Question

How do you find the parameterization of a helix?

Answer 1

Answer:

$\left\{\begin{array}{l}x=r\cos t\\ \\ y=r\sin t\\ \\z=at\end{array}\right.$

Step-by-step explanation:

A helix is a curve for which the tangent makes a constant angle with a fixed line. The shortest path between two points on a cylinder (one not directly above the other) is a fractional turn of a helix, as can be seen by cutting the cylinder along one of its sides, flattening it out, and noting that a straight line connecting the points becomes helical upon re-wrapping (see attached diagram for helix).

The parametrization for the helix is

$\left\{\begin{array}{l}x=r\cos t\\ \\ y=r\sin t\\ \\z=at\end{array}\right.,$

where $r$ is the radius of the helix, $a$ is the constant, and $t\in [0,2\pi )$ is the parameter