Helical Pathway Movement Using Vectors, Spherical & Cylindrical Coordinates

In summary, the conversation is about discussing how to accurately follow a particle moving in a helical pathway using vectors, spherical and cylindrical coordinates. The participants share parametric equations for a helix and discuss controlling the angular frequency and using cylindrical and spherical coordinates.
  • #1
Maxwellkid
69
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would anybody like to discuss how to accurately follow a particle moving in a HELICAL PATHWAY using vectors, spherical and cylindrical coordinates? I'm not sure how to follow a geometric helical pathway using linear and parametric equations.
 
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  • #2
Here's a parametric equation for a helix:

h(t) = (a cos(t), a sin(t), bt)

where a > 0, b [tex]\neq[/tex] 0.

The first two coordinates describe a circle of radius a, and the third coordinate describes a rise (or fall) at a constant rate.

HTH

Petek
 
  • #3
Petek said:
Here's a parametric equation for a helix:

h(t) = (a cos(t), a sin(t), bt)

where a > 0, b [tex]\neq[/tex] 0.

The first two coordinates describe a circle of radius a, and the third coordinate describes a rise (or fall) at a constant rate.

HTH

Petek

h(t) = (a cos(wt), a sin(wt), bt)
You may also want to control the angular frequency.

cylindrical is a bit easier
h(t) = (r,theta,z) = (a,bt,ct)
The constants a,b,c are new

Hum... Thinking about spherical

h(t) = (r,theta,phi) = (a*t*Sin(phi), bt, ?)
I need another equation somewhere
 
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FAQ: Helical Pathway Movement Using Vectors, Spherical & Cylindrical Coordinates

1. What is a helical pathway movement?

A helical pathway movement is a type of motion in which an object follows a curved path, resembling a helix or spiral. This type of movement is often seen in various physical systems, such as the motion of planets around the sun or the motion of particles in a magnetic field.

2. How is vector calculus used in helical pathway movement?

Vector calculus is used to describe and analyze the motion of an object following a helical pathway. Specifically, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration vectors can be used to calculate the object's position and change in position over time.

3. What are spherical coordinates?

Spherical coordinates are a system of coordinates used to describe the position of a point in three-dimensional space. They consist of a radial distance, an azimuth angle, and an elevation angle, which are measured from a fixed point (the origin) and two fixed directions (the reference axes).

4. How are spherical coordinates used in helical pathway movement?

Spherical coordinates are often used to describe the motion of an object following a helical pathway, as they provide a convenient way to represent the object's changing position and orientation in three-dimensional space. They can also be used to calculate the object's displacement, velocity, and acceleration vectors.

5. What is the difference between cylindrical and spherical coordinates?

Cylindrical and spherical coordinates are two different systems used to describe the position of a point in three-dimensional space. The main difference between them is their reference axes - cylindrical coordinates use a fixed axis and a rotating angle, while spherical coordinates use two rotating angles and a fixed axis. Additionally, cylindrical coordinates are often used to describe circular or cylindrical motion, while spherical coordinates are more commonly used for spherical or helical motion.

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