Now, let’s investigate cross sections and slices of cylinders.

Return to the sketch on the link Interactive Cross Section Flyer.

1. Click on the radio button next to Cylinder.


2. Click on the Rotate slice around Y slider until the slice, represented by the red portion of the figure, is parallel to the base.


3. Click on the Move slice slider. What do you observe as the slice moves up and down the figure? You can also click the Animate button to automatically move the slice.


4. What shape is the slice? How does this shape compare with the base of the cylinder?


5. Change the angle between the plane of intersection and the base by clicking on the Rotate slice around Y slider.


6. Move the slice (remember – it’s not parallel to the base anymore, so it’s technically not a cross-section) up and down the cylinder using the Move slice slider. Change the angle by clicking on the Rotate slice around Y slider. What other shapes can be generated by slicing a cylinder? Use a table like the one shown to summarize your findings. You may create the table in your notes.

Journal Entry:

What patterns and relationships do you observe between the possible shapes of slices of cylinders when the angle of intersection is parallel or is not parallel to the base of the cylinder?

How do the slices and cross-sections of cylinders compare to those of prisms?