Conic Sections Explorer

Slice Angle

45°

from horizontal

Cone Angle 60°

Show cutting plane Highlight intersection curve Show 2D cross-section

When the cutting plane intersects one nappe of the cone at an angle between 0° and the cone angle.

x²/a² + y²/b² = 1

Eccentricity (e) 0.71

Type Closed curve

Foci 2 points inside

Why This Shape?

At 45°, the plane cuts through the cone at an angle steeper than horizontal but not as steep as the cone's side. This creates an ellipse.