Available online
Description
The programme investigates the so-called reflection properties of conics. If a mirror is shaped like a conic and a light ray passes through one focus, it will be reflected to go through the other... focus. This property is studied for all kinds of conics, using animations in which the curves are continuously distorted, and many practical applications are illustrated: searchlights, radio telescopes, double-mirrored optical telescopes. Also studied are the conies described by the orbits of planets and comets.
The programme investigates the so-called reflection properties of conics. If a mirror is shaped like a conic and a light ray passes through one focus, it will be reflected to go through the other... focus. This property is studied for all kinds of conics, using animations in which the curves are continuously distorted, and many practical applications are illustrated: searchlights, radio telescopes, double-mirrored optical telescopes. Also studied are the conies described by the orbits of planets and comets.
| Module code and title: | M203, Introduction to pure mathematics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | M203; 03C; 1995 |
| First transmission date: | 1994 |
| Published: | 1995 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:17 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jack Koumi |
| Contributors: | David Brannan; Eleanor Smith |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Conics; Ellipse; Focus; Hyperbola; Orbits; Parabola |
| Subject terms: | Conic sections; Conics, Spherical; Curves, Plane |
| Master spool number: | DOU8009 |
| Production number: | FOUM468E |
| Videofinder number: | 4198 |
| Available to public: | no |
