Ellipses

Identifier: Astro - 003

 two magnets in a circle drawn on the chalkboard

Concept Overview:

Visualization of how an ellipse differs from a circle.

Lecturer Procedure

Steps to follow:

  1. Place two magnets a distance apart.
  2. Place the loop over both pegs.
  3. Place chalk in the loop and pull to make rope tight.
  4. Keeping the rope tight, draw a curve around two foci.

Expected result:

An ellipse will be created.