Cycloid
Definition
A cycloid is the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a rolling circle. It is formed when a circle rolls along a straight line without slipping.
Analogy
Imagine you are riding your bike and you attach a marker to one of the spokes. As you ride, the marker will trace out a cycloid shape on the ground.
Related terms
Archimedean Spiral: A spiral that expands outward as it moves away from its center.
Epicycloid: A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a smaller circle rolling around the outside of a larger fixed circle.
Hypocycloid: A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a larger circle rolling inside another fixed circle.
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