Velocity and Acceleration

Let r(t)=<f(t),g(t),h(t)> be the position vector of a particle. The velocity of the particle is given by

displaymath89

and the acceleration is given by

displaymath91

In the following discussion we gain further insight into these formulas.

Velocity

We can write the velocity in terms of the unit tangent vector T(t). Recall that

displaymath93

The magnitude of the velocity, |r'(t)|, is the speed and is often denoted v(t). It follows that

displaymath97

Recall that the velocity vector r'(t) is tangent to the space curve r(t). This is shown in the plot below for the position function r=<2cos(t),sin(t)>, where the velocity r'(t)=<-2sin(t),cos(t)> and the unit tangent vector are plotted.

Acceleration

Acceleration is given by the formula

displaymath99

Here we have used the product rule for differentiation of the product of a scalar function and a vector function. An interesting fact is that T'(t) is orthogonal to T(t)!. We prove this by noting that

displaymath101

since T(t) is a tangent vector. Taking the derivative of both sides above we have

displaymath103

We have used the rule for differentiating the dot product of two vector functions. Noting that the order does not matter in the dot product, we have

displaymath105

Since T(t) is tangent to the space curve r(t). The vector T'(t) is normal to the space curve. In three dimensions, there are an infinite number of linearly independent vectors normal to r(t). The direction represented by T'(t) is called the principal normal direction. The unit vector

displaymath107

is called the principal unit normal vector.

We can write the acceleration:

displaymath109

Recalling that |T'(t)|/v(t) is the curvature, we have

displaymath111

This last formula shows that there are components of acceleration tangential and normal to r(t). These components are

displaymath113

and

displaymath115

Example

Let r(t)=<2cos(t),sin(t)>. Find the tangential and normal components of the acceleration.

We have r'(t)=<-2sin(t),cos(t)> and

displaymath117

Differentiating this last expression, we have:

displaymath119

From a previous calculation,

displaymath121

Hence,

displaymath123


[Vector Calculus Home] [Math 254 Home] [Math 255 Home] [Notation] [References]

Copyright © 1996 Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University

If you have questions or comments, don't hestitate to contact us.