Posted by Jim Perkins on April 26, 19101 at 13:37:46:

In Reply to: Applications of a hyperbola posted by Alli on May 31, 19100 at 21:55:44:

One that is underappreciated comes from space. Most are familiar with the path of a "circular" orbit actually being elliptical (with several simplifying umptions)and the trajectory of an object in free fall (near the surface of a planet or moon and without air) being parabolic. In a simplified solar system with just a sun, an object zooming through the solar system too fast to be captured into an elliptical orbit, would trace out a hyperbolic pathway. It would be practically straight as it approached the solar system, curve the most as it neared the sun (at the hyperbola's focus) and then straighten out again as it left the solar system. The straight paths are the asymptotes, and the sun is at the focus of the hyperbola.

: I need applications in everyday life of a hyperbola... I know that an hour gl is one... but does anyone know of any other kinds? E-mail me if you do... it would be much appreciated! Thank you!

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