Question

How do I find the a unit normal vector to this vector: -4(1+4t^2)i -4t(1-t^3)j ?

Answer 1

the eqn for a unit normal vector is U/llull right?

Answer 2

actually it is N(t)= T'(t)/ll(T'(t)ll

Answer 3

Yes, that looks right. The second derivative, divided by the magnitude of the second derivative.

Answer 4

is this a curvature problem? lol i learned this a couple of weeks ago

Answer 5

well, it's actually an acceleration vector for a fluid mechanics problem. i need a unit vector perpendicular to the acceleration vector. thanks for the help!

Answer 6

so first i would say find r'(t), then from that you can find t'(t)...sorry if my answer is a little vague

Answer 7

Wow! I should have noticed the unit vector k is perpendicular.