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APPLICATIONS OF CONIC SECTIONS

In this Study materials I have completed Conic sections have their applications in various fields. Conic sections have their applications in various fields. Some of them are listed below. 1. We know that when an object is thrown in space then the path traced by the object (called a projectile) is a parabola. By using various properties of a parabola, we can find the equation of the path traced by the projectile. Also, we can obtain other useful information such as the greatest height attained by the projectile, its horizontal range, and so on. 2. In a parabolic reflector, light rays or sound waves directed parallel to its axis converge at the focus and are then reflected by it, parallel to the axis. Because of this property, parabolic reflectors are used in cars, automobiles, loudspeakers, solar cookers, telescopes, etc. 3. Cables shaped as parabolic arcs are used in the construction of suspension bridges. 4. The planets of the solar system move in elliptical paths with the sun at one of the foci. Artificial satellites are made to move in elliptical paths around the earth. 5. Hyperbolas have their applications in the field of ballistics. Suppose a gun is fired and its sound reaches two posts, situated at the two foci of a hyperbola, at different times. From the time difference, the distance between the two listening posts can be calculated.