UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Mathematics » Focal Chord and Focal Distance

Focal Chord and Focal Distance

This article is a complete guide on A brief note on Focal Chord and Focal Distance, in which all the topics related to the focal distance of a parabola, the focal chord of an ellipse, and many more.

A focal chord is a line perpendicular to the principal axis at the focus point. The focal chord is called the “primary foci” or “focal line.” It is a line that is used in geometrical optics. The distance between the two points of the focal chord is called the “focal distance” or “focal length.”

The focal distance of a parabola is the distance of line which is perpendicular to the principal axis. The distance between the two points of the focal chord is called the “focal length.” This line is used in geometrical optics to determine the location of the focus.

Importance of Focal Chord and Focal Distance

The focal chord is important because it determines how large an image will be. It also determines the magnification of the image. The higher the magnification, the smaller the image will be.

The focal chord is important because it determines how large an image will be. It also determines the magnification of the image. This is important because it helps understand how images are formed and what factors influence their size.

Focal Distance of a Parabola

Suppose a parabola has its vertex at the origin and the Parabola opens up in the positive y-direction, then the equation y = x² / 4f will be the equation of that parabola. The focal length of the parabola will be represented by the f in the equation.

For a cone, the focal length of the parabola is equal to the multiplication of r and sin θ. You would have to find the focal distance of a parabola based on the equation of that parabola.

One important factor is the height of the parabola. The higher the height, the longer the focal distance will be. Another important factor is the width of the parabola. The wider the parabola, the shorter the focal distance will be.

Other factors that can affect the focal distance include the shape of the parabola and the material that it is made from. However, these factors are not as important as the height and width of the parabola.

How can one Measure the Focal Distance of a Parabola?

One way to measure the focal distance of the parabola is by using height and width. The height of the parabola can be found by measuring the distance from the vertex to the focus. The width of the parabola can be found by measuring the distance from one focus to the other focus.

Once you have the height and width of the parabola, you can use a formula to find the 

focal distance Formula:

focal distance = (height) / (width)^2

Focal Chord of an Ellipse

 As we know, the ellipse has two foci. The focal chord of the ellipse is the chord that passes through the focus of the ellipse. The length of this focal chord of an ellipse is the focal length of that ellipse. 

The formula to calculate the focal length of the ellipse whose equation is x² / a² + y² / b² = 1 with the condition that the ellipse is inclined to the major axis at the angle θ is 2ab² / a² + sin² θ  + b² cos²  θ.

We can also determine the lengths of the major and the minor axes of the ellipse with the help of the focal length of the ellipse and eccentricity.

Suppose x = 2y + 3 is the equation of the focal chord of an ellipse and has eccentricity ¾. We will make use of the fact that the foci of the ellipse are

(+- ae, 0) and that the focal chord passes through these points to find the length of major and minor axes, which is 2a = 8 and 2b = 2√7, respectively.

How to Measure the Focal Chord of an Ellipse?

One way to measure the focal chord of an ellipse is by using the height and width of the ellipse. The ellipse’s height can be found by measuring the distance from the vertex to the focus. The ellipse’s width can be found by measuring the distance from one focus to the other focus.

Once you have the height and width of the ellipse, you can use a formula to find the focal chord. This formula is:

focal chord = (height) / (width)

Factors that Help You to Determine the Focal Chord of Ellipse

However, a few factors can help you determine the focal chord of an ellipse.

  • One important factor is the height of the ellipse. The higher the height, the longer the focal chord will be.
  • Another important factor is the width of the ellipse. The wider the ellipse, the shorter the focal chord will be.
  • One way to measure the focal chord of an ellipse is by using the height and width of the ellipse.

Conclusion

The focal distance of the parabola is an important factor to consider when measuring the ellipse. The focal distance is the distance between the lens and the image of the object. When the focal distance is short, the image will be sharp. When the focal distance is long, the image will be blurry. No matter which method you use, it is important to measure accurately. A small mistake in measurement can result in a large error in the final calculation. This is a complete guide where everything in detail is discussed with A brief note on Focal Chord and Focal Distance.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is the length of the focal chord of a parabola with equation y² = 4ax at distance p from vertex?

Ans : The length of the focal chord of a parabola with equation y² = 4ax at distance p from...Read full

What can other components of an ellipse be determined with the help of the focal length?

Ans : The focal length of an ellipse, along with the eccentricity, can help in determining t...Read full

Explain in brief the method to measure the Focal Distance of an ellipse?

Ans : There are a few ways to measure the focal distance of an ellipse....Read full

What are the pros of Focal chords and Focal Distance?

Ans : PROS:  A focal chord is a distance between the ...Read full