanying animations. There is a constant speed parametrization of the unit circle and a second parametrization where the speed changes as the particle moves along the circle. Tangent vectors are drawn in each case, so students can see how the length changes according to speed of the particle.

Identifier:

http://www.math.umn.edu/~nykamp/m2374/readings/vecphysical/

Subject:

Vector Valued Functions

Geometry and Topology

Rating: