Cross Sections

Cross Section

A 2 dimension shape created by the intersection of a plane and a 3 dimensional figure.

Cube

A 3D figure with 6 square sides. Think dice.

Cone

A 3D figure with a circular base, rounded sides that terminate at a vertex at the other end. Think ice cream cone.

Square Pyramid

A 3D figure with a square base and 4 triangular sides that terminate at a vertex. Think Egyptian pyramid.

Sphere

A 3D figure with no faces, just a continuous curved edge. Think an orange.

Cylinder

A 3D figure with parallel bases and a rounded edges. Think can of soup.

Rectangualr Prism

A 3D rectangle. Think a stick of butter.

Vertical Plane

A plane perpendicular to the base

A cylinder is sliced in such a way that the plane cuts in a direction perpendicular to the base,what is the resulting cross section?

Rectangle

A right rectangular prism (with square base) is sliced such that the plane cuts in a direction parallel to the base, what is the resulting cross section?

Square

A right rectangular prism is sliced by a vertical plane, what is the resulting cross section?

Square or rectangle depending on dimensions of prism. EX. If it was a stick of butter the cross section would be a square.

A square pyramid is sliced in such a way that the plane cuts in a direction perpendicular to the base but does not pass through the vertex, what is the resulting cross section?

Trapezoid

A cone is sliced by a vertical plane and passes through the vertex, what is the resulting cross section?

Triangle

A square pyramid is sliced by a vertical plane and passes through the vertex, what is the resulting cross section?

Triangle

Horizontal Plane

A plane parallel to the figures base

A cone is sliced in such a way that the plane cuts in a direction parallel to the base, what is the resulting cross section?

Circle

A cylinder is sliced by a horizontal plane what is the resulting cross section?

Circle

The only cross section of a sphere. Varies in size but not in shape.

Circle