63–74. Arc length of polar curves Find the length of the following polar curves.
The spiral r = θ², for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π
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1
Recall the formula for the arc length \( L \) of a curve given in polar coordinates \( r = r(\theta) \) from \( \theta = a \) to \( \theta = b \):
\[
L = \int_{a}^{b} \sqrt{r(\theta)^2 + \left(\frac{d}{d\theta}r(\theta)\right)^2} \, d\theta
\]
Identify the given function and interval: here, \( r(\theta) = \theta^2 \) and \( \theta \) ranges from 0 to \( 2\pi \).
Compute the derivative of \( r(\theta) \) with respect to \( \theta \):
\[
\frac{d}{d\theta}r(\theta) = \frac{d}{d\theta}(\theta^2) = 2\theta
\]
Substitute \( r(\theta) \) and its derivative into the arc length formula to get the integrand:
\[
\sqrt{(\theta^2)^2 + (2\theta)^2} = \sqrt{\theta^4 + 4\theta^2}
\]
Set up the integral for the arc length:
\[
L = \int_0^{2\pi} \sqrt{\theta^4 + 4\theta^2} \, d\theta
\]
This integral can then be evaluated (using appropriate methods) to find the length of the spiral.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates and Curves
Polar coordinates represent points in the plane using a radius and an angle (r, θ). Polar curves are defined by equations relating r and θ, such as r = θ². Understanding how to interpret and plot these curves is essential for analyzing their properties, including length.
The arc length of a polar curve r(θ) from θ = a to θ = b is given by the integral ∫ₐᵇ √[r(θ)² + (dr/dθ)²] dθ. This formula accounts for changes in both radius and angle, allowing calculation of the curve's length by integrating over the specified interval.
To apply the arc length formula, you must compute the derivative dr/dθ of the polar function r(θ). This involves differentiating r = θ² with respect to θ, which yields dr/dθ = 2θ. Accurate differentiation is crucial for correctly evaluating the integral for arc length.