Real-Life Uses of Cones

The usage of cones in real-life situations is a prominent topic in mathematics. Cones are three-dimensional geometric figures with distinct properties, characteristics, and other features. This article will discuss how cones are utilised in real-life circumstances and other important topics related to them.

A note on solid shapes

Objects which occupy space are known as solid shapes or 3D shapes. The three dimensions are length, width, and height. Although all solid shapes, including cones, pyramids, cubes, cuboids, spheres, hemispheres, and cylinders, might not have three-dimensional aspects. There are significant differences between solid and flat objects. 

The most notable difference is that solid shapes will have three dimensions, while flat or plane objects will have not more than two dimensions. The human body is a prominent example of a solid shape as it is made up of varied types of fluids and gases. With these basic concepts covered, let us discuss the usage of cones in real life.

A brief overview of cones

Cones are three-dimensional geometric shapes which have flat and curved surfaces. Their sharp edges are pointed at the top. The apex is the pointed top of a cone, while the flat surface is the base. In mathematics, cones are defined as surfaces that are traced through moveable straight lines that pass through a fixed point known as a vertex. 

The usage of cones in real life cannot be denied or ignored. Cone-shaped figures are used in many industries for various purposes.

Different types of cones

The different types of cones are based on their vertex and base, which are categorised below.

The right circular cone has a perpendicular apex towards the base. Thus, the perpendicular line will fall accurately on the circular cone base. The cone axis has a line that passes through the vertex and circle centre. Also, the line is perpendicular to the circle plane.

Oblique cones are ones in which the vertex is different from the base centre. Instead, a certain portion of the cone leans over, creating an acute angle on the other side, at the base. 

Characteristics of cones

• Cones have a circular base with a radius ‘r’. 
• A triangular section sits over the base. 
• A cone has a height of ‘h’. 

Properties of cones

Some properties of cones are discussed below.

• Cones have only a circular surface.
• They do not have edges.
• Only one vertex is found in cones.
• The slant height of a cone is ‘l’.

Real-life usage of cones

There are many different usages of cones in real life. These include food items, fashion, and some rules and regulations. Many of these uses can be seen as we go about our daily lives.

• Ice cream cones are the most common use of cones as the shape holds cream. 
• Cones are used in managing traffic as a divider and help divert traffic.
• Cone-shaped hats have been in fashion for long; it provides a visual treat and also acts as an occasion decider. For example, cone-shaped hats are majorly for birthdays, while at beaches, the hats are of different shapes.
• Funnels are cones which are used to pour oils in households and for other industrial purposes.
• Volcanoes are cone-shaped structures found in nature.
• The Christmas tree, which is decorated during Christmas, is also cone-shaped. 

Conclusion

A cone is a three-dimensional structure with a circular base, a slant height, a perpendicular height, and a vertex. It doesn’t have an edge. There are two types of cones – the right circular cone has a vertex and base centre along the same line, while the oblique cone doesn’t have the base centre and vertex along the same line.