Greenwood press

142
TANGENT
A cross-sectional view of the earth that
illustrates the broadcasting distance of
a radio antenna—the distance from the
top of the tower to the horizon. Note
that the diagram is not drawn to scale.
A discus thrower rotates rapidly to
add momentum to a throw. Even
though the thrower is rotating as she
releases the discus, the projectile will
be along a straight path.

---

The smoothness in sidewalk curves is designed using common tangents from
arcs on different circles. Without the use of tangents, curved sidewalk paths
would have jagged corners, as depicted as follows.
Belts that operate machinery, as shown in the figure below, are wrapped
around circular wheels that keep the belts in motion as they rotate. Since the belts
are tangent to both circles, they can smoothly cycle around the wheels without
jumping or falling off.
online sources for further exploration
Centripetal force


Curved mirrors

Eliminating the discharge snub pulley

Ferroelectric complex oxides

Introducing the ellipse (flashlight)

Selection and installation of conveyer belt scales

Surfing

▲
▼
▲