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For a curve given by \( \mathbf{r}(t) \), the derivative \( d\mathbf{r}/dt \) points

  • A.along the tangent to the curve
  • B.along the principal normal to the curve
  • C.along the binormal to the curve
  • D.towards the centre of curvature of the curve

Answer: A

The difference \( \mathbf{r}(t + \Delta t) - \mathbf{r}(t) \) is a chord, and as \( \Delta t \to 0 \) its direction becomes the tangent's. Dividing by \( |d\mathbf{r}/dt| \) gives the unit tangent. The principal normal points towards the centre of curvature, at right angles to this, and the binormal is perpendicular to both

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