A "spiral" in the Complex plane

In summary, a "spiral" in the Complex plane refers to a curve that wraps around a point while moving away from or toward it in a complex number setting. This can be represented mathematically by equations that describe the radius and angle in polar coordinates, resulting in a visually appealing and intricate pattern. Spirals can exhibit different behaviors based on their parameters, leading to various types of spirals, such as logarithmic or Archimedean spirals, each with distinct properties and applications in mathematics and physics.
  • #1
Hill
725
573
Homework Statement
Starting from the origin, go one unit east, then the same length north, then (1/2) of the previous length west, then (1/3) of the previous length south, then (1/4) of the previous length east, and so on. What point does this “spiral” converge to?
Relevant Equations
series sum
I understand that the "spiral" converges to 1+i-1/2-i/3!+1/4!+i/5!-1/6!-i/7!... .
It splits into two: one for Re, 1-1/2+1/4!-1/6!..., and the other for Im, 1-1/3!+1/5!-1/7!... .
Any hints on how to compute them?
 
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  • #2
What are [itex]
\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \dfrac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n)!}[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \dfrac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)!}[/itex] when [itex]x = 1[/itex]?
 
  • #3
pasmith said:
What are [itex]
\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \dfrac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n)!}[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \dfrac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)!}[/itex] when [itex]x = 1[/itex]?
##\cos## and ##\sin##, of course. Thanks!
 
  • #4
Or, even better:
$$
\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(ix)^n}{n!}
$$
 
  • #5
Orodruin said:
Or, even better:
$$
\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(ix)^n}{n!}
$$
Yes. Straight.
 

FAQ: A "spiral" in the Complex plane

What is a spiral in the complex plane?

A spiral in the complex plane refers to a curve that winds around a central point while simultaneously moving away from or toward it. Mathematically, it can be represented by complex functions where the modulus (distance from the origin) and argument (angle) change in a specific way, such as an exponential function combined with a trigonometric function.

How can I represent a spiral mathematically in the complex plane?

A common representation of a spiral in the complex plane is given by the function \( z(t) = re^{i\theta} \), where \( r(t) = a + bt \) (for an outward spiral) or \( r(t) = a - bt \) (for an inward spiral), and \( \theta(t) = ct \). Here, \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, \( t \) is a parameter, and \( i \) is the imaginary unit.

What are some examples of spirals in the complex plane?

Examples of spirals in the complex plane include the Archimedean spiral, represented by \( z(t) = (a + bt)e^{i ct} \), and the logarithmic spiral, represented by \( z(t) = ae^{(b + it)} \). Each of these spirals has distinct properties regarding their growth rates and winding behavior.

What applications do spirals in the complex plane have?

Spirals in the complex plane have various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. They can be used to model phenomena such as wave patterns, sound waves, and electromagnetic fields. In computer graphics, spirals are often used in animations and visual effects to create dynamic movements.

How do I visualize a spiral in the complex plane?

To visualize a spiral in the complex plane, you can use software tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries such as Matplotlib), or graphing calculators. By plotting the complex function over a range of values for the parameter \( t \), you can observe the spiral's shape and behavior in the complex plane.

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