Solids of revolution — egg-shaped forms Which solid is generated by revolving an ellipse about one of its principal axes, producing an egg-like (spheroidal) shape used in product and aerodynamic design?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Ellipsoid

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many engineering shapes are created as solids of revolution due to manufacturing practicality and favorable structural/aerodynamic properties. Revolving conic sections yields common primitives used in modeling and analysis.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The curve is an ellipse.
  • The operation is revolution about one of the ellipse’s axes.
  • The result is described as egg-shaped or spheroidal.


Concept / Approach:
Revolving an ellipse about its major or minor axis yields an ellipsoid (specifically, a prolate or oblate spheroid). This form appears in pressure vessels, lenses, and streamlined bodies.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the base curve: ellipse.Recognize that revolving an ellipse does not produce a torus (circle around an external axis), cone (triangle around an edge), or cylinder (rectangle around a side).Conclude the correct solid is an ellipsoid.



Verification / Alternative check:
CAD systems label this feature “revolve” of an ellipse to create a spheroid/ellipsoid. Mathematical definitions align with surfaces of constant sum of distances to two foci.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Torus: generated by revolving a circle about an axis offset from the circle.
  • Cone: generated by revolving a right triangle.
  • Cylinder: generated by revolving a rectangle about one side.


Common Pitfalls:
Calling all egg-like bodies “spheres”—a sphere is a special ellipsoid with equal axes.


Final Answer:
Ellipsoid

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