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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.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: M203, Introduction to pure mathematics
Item code: M203; 03C
First transmission date: 1992
Published: 1992
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:17
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Producer: Jack Koumi
Contributors: David Brannan; Eleanor Smith
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Conic; Ellipse; Focus; Hyperbola; Mirror; Orbits; Parabola; Planets; Reflection Property; Telescope
Subject terms: Conic sections; Conics, Spherical; Curves, Plane
Master spool number: HOU6721
Production number: FOUM373Y
Videofinder number: 835
Available to public: no