Math Easy Solutions avatar

Normal and Binormal Vectors + Example on a Circular Helix

mes

Published: 11 Jan 2026 › Updated: 11 Jan 2026Normal and Binormal Vectors + Example on a Circular Helix

Normal and Binormal Vectors + Example on a Circular Helix


In this video, I go over the principal unit normal and binormal vectors of a space curve, which are both derived from the unit tangent vector. Since the unit tangent vector is a constant-length one, its derivative is perpendicular, thus it is a good candidate to select for our principal unit normal vector. Taking the cross product of the unit tangent vector and the unit normal vector yields the binormal vectors, all of which are perpendicular (or normal) to each other. These serve as good references for how a space curve bends and twists through space and time. I illustrate these through examples on a circular helix, as well as graphing it on the GeoGebra 3D graphing calculator. https://www.geogebra.org/3d/wyr5mysb

#math #vectors #calculus #geogebra #education

6 Normal and Binormal Vectors.jpeg

Timestamps

  • Principle Unit Normal Vector: Derivative of tangent vector divided by its magnitude – 0:00
  • Binormal vector: Cross product of principle unit normal with unit tangent vector – 3:11
  • Graphing the normal and binormal vectors: Lengths are 1 – 4:41
  • Example 6: Unit Normal and Binormal Vectors of a Circular Helix – 7:15
    • Solving for the unit normal vector – 13:34
    • Normal vector is pointing towards the z-axis – 15:31
    • Determining the binormal vector – 17:58
    • Solving the cross product to get the binormal vector – 22:53
    • Graphing the unit vectors on the circular helix – 23:18
    • Graph of the helix and its unit vectors with GeoGebra: https://www.geogebra.org/3d/wyr5mysb – 24:53
    • View from the top showing the unit normal vector pointing to the origin – 27:37

Notes and playlists


Become a MES Super Fan! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUUBq1GPBvvGNz7dpgO14Ow/join

DONATE! ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ https://mes.fm/donate

SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL: https://mes.fm/subscribe

MES Links: https://mes.fm/links

MES Truth: https://mes.fm/truth
Official Website: https://MES.fm
Hive: @mes

Email me: contact@mes.fm

Free Calculators: https://mes.fm/calculators

BMI Calculator: https://bmicalculator.mes.fm
Grade Calculator: https://gradecalculator.mes.fm
Mortgage Calculator: https://mortgagecalculator.mes.fm
Percentage Calculator: https://percentagecalculator.mes.fm

Free Online Tools: https://mes.fm/tools

iPhone and Android Apps: https://mes.fm/mobile-apps


▶️ 3Speak

Leave Normal and Binormal Vectors + Example on a Circular Helix to:

Written by

I make math videos as well as research into developing #FreeEnergy Technology!

Read more #math posts


Best Posts From Math Easy Solutions

We have not curated any of mes's posts yet. But you can encourage our curation team to review posts by visiting them regularly and by referring other readers. Because we give priority to frequently read content.

More Posts From Math Easy Solutions