An ellipse is a geometric shape that resembles a flattened circle. It is defined as the set of all points in a plane whose distances from two fixed points, called foci, add up to a constant value.
The 3.6-kg particle P is used as a hypothetical object to demonstrate the properties of an ellipse. Its weight and size do not affect the shape of the ellipse, but rather the forces acting on it.
The path of particle P is described as an ellipse because the forces acting on it, namely gravity and other external forces, cause it to move in a curved path that follows the shape of an ellipse.
The path of particle P is not affected by changes in its mass, as long as the external forces acting on it remain constant. The shape of the ellipse may change if the forces acting on the particle change, but the path will still be an ellipse.
Yes, if the two foci of the ellipse are at the same point, the shape of the ellipse will be a circle. This means that the forces acting on the particle are balanced, causing it to move in a circular path instead of an elliptical one.
