Radial Curvature

Definition

Radial curvature refers to the curvature of a curve at a specific point, measured along the radius of the circle that best approximates the curve at that point. It describes how much a curve deviates from being a straight line.

Related terms

Tangential Curvature: Tangential curvature measures how much a curve deviates from being a straight line when viewed in terms of its tangent line at a specific point.

Center of Curvature: The center of curvature is the center of the circle that best approximates a curve at any given point, representing where the curve would continue if it were part of a larger circle.

Radius of Curvature: The radius of curvature is the distance between the center of curvature and any given point on a curve, indicating how sharply or gradually it bends at that particular location.