What are some examples of parabolas?

1 Answer
Zor Shekhtman
Jul 21, 2014

Here are just two examples of parabola in physics.

  1. Under ideal conditions a trajectory of an object thrown at an angle to a horizon is a parabola.
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  2. When light falls on a parabolic mirror parallel to its axis of symmetry, it is reflected by a mirror in such a way that all individual rays are intersecting in the focal point of a parabola.
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Both cases can be proven analytically based on the definition and properties of parabola and laws of physics.

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