Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Ruled surface
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
In descriptive geometry and computer-aided design (CAD), surfaces are often classified by how they are generated. A particularly versatile class is the ruled surface, created by sweeping a straight line (called a generator) along two guiding curves. Depending on the guides, the result may be planar, simply curved, or even warped.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A ruled surface is defined by the motion of a straight line. If the generator remains coplanar, the surface is a plane. If the generator stays tangent to a fixed direction around a curve (for example, cones and cylinders), the surface is single-curved and developable. If the generator twists between skew guides (for example, a hyperbolic paraboloid or a helicoid), the surface becomes warped (doubly curved and typically non-developable).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Open a CAD modeler and create surfaces using a line swept between two rails. By changing rail geometry from coplanar, to circular/linear, to skew pair, you can observe plane, single-curved, and warped outcomes respectively—all ruled.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “ruled” with “developable.” Many ruled surfaces are developable, but warped ruled surfaces are not.
Final Answer:
Ruled surface
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