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curvature
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The curvature at each point of a line is defined to be 1/r, where r is the radius of the osculating, or “kissing,” circle that best approximates the line at the given point. The normal, or perpendicular, at each point of a surface defines the corresponding tangent plane, and vice versa. curved space-time intrinsic curvature of a surface
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Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,
Which Religion Is the Oldest?
Close up of books. Stack of books, pile of books, literature, reading. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society
12 Novels Considered the “Greatest Book Ever Written”
Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.
10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish
New Zealand. Political/Physical map. Includes locator.
Where Is “Old Zealand”?
Small, white rat (genus Rattus) on a glass table. (rodent, laboratory, experiment)
Cruel and Unusual Punishments: 15 Types of Torture
Lusitania sinking, illustration from The War of the Nations (New York), December 31, 1919. World War I, WWI. This image is one of three on the page. (See source file for the other two.)
7 of the World’s Deadliest Shipwrecks
King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)
9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

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Photos

The curvature at each point of a line is defined to be 1/r, where r is the radius of the osculating, or “kissing,” circle that best approximates the line at the given point.
The normal, or perpendicular, at each point of a surface defines the corresponding tangent plane, and vice versa.
curved space-time
intrinsic curvature of a surface
See All Images →

Related Topics and References

Topics

Key People

Gaspard Monge, detail of an oil painting by Jean Naigeon, 1811; in the Museum of Fine Arts, Beaune, France.
Gaspard Monge, count de Péluse
French mathematician and public official