Chapter 11: Q. 20 (page 898)
Short Answer
The normal component of acceleration,
Chapter 11: Q. 20 (page 898)
The normal component of acceleration,
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If , , and are nonzero constants, the graph of a vector function of the formrole="math" localid="1649577570077" is called a twisted cubic. Prove that a twisted cubic intersects any plane in at most three points.
The DNA molecule takes the shape of a double helix—two helices that stay a roughly uniform distance apart.
(a) Neglecting actual dimensions, we can model one strand of DNA using the vector function .
Sketch the graph of . What is the effect of the parameter ?
(b) The second strand of DNA can be constructed by shifting the first. Does the graph of ever intersect that of ?
(c) The distance between two curves is the minimum distance between any two points on the curves. What is the distance between and if ? (Hint: Write two points on the curves using parameters and , expand the formula for the distance between them, and then use a trigonometric identity for addition. Then let
and minimize.).
Find parametric equations for each of the vector-valued functions in Exercises 26–34, and sketch the graphs of the functions, indicating the direction for increasing values of t.
Find the unit tangent vector and the principal unit normal vector at the specified value of t.
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