2006-10-19 20:42:10 · 11 answers · asked by eston 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The parabola (from the Greek: παραβολή) is a conic section generated by the intersection of a right circular conical surface and a plane parallel to a generating straight line of that surface. A parabola can also be defined as locus of points in a plane which are equidistant from a given point (the focus) and a given line
The principle of the parabolic reflector was discovered in the 3rd century BC by the geometer Archimedes, who, according to a legend of debatable veracity, constructed parabolic mirrors to defend Syracuse against the Roman fleet, by concentrating the sun's rays to set fire to the decks of the Roman ships. The principle was applied to telescopes in the 17th century. Today, paraboloid reflectors can be commonly observed throughout much of the world in microwave and satellite dish antennas.
VR
2006-10-19 20:49:47 · answer #1 · answered by sarayu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The parabola is a conic section generated by the intersection of a right circular conical surface and a plane parallel to a generating straight line of that surface. The trajectory of a projectile may be parabolic
2006-10-20 10:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by The Potter Boy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a stone and throw it at say, 60 degrees into the air. The path taken by the stone under the effect of our Earth's gravitational pull will exhibit a parabolic path.
2006-10-20 03:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by ideaquest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you allow the curve "parabola" to rotate about its axis, it generates a solid know as "paraboloid" NOT prabolic - as you are writing.
This solid is extensively used - mainly as a reflector of light in cars, airplanes etc.
2006-10-20 04:51:02 · answer #4 · answered by quidwai 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, our friend sara is quite right, and extremely thorough. But for your needs, Mr. "I can't even spell the word I want to know about," parabolic means round, or arched. In everyday-speak.
2006-10-20 03:55:26 · answer #5 · answered by El Ray 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the locus of a point such that its distance from a fixed point called the focus is equal to the perpendicular distance from a fixed line called the directrix is equal is a paravola
in other words it is just a trajectory
2006-10-23 13:46:12 · answer #6 · answered by PIKACHU™ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in dictionary or yahoo search
2006-10-20 03:45:17 · answer #7 · answered by kinga310 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's no such word. if you meant to type, parabolic then that means something..
2006-10-20 03:47:28 · answer #8 · answered by spikypunkymunky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its simply shape of any particular type of curve
2006-10-24 00:35:33 · answer #9 · answered by deepak_phy06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you mean parabolic?postthe question properly again
2006-10-20 04:47:46 · answer #10 · answered by raj 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋