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.
    enter image source here

  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.
    enter image source here

Both cases can be proven analytically based on the definition and properties of parabola and laws of physics.

Related questions
See all questions in Projectile Motion
Impact of this question
3862 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License