cone
Definition
A cone is a solid shape that has a circular base and a curved surface that tapers to a point.
The base of a cone is a circle, and the curved surface is called the lateral surface.
The point at the top of the cone is called the apex.
The lateral surface of a cone is made up of a series of triangles that are connected at their vertices.
The volume of a cone is equal to (1/3)πr²h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height of the cone.
How can the word be used?
The volcano erupted, sending a cone of ash into the air.
Different forms of the word
Noun: cone (plural: cones).
Adjective: conical.
Verb: to cone.
Adverb: conically.
Etymology
The word "cone" comes from the Latin word "cōnus", which means "cone". The word "cōnus" is made up of the prefix "con-", which means "together", and the verb "ōnare", which means "to swell".
Question
Where might you find a cone?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
In the context of geometry, what is the defining characteristic of a cone, and how does it differ from other three-dimensional shapes?
Answer:
In geometry, a cone is a three-dimensional shape defined by its circular base and a single curved surface that tapers to a point, known as the apex.
The defining characteristic of a cone is its circular base, which sets it apart from other three-dimensional shapes like cylinders or prisms. The circular base of the cone is connected to the apex by a smooth curved surface.
Unlike cylinders, which have two parallel circular bases, a cone has only one circular base. Furthermore, unlike prisms, which have identical cross-sections throughout their length, a cone's cross-section changes progressively from the base to the apex.
The unique shape of a cone makes it useful in various real-world applications, such as in traffic cones, ice cream cones, and cone-shaped volcanic structures known as stratovolcanoes. Additionally, cones have distinct mathematical properties, which are essential in various fields, including engineering, architecture, and physics.