Problem

Explain how the vectors $\mathbf{T}, \mathbf{N}$, and $\mathbf{B}$ are related geometrically.
Choose the correct answer below.
A. All three vectors are mutually orthogonal at all points of the curve.
B. The vectors $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$ are orthogonal at all points of the curve, but $\mathbf{B}$ is only orthogonal to $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$ if the curve is two-dimensional.
C. The vectors $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$ are orthogonal at all points of the curve, but $\mathbf{B}$ is only orthogonal to $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$ if the curve is three-dimensional.
D. The vectors $\mathbf{T}, \mathbf{N}$, and $\mathbf{B}$ form a right-handed coordinate system called the osculating plane.

Answer

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Answer

\(\boxed{\text{The correct answer is A. All three vectors are mutually orthogonal at all points of the curve.}}\)

Steps

Step 1 :The vectors $\mathbf{T}$, $\mathbf{N}$, and $\mathbf{B}$ are known as the Frenet-Serret frame or TNB frame in differential geometry. They are used to describe the local geometric properties of a curve in three-dimensional space.

Step 2 :$\mathbf{T}$ is the unit tangent vector, which points in the direction of the curve's tangent line.

Step 3 :$\mathbf{N}$ is the unit normal vector, which points in the direction of the curve's principal normal line.

Step 4 :$\mathbf{B}$ is the unit binormal vector, which is the cross product of $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$, and points in the direction that is orthogonal to both $\mathbf{T}$ and $\mathbf{N}$.

Step 5 :Therefore, all three vectors are mutually orthogonal at all points of the curve, and they form a right-handed coordinate system.

Step 6 :\(\boxed{\text{The correct answer is A. All three vectors are mutually orthogonal at all points of the curve.}}\)

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