CONICS FUN FOR EVERYONE!

Front

What is an ellipse?

Back

An ellipse is a geometric shape that looks like a stretched circle. It is defined as the set of all points where the sum of the distances from two fixed points (foci) is constant.

Front

What are the major and minor axes of an ellipse?

Back

The major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse, while the minor axis is the shortest diameter. The lengths of these axes determine the shape of the ellipse.

Front

How do you calculate the eccentricity of an ellipse?

Back

Eccentricity (e) is calculated using the formula e = c/a, where 'c' is the distance from the center to a focus, and 'a' is the distance from the center to a vertex on the major axis.

Front

What is the formula for the area of an ellipse?

Back

The area (A) of an ellipse is given by the formula A = π * a * b, where 'a' is the semi-major axis and 'b' is the semi-minor axis.

Front

What is the center of an ellipse?

Back

The center of an ellipse is the midpoint of both the major and minor axes. It is the point from which the ellipse is symmetrically arranged.

Front

What is the relationship between the foci and the vertices of an ellipse?

Back

The foci are located along the major axis, and the distance from the center to each focus is 'c'. The vertices are located at a distance 'a' from the center along the major axis.

Front

What does it mean for an ellipse to have a vertical major axis?

Back

An ellipse with a vertical major axis is oriented such that its longest diameter (major axis) runs vertically, meaning the foci and vertices are aligned along the y-axis.

Front

How do you find the length of the minor axis if the major axis and eccentricity are known?

Back

The length of the minor axis (2b) can be found using the formula b = a * sqrt(1 - e^2), where 'a' is the semi-major axis and 'e' is the eccentricity.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'plane' in relation to the orbits of planets?

Back

The term 'plane' refers to the flat, two-dimensional surface in which the orbits of the planets lie, known as the orbital plane.

Front

What is the position of the Moon when it is not visible from Earth?

Back

The Moon is not visible from Earth when it is positioned between the Sun and Earth, known as the new moon phase.