Parametric and Polar Curves

Study Guide

Terms

Terms

Terms Terms

Acceleration Vector

A vector that represents the instantaneous acceleration of a particle moving along a parametric curve (x(t), y(t)); in coordinates, the acceleration vector is

(x''(t), y''(t))
Parametric Curve

A curve consisting of the points (x(t), y(t)), where t varies over an interval or over the set of real numbers.
Polar Curve

The graph of a function in polar coordinates, i.e. the points [r(θ), θ] for all θ in the domain of the function r(θ).
Velocity Vector

A vector that represents the instantaneous velocity of a particle moving along a parametric curve (x(t), y(t)); in coordinates the velocity vector is

(x'(t), y'(t))

Take a Study Break