Parametric curves
This applet plots and traces a parametric curve, given as a vector function in $\mathbb{R}^2$.
Enter the $\bf i$ and $\bf j$ components of your vector function in the textboxes, or choose an example from the dropdown menu. Drag the slider for $t$ to trace out the path ${\bf{r}}(t)$, or click ‘Animate’ to trace out the path automatically.
What shape does the point ${\bf{r}}(t)$ trace out as t changes? Click ‘Show parametric curve’ to see the entire parametric curve.
You can add in the velocity $\bf v$ and acceleration $\bf a$ vectors using the checkboxes.
The ‘Show i,j curves’ checkbox shows the $\bf j$-component as a function of $t$ along the horizontal axis, and the $\bf i$-component as a function of $t$ along the vertical axis.
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