We have a bead sliding along a smooth wire in the shape of a cycloid with equations,
$$
x=a(\theta-\sin\theta),\space y=a(1+\cos\theta),
$$where $0\leq\theta\leq2\pi$.
To find the number of coordinates required to describe the motion of the particle (call it $N$) we can use $3n-c=N$ where $n$ is the number of particles and $c$ is the number of constraints on the particles. I know that $N=1$ so we must have $c=2$. I also know that the first constraint is,
$$\phi_1(\textbf{x},t) = \textbf{x}\cdot\textbf{n},$$where $\textbf{n}$ is perpendicular to the plane of the wire.
My question is what would be the function $\phi_2(\textbf{x},t)$ to constrain the bead to the wire?
2026-03-30 11:41:17.1774870877