Mathematical Modelling on Conic Sections
NAME OF THEME : SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
NAME OF SUB-THEME : MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND
COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
NAME OF EXHIBIT : CONIC SECTIONS
NAME OF PARTICIPANT : PRANJAL YADAV, STD. - 11TH
NAME OF GUIDE TEACHER :
Introduction
Conic sections are curves obtained by intersecting a cone with a plane. The four main
types of conic sections are circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. These shapes
have a wide range of applications in the real world, from architecture and engineering
to astronomy and physics. We will be defining conic sections and discussing the
different types of conic sections.
The Scientific principle involved
Conic sections are formed by the intersection of a plane and a double cone. The type
of conic section depends on the angle of the plane relative to the cone.
Circle: The plane is perpendicular to the axis of the
cone.
Ellipse: The plane is tilted at an angle to the axis of
the cone.
Parabola: The plane is parallel to the side of the
cone.
Hyperbola: The plane intersects both halves of the
double cone.
The geometric properties of conic sections are derived
from these relationships.
Material Used
Cardboard
Glue
Pair of scissors
Plane to cut cones
Construction of the exhibit
Create the Cone:
Cut out a large circle from the cardboard.
Cut a slit from the edge of the circle to the center.
Roll the circle into a cone shape and secure the slit with glue or tape.
1
Prepare the Cutting Planes:
Cut out rectangular strips of cardboard. These will represent the planes that
will intersect the cone.
Create the Different Conic Sections:
Circle:
o Hold the plane perpendicular to the axis of the cone.
o Cut along the intersection of the plane and the cone. Circle
o The resulting shape will be a circle.
Ellipse:
o Tilt the plane at an angle to the axis of the cone.
Ellipse
o Cut along the intersection.
o The resulting shape will be an ellipse.
Parabola:
o Tilt the plane parallel to the side of the cone. Parabola
o Cut along the intersection.
o The resulting shape will be a parabola.
Hyperbola:
o Tilt the plane so that it intersects both halves of the
double cone.
o Cut along the intersections. Hyperbola
o The resulting shapes will be two hyperbolas.
Computational Thinking on Conic Sections
Computational thinking involves using computational tools and techniques to analyze
and visualize conic sections.
1. Graphing Calculators :
Graphing calculators can be used to visualize conic sections and explore their
properties.
2. Computer Algebra Systems :
Computer algebra systems (CAS) like Mathematica, Maple, or Sympy can be used
to manipulate and solve equations related to conic sections.
3. Programming Languages :
Programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ can be used to write algorithms
and programs that generate and manipulate conic sections.
4. Geometric Modeling Software :
Geometric modeling software like GeoGebra, Blender, or Autodesk Inventor can
be used to create interactive 3D models of conic sections.
2
Illustrations
Double Napped Cone
The axis is the central line about which the cone is symmetric. A generator is a
line which, when rotated about the axis, sweeps out the cone.
Axis of cone
Double Napped Cone Vertex
Generator
Section of cones:
1. Circle
First, we can make the sec tion, perpendicular to
the axis of the cone. This gives us a circle
2. Ellipse
Make the cut at an angle to the axis of the
cone, so that we still get a closed curve which
is no longer a circle. This curve is an ellipse.
3. Parabola
Make the cut parallel to the gen- erator of the
cone, we obtain an open curve. This is a
parabola.
4. Hyperbola
Make the cut at an even steeper angle, on a
double napped cone, then we obtain the two
branches of a hyper bola.
3
Applications
Architecture :
The Roman Colosseum is an example of an elliptical shape.
Parabolic arches are used in bridge construction.
Hyperbolic arches are used in modern architecture for their strength and beauty.
Engineering:
Parabolic reflectors are used in satellite dishes and headlights.
Elliptical gears are used in machinery to transmit power smoothly.
Hyperbolic cooling towers are used in power plants to dissipate heat.
Astronomy:
Planetary orbits are elliptical.
Comets often follow hyperbolic paths.
Conic sections are used to model the orbits of satellites around the earth.
Conic sections are used to model the orbits of celestial bodies.
Physics:
The path of a projectile is parabolic.
The shape of a water droplet is approximately spherical.
Hands-on Activity
Optics and medical imaging :
Conic sections are used to model mirrors and lenses in optical systems.
Conic sections are used in medical imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT
scans.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates the power of mathematical modeling and
computational thinking in exploring conic sections. By using mathematical
equations and computational tools, we can visualize and analyze conic sections
in a more intuitive and interactive way. This approach can be applied to various
fields, including optics, astronomy, engineering, and computer graphics.
References
NCERT Text book
Guidelines for Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 2024–25
"Conic Sections" by Wikipedia
"Mathematical Modeling" by google
"Computational Thinking" by Google