Chapter 12: Problem 43
For the helix \(\mathbf{r}=a \cos t \mathbf{i}+a \sin t \mathbf{j}+c t \mathbf{k}\), find the value of \(c(c>0)\) so that the helix will make one complete turn in a distance of 3 units measured along the \(z\) -axis.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( c \) should be \( \frac{3}{2\pi} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the problem statement
The helix is defined by the vector function \( \mathbf{r}(t) = a \cos t \mathbf{i} + a \sin t \mathbf{j} + c t \mathbf{k} \). We need to determine the value of \( c \) such that one complete turn of the helix corresponds to a 3-unit distance along the \( z \)-axis.
02
Determine the change in \( z \) for one complete turn
One complete turn of the helix corresponds to \( t \) changing by \( 2\pi \). For the \( z \)-component, \( z = c t \), the change in \( z \) is given by \( \Delta z = c (2\pi) - c(0) = 2\pi c \).
03
Set up the equation based on the problem's condition
According to the problem, the change in the \( z \)-component (\( \Delta z \)) for one complete turn should be 3 units. Thus, we have the equation: \( 2\pi c = 3 \).
04
Solve the equation for \( c \)
Solve the equation \( 2\pi c = 3 \) for \( c \). Dividing both sides by \( 2\pi \), we get: \( c = \frac{3}{2\pi} \).
05
Verify the solution
Verify that when \( c = \frac{3}{2\pi} \), the distance along the \( z \)-axis for one complete turn is indeed 3 units. The change in \( z \) from \( t=0 \) to \( t=2\pi \) is: \( 2\pi \left( \frac{3}{2\pi} \right) = 3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Function
The concept of a vector function is central to understanding how paths like a helix are formed in three-dimensional space. A vector function, such as \( \mathbf{r}(t) = a \cos t \mathbf{i} + a \sin t \mathbf{j} + c t \mathbf{k} \), describes a vector that depends on a parameter \( t \).
This function assigns a unique vector to each value of \( t \), effectively tracing a path in space. The components of the vector function—\( a \cos t \), \( a \sin t \), and \( c t \)—correspond to the x, y, and z coordinates, respectively.
This function assigns a unique vector to each value of \( t \), effectively tracing a path in space. The components of the vector function—\( a \cos t \), \( a \sin t \), and \( c t \)—correspond to the x, y, and z coordinates, respectively.
- This means for each \( t \), the vector function describes a specific point on the helix.
- As \( t \) varies, the entire curve of the helix is generated in the space.
Complete Turn
Understanding the concept of a complete turn is crucial when dealing with helical paths. In the context of a helix, a complete turn means that the path described by the vector function wraps around the central axis once.
For our helix, described by \( \mathbf{r}(t) = a \cos t \mathbf{i} + a \sin t \mathbf{j} + c t \mathbf{k} \), a complete turn corresponds to the parameter \( t \) changing by \( 2\pi \).
For our helix, described by \( \mathbf{r}(t) = a \cos t \mathbf{i} + a \sin t \mathbf{j} + c t \mathbf{k} \), a complete turn corresponds to the parameter \( t \) changing by \( 2\pi \).
- This \( 2\pi \) change allows the x and y components to complete a full circle in the xy-plane due to their trigonometric nature.
- Consequently, the path rises following the z-component increment as it loops once around the axis.
Z-axis Distance
The z-axis distance in the helix equation represents the extent of vertical movement for a given change in \( t \). In the problem, we are asked to find the value of \( c \) so that one complete turn of the helix results in a specific vertical displacement along the z-axis.
The z component of the vector, \( c t \), indicates how z changes with \( t \). For one complete turn, \( t \) moves from 0 to \( 2\pi \), resulting in a z-axis change of \( \Delta z = 2\pi c \).
The z component of the vector, \( c t \), indicates how z changes with \( t \). For one complete turn, \( t \) moves from 0 to \( 2\pi \), resulting in a z-axis change of \( \Delta z = 2\pi c \).
- To achieve a vertical change of exactly 3 units in one complete turn, we solve for \( c \) using the equation: \( 2\pi c = 3 \).
- This ensures that every loop around the helix advances the position by the desired z-distance.
Parametric Equations
Parametric equations are a powerful tool in mathematics for describing curves and surfaces. For a helix, parametric equations define how each of the x, y, and z coordinates depend on a single parameter \( t \).
In our helix, the parametric equations are \( x(t) = a \cos t \), \( y(t) = a \sin t \), and \( z(t) = c t \).
In our helix, the parametric equations are \( x(t) = a \cos t \), \( y(t) = a \sin t \), and \( z(t) = c t \).
- Each equation determines how a specific coordinate changes as \( t \) varies.
- The x and y equations involve sine and cosine, which create the circular path in the xy-plane.
- The z equation adds the vertical dimension by linearly increasing with \( t \).