Chapter 3: Problem 209
Sketch the curves for the following vector equations. Use a calculator if needed. \(\mathbf{r}(t)=\left\langle\sin (20 t) e^{-t}, \cos (20 t) e^{-t}, e^{-t}\right\rangle\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The curve is a rapidly spiraling helix in 3D, shrinking towards the origin.
Step by step solution
01
Analyzing the Vector Equation
The vector equation given is \( \mathbf{r}(t)=\left\langle \sin (20 t) e^{-t}, \cos (20 t) e^{-t}, e^{-t}\right\rangle \). This equation represents a 3D space curve, where each component is a function of parameter \( t \). The first component is \( x(t) = \sin (20 t) e^{-t} \), the second component is \( y(t) = \cos (20 t) e^{-t} \), and the third component is \( z(t) = e^{-t} \).
02
Understanding the Exponential Decay
All components include the exponential decay factor \( e^{-t} \). This means as \( t \) increases, all components and thus the magnitude of the vector \( \mathbf{r}(t) \) will decrease exponentially, causing the vector to approach the origin, \( \mathbf{0} \).
03
Examining the Oscillatory Behavior
The terms \( \sin(20t) \) and \( \cos(20t) \) suggest rapid oscillations in the \( x \) and \( y \) directions. The frequency of 20 implies the curve will make 20 oscillations over an interval where \( t \) ranges from 0 to a small positive value. As \( t \) increases, the effects of \( e^{-t} \) will cause these oscillations to dampen and shrink towards the z-axis.
04
Combining Factors to Sketch the Curve
Considering both the oscillatory and exponential behaviors, the curve starts at a point on the unit circle in the \( xy \)-plane when \( t = 0 \) (namely \( \langle 0, 1, 1 \rangle \)) and spirals inward and downward exponentially as \( t \) increases, forming a tight spiral because of the rapid oscillations in the \( xy \)-plane.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Equations
In vector calculus, a vector equation represents a curve in which each coordinate corresponds to a function of a parameter, often denoted as \( t \). Here, the vector equation is \( \mathbf{r}(t) = \left\langle \sin(20t) e^{-t}, \cos(20t) e^{-t}, e^{-t} \right\rangle \). Each function of \( t \) describes how the curve evolves in 3D space.
Breaking it down:
Breaking it down:
- The first component \( x(t) = \sin(20t) e^{-t} \) shows how the curve moves along the x-axis.
- The second component \( y(t) = \cos(20t) e^{-t} \) controls movement along the y-axis.
- The third component \( z(t) = e^{-t} \) indicates fluctuation in the z-axis.
3D Space Curves
A 3D space curve is a path in three-dimensional space described by a vector equation. In our case, the curve is formed by combining all three components in the vector \( \mathbf{r}(t) \).
These curves often represent physical phenomena such as the trajectory of an object, the path of a fluid particle, or the electromagnetic field lines. To visualize the given equation:
These curves often represent physical phenomena such as the trajectory of an object, the path of a fluid particle, or the electromagnetic field lines. To visualize the given equation:
- Initially, the curve could start on the unit circle on the \( xy \)-plane, at a height of \( e^{-0}=1 \) at \( t=0 \).
- The path then notably spirals inward due to the combined effect of the sine and cosine components.
Exponential Decay
Exponential decay is a mathematical concept describing the process of quantities decreasing at a rate proportional to their current value. In the vector equation \( \mathbf{r}(t) = \left\langle \sin(20t) e^{-t}, \cos(20t) e^{-t}, e^{-t} \right\rangle \), all components share the exponential decay factor \( e^{-t} \).
This means:
This means:
- Initially, the magnitude of the vector is relatively higher.
- However, as \( t \) becomes larger, \( e^{-t} \) shrinks all components exponentially.
- The vector approaches zero, or the origin, indicative of the curve folding into itself.
Oscillatory Behavior
Oscillatory behavior refers to a repeating pattern or fluctuation occurring in the values of a function or system. In the vector equation given, the expressions \( \sin(20t) \) and \( \cos(20t) \) dictate oscillations.
Key features include:
Key features include:
- The frequency component of 20, indicating rapid oscillations in the x and y directions.
- The oscillation period can be calculated based on the standard function properties of sine and cosine: each cycle repeats frequently as noted.
- Initial large oscillations gradually reduce due to the damping effect of \( e^{-t} \).