A conic section (or just conic) is a curve obtained by intersecting a cone (more precisely, a right circular conical surface) with a plane. A conic may be defined as a plane algebraic curve of degree 2. It can be defined as the locus of points whose distances are in a fixed ratio to some point, called a focus, and some line, called a directrix.

Related Terms

The point V is called the vertex; the line l is the axis of the cone. The rotating line m is called a generator of the cone. The vertex separates the cone into two parts called nappes.

If we take the intersection of a plane with a cone, the section so obtained is called a conic section. Thus, conic sections are the curves obtained by intersecting a right circular cone by a plane.

Sections of a cone

We have the following sections of cone:

•    Circle

•    Ellipse

•    Parabola

•    Hyperbola

Each of the geometric figures are obtained by intersecting a double-napped right circular cone with a plane. Thus, the figures are called conic sections or conics.

Let’s discuss briefly about each of the above sections of cone:

Circle

When β = 90°, the section is a circle.

If the plane cuts completely across one nappe of the cone and is perpendicular to the axis of the cone, the curve of the section is called a circle.

Ellipse

When α < β < 90o, the section is an ellipse.

If the plane isn't perpendicular to the axis of the cone, it is called an ellipse.

An ellipse is the set of all points in a plane, the sum of the distances from two fixed points in the plane is constant. Many comets have elliptical orbits.

Parabola

When β = α; the section is a parabola

If the plane doesn't cut across one entire nappe or intersect both nappes, the curve of the intersection is called a parabola.

A parabola is the set of all points in a plane equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line in the plane.

Hyperbola

When 0 ≤ β < α; the plane cuts through both the nappes and the curves of intersection is a hyperbola.

If the plane cuts through both nappes of the cone, the curve is called a hyperbola.

The hyperbola is the set of all points in a plane. The difference of whose distance from two fixed points in the plane is the positive constant.

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Reference Links:

•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_(geometry)
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_(geometry)
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directrix#Eccentricity.2C_focus_and_directrix
•     http://www.answers.com/topic/conical-surface
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipse
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabola
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbola