Half-circle Parabolas: A Misconception?

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In summary, a half-circle is not a parabola because circles and parabolas have different definitions and properties. A parabola is formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane parallel to its axis, while a circle is formed when the intersecting plane is perpendicular to the axis. Additionally, the eccentricity of a parabola is 1 and the eccentricity of a circle is 0.
  • #1
CosmicVoyager
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Greetings,

Is a half-circle a parabola? I am guessing yes because it is a conic section, the very bottom of the cone?

If yes, why aren't antenna dishes and telescope mirrors half-spheres? Wouldn't that be simpler?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
No, it is not.

Circles have constant curvature at all points, parabolas have non-constant curvature.

As for your conic section argument, that would make hyperbolas into circles as well...

As a reminder:
A circle is the locus of points equidistant from a single point.
A parabola is the locus of points that have, individually, the same distance from a fixed point (the focus) and a fixed line (the directrix).

Since the definitions are not logically equivalent, nor are any part of the curves "the same", either.
 
  • #3
No, a circle is not the same as a parabola.

A parabola is formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane parallel to the axis of the cone. A circle is formed when the intersecting plane is perpendicular to the axis of the cone.
 
  • #4
This is a good question...most of the students may go baffle with this...
Actually, in conic sections, the main difference among parabaola, hyperbola and circle is their eccentricity. Eccentricity of parabola is 1 and that of the circle is 0.
For more info. about eccentricity.. check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eccentricity_(mathematics )
 
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  • #5
Thanks for the answers. I understand now. I was thinking a parabola was a curve formed by a *any* plane intersecting the base and the side. Now I see the plane must be parallel to the side of the cone.
 

Related to Half-circle Parabolas: A Misconception?

1. Is a half-circle considered a parabola?

No, a half-circle and a parabola are two different geometric shapes. A parabola is a symmetrical curve that is formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane, while a half-circle is a semicircular shape that is formed by the intersection of a circle and a plane.

2. What are the similarities between a half-circle and a parabola?

Both a half-circle and a parabola have a curved shape and are symmetrical. They also have a focus and directrix relationship, where the focus is a fixed point and the directrix is a fixed line that is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.

3. Can a half-circle be transformed into a parabola?

No, a half-circle cannot be transformed into a parabola because they have different defining characteristics. A half-circle has a constant radius, while a parabola has a variable radius. Additionally, the equations that define a half-circle and a parabola are different.

4. How do you graph a parabola and a half-circle?

To graph a parabola, you need to plot points that satisfy the parabola's equation, which is in the form of y = ax^2 + bx + c. For a half-circle, you need to plot points that satisfy the circle's equation, which is in the form of (x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2, where (h,k) is the center of the circle and r is the radius.

5. Are there any real-life examples of a half-circle and a parabola?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of both a half-circle and a parabola. A half-circle can be seen in the shape of a rainbow, while a parabola can be seen in the shape of a satellite dish or the trajectory of a thrown ball. Both shapes can also be found in architectural designs, such as arches and bridges.

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