1 curves in space

P = (f(t), g(t), h(t))

\vec\sigma(t) = f(t)\hat\imath + g(t)\hat\jmath + h(t)\hat k

When ||\vec\sigma(t)|| = \text{const} then \vec\sigma'(t) is perpendicular to \vec\sigma(t) for all t

1.1 tangent line

r = \vec\sigma(t_0) + t\vec\sigma'(t_0)

1.2 length

L = \int_a^b \sqrt{f'(t)^2 + g'(t)^2 + h'(t)^2}dt

1.3 regular

A curve is called regular if \vec\sigma'(t) \ne \mathbf 0 for all t

1.3.1 unit tangent vector to the curve

When a curve is regular then T = \frac{\vec\sigma'(t)}{||\vec\sigma'(t)||} is called the unit tangent vector to the curve

1.3.2 unit speed curve

If the length of \vec\sigma'(t) is constant and equal to 1, the curve is said to be parametrized by arc length (or unit speed curve)

1.4 curvature

s = \int_a^t ||\vec\sigma'(u)||du

Let k be a scalar: k = ||\frac{dT}{ds}||. Then k is called the curvature of a curve.

1.4.1 principle normal vector

When k \ne 0:

N = \frac{\frac{dT}{ds}}{||\frac{dT}{ds}||}

Then N is called the principle normal vector

Alternative formulae:

k = \frac{||v \times v'||}{||v||^3}

N(t) = \frac{(v \cdot v)v' - (v' \cdot v)v}{||(v \cdot v)v' - (v' \cdot v)v||}