Chapter 7: Problem 8
Find an appropriate parametrization for the given piecewise-smooth curve in \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\). The intersection of the cylinder \(y^{2}+z^{2}=1\) and the plane \(z=x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The parametrization is \( r(t) = (\sin(t), \cos(t), \sin(t)) \) for \( 0 \leq t < 2\pi \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Intersection
The intersection we need to parametrize is formed by the cylinder defined by the equation \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \) and the plane \( z = x \). This means that for every point on the curve, \( z = x \) holds true. As we traverse the cylinder, we must ensure that the plane's equation is satisfied.
02
Use Cylinder Equation for Parameter
The equation \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \) suggests using trigonometric functions for \( y \) and \( z \). Let \( y = \cos(t) \) and \( z = \sin(t) \), where \( t \) is any real parameter such that \( 0 \leq t < 2\pi \), allowing \( y^2 + z^2 = \cos^2(t) + \sin^2(t) = 1 \).
03
Incorporate Plane Constraint
Since we have established \( z = \sin(t) \), and the plane equation dictates \( z = x \), set \( x = \sin(t) \). This respects the plane's condition of \( z = x \) throughout the curve. Thus, the parametrization of the curve becomes \( x = \sin(t) \), \( y = \cos(t) \), and \( z = \sin(t) \).
04
Parametrization Result
Our final parametrization for the curve is given by the vector function \( r(t) = (\sin(t), \cos(t), \sin(t)) \), where \( 0 \leq t < 2\pi \). This parameterization adheres to both the cylinder and plane conditions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cylinder Equation
When you encounter the term "cylinder equation," think of a surface in three-dimensional space that is shaped like a long tube. In mathematical terms, a cylinder can be represented by an equation like \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \).
This equation defines the set of points that are on the surface of a cylinder centered around the x-axis.
This equation defines the set of points that are on the surface of a cylinder centered around the x-axis.
- The equation \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \) specifies that every point on this cylinder is a unit distance from the x-axis.
- Such a form is specific to a circular cylinder, where cross-sections perpendicular to the cylinder's axis are circles.
- If you trace the surface, moving around the x-axis, you'll see that the values of \( y \) and \( z \) stay on the circle defined by this equation for any given \( x \).
Trigonometric Parametrization
Trigonometric parametrization is a powerful technique used to represent curves or surfaces using trigonometric functions. It is especially useful with circular or elliptical shapes.
- Consider the unit circle in a 2D plane described by \( x^2 + y^2 = 1 \). Using trigonometric parametrization, we can set \( x = \cos(t) \) and \( y = \sin(t) \), where \( t \) is the parameter that traces the angle on the unit circle.
- In the context of our exercise, we apply similar logic to the cylinder's equation \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \).
- We let \( y = \cos(t) \) and \( z = \sin(t) \), ensuring that \( y^2 + z^2 = \cos^2(t) + \sin^2(t) = 1 \) holds true due to the Pythagorean identity.
Intersection of Surfaces
The intersection of surfaces is a fascinating concept in geometry. It involves finding common points that lie on two or more surfaces. In our case, we consider the intersection of a cylinder and a plane.
- The cylinder is defined by \( y^2 + z^2 = 1 \), and the plane is defined by \( z = x \).
- The challenge is to find a set of points that satisfy both conditions simultaneously. These points define a special curve on the surfaces.
- For the curve parameterization, we ensure each point satisfies \( z = x \) in addition to the cylinder equation.
Vector Function
A vector function is a mathematical expression that describes a curve using a vector to represent position in space as a function of a parameter. It shows how position changes as the parameter varies.
- In our example, the vector function is represented as \( r(t) = (\sin(t), \cos(t), \sin(t)) \).
- This notation indicates the positions \( x = \sin(t) \), \( y = \cos(t) \), and \( z = \sin(t) \) for the curve formed at any value of \( t \) in the given range.
- Vector functions are particularly useful because they provide a compact way to capture and manipulate positions and directions in space by simply varying the parameter \( t \).