Spirals

Even steps or growing ones

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Archimedean spiral r = aθ: evenly spaced coils, 2πa apart.
• Logarithmic spiral r = e^(bθ): each turn multiplies r by e^(2πb).
• Coiled objects (rolls, records) follow Archimedean spirals.

Steps

1. Archimedes’ spiral
2. Space the coils
3. A roll of paper
4. Spirals that grow
5. Growth per turn
6. In the groove