What is Shapes: Definition and 164 Discussions

A shape or figure is the form of an object or its external boundary, outline, or external surface, as opposed to other properties such as color, texture, or material type.
A plane shape, two-dimensional shape, or 2D shape (plane figure, two-dimensional figure, or 2D figure) is constrained to lie on a plane, in contrast to solid figures.

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  1. T

    An inclined conveyor belt, gravity, and rolling shapes of differing types

    I have looked around several internet Physics sites and information sources, and even asked questions here and in other places, and can't seem to find answers to my questions about a thought experiment I came up with: Think about three similar cases: A ball, a solid cylinder, and a hollow...
  2. A

    Understanding the Shapes of Galaxies: Exploring Time and Distance in the Cosmos

    If the light viewed through a telescope from one end of a specific galaxy takes, say, 100,000 years longer to travel to the eyepiece than the light at the closer end of the said galaxy, why isn't it skewed? Same goes with everything in the cosmos, why isn't more skewed the further back we look...
  3. V

    Hertz Contact Solution of Elastic Theory for Concave to Convex Shapes

    For the equation: contact stress = {(1 / (pi[((1-v1^2)/E1)) + ((1-v2^2)/E2))) ^ 0.5} * {((Fn/b) * (Sum (1/pi)))^0.5} Where Sum (1/pi) = [(1/p1) - (1/p2)] for concave shapes in contact with convex shapes Sum (1/pi) approaches 0 as the two radii get closer, however when the two radii...
  4. S

    Lens shapes other than conic sections

    This is just a curiosity question. Are there lens shapes different than just conic sections? Any research or any found applications?
  5. V

    Orbit of Moons & Shapes of Planets due to Warped spacetime

    First post, I am just a layman, so go easy. The way I understand it, the moon is following a straight line through space. However, the mass of the Earth is so great that it warps the fabric of spacetime and it appears that the moon is going around the earth. Same with any moon or planet, they...
  6. n.karthick

    Are these two shapes topologically same

    Consider the two shapes circle and circle with a line attached it. (Figure is attached) Are they topologically same?. As far as I know if we bend, stretch a shape and attain another shape both are topologically same. I feel that circle can be stretched in some way and can be made to a circle...
  7. S

    Magnetism question regarding solenoids and shapes of their cores

    If I were to build a solenoid for the sake of making an electromagnet with a core shaped like the one below, would it create the desired effect? CRUDE! :-p Cross-sectional view of my idea. What I'm asking is, would the inner edges of that gap (the sides closest to the center) be one...
  8. F

    Moment of inertia (structural shapes)

    I'm working on a project to replace hollow structures, (pipe, sq. tube, ect...) with open structures, (channels, angle iron, ect...). It's been a while and I think that all I would have to do is compair the moment of inertia for each of these shapes and make sure that they match or are larger...
  9. M

    What is exact reason behind choosing basic primitive shapes for elements in FEA?

    what is exact reason behind choosing basic primitive shapes for elements in FEA? Why it can't be hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, etc. in both cases 2D and 3D... Thanks in advance...
  10. C

    Atom Shapes: Visualizing Electron Clouds

    im having a little trouble trying to picture an atom in my head with accurate electron cloud designee and shape can someone give me some pictures or a site that might help. every picture i ever see of an atom is with the electron orbital in curricular shapes but i know there is a wide eray of...
  11. K

    Solve Orbital Shapes Homework: 2 Questions

    Homework Statement (1) Which of the following clusters of orbitals would form the shape shown here http://session.masteringchemistry.com/problemAsset/1076900/19/1076900b.jpg and would also be possible within the valence shell of an atom? a.) one d orbital b.) five d orbitals c.) five sp^3...
  12. H

    Q about shapes of magnetic fields

    Reviewing basics of electrical theory [right hand rule; Faraday's law; etc.]. Come to surprising conclusion: If a number of wires are arranged like the spokes of an old fashioned wagon wheel and current flows through these wires towards the center, a magnetic field is generated which is the...
  13. bcrowell

    What are the exotic shapes of black holes beyond 4 dimensions?

    I came across these on the arxiv blog, thought it was kind of interesting, although utterly disconnected from reality: http://arxiv.org/abs/0904.4311 http://arxiv.org/abs/1003.2411
  14. E

    What shapes can planets take in a strange universe?

    I am writing a science fiction story about a strange universe. I have a few questions which fall in the same general category. 1) What sort of gravity would allow a planet to maintain the shape of a dodecahedron? 2) If there exists a planet, where the physical laws are the same as in this...
  15. M

    Maple Maple 13: Increase resolution of 3D shapes

    Hey all, I'm sure this is simple, but I can't seem to find the answer in the Maple help section. When drawing 3D shapes, I want to be able to up the number of dots used to constitute the image, thus increase the resolution of the object. My spheres are showing up a bit boxy...
  16. F

    Divide a Sphere into Many Shapes

    Hi a bit random this question, but I'm trying to divide a sphere into many equal shapes (round-ness isn't important). So far I've come up with a dodecahedron, 12 pentagons. This isn't enough of a division for my needs. Can anyone give me the names of geometric shapes that have more divisions...
  17. T

    Accurately cutting shapes into a credit card sized pice of plastic

    As the title suggests, i have to make cuts in a piece of plastic about the same dimensions as a credit card. the shapes themselves are fairly simple, mostly triangles, with 4 quarter circles on the corners. the device i have in mind would be something which i guess looks like a mechanical...
  18. J

    Can a shorter magnet produce the same current as a taller magnet in a solenoid?

    Greetings, The other day while working on my car I began thinking about solenoids and how they work, but I think I may have confused myself. It's been a while since I've studied magnetism, but I remember that the current through a wire loop, and thus a solenoid as well, is dependent on the...
  19. S

    Families of Shapes: Defining Topology in Topology

    Families of "shapes" Is there a general definition of a 'family' in topology or can a family be defined to suit one's specific requirements? I'm thinking in reference to the Calabi Yau (CY) family of shapes which are used as a model in most string theories. CY shapes are described as a family...
  20. S

    C/C++ How do I rotate a 2D shape in C++?

    I'm creating a C++ 2D program to practice my 2D skills. I'm almost done with everything but I'm stuck on this crap. Is there any formula on how to rotate a shape? Example: I have a line P1(-1,-1) P2(1,1) If I rotate it by 45 degrees, I'll get a P1(1,-1) P2(-1,1). By the way, it should...
  21. G

    Creating Shapes: Exploring Area & Descriptions

    #ifndef SHAPE_H #define SHAPE_H #include <string.h> using std::string; using namespace std; class Shape { public: Shape(const string &color); //constructor ~Shape(); string getColor()const; //returns objects color value virtual double area()const = 0;// a const pure...
  22. B

    Finding Centroid of 2D Shapes & Parabolas

    I think I'm right when I say that the centroid of a 2D shape is found by the intersection of the lines that separate that shape into two shapes of equal areas. Is that correct? I don't want to (for now) think about it in terms of moments and integrals, because frankly, it's a little confusing...
  23. P

    Which Rocket Body Shape is Aerodynamically Superior: Saturn V or N1?

    When looking at the design of the both the U.S. Saturn V rocket, and the Soviet N1 rocket, there is an obvious design difference between the basic overall rocket body shape. The Saturn V shows several conical regions, with a straight body design throughout. The N1 shows more of a...
  24. J

    Counting the possible number of shapes.

    Hello, I have an 8 by 8 binary matrix. Define a shape as a cluster of 1's. For instance, consider the following sample: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 As you can see, there...
  25. K

    Sketching 3d shapes with looking at an equation

    i was wondering what are some more popular ways to graph or get an idea of how a shape of an function would turn out to. the way I've learned it is to set certain variable to zero to get a certain plane. for example if i wanted the the xy plane of a function such as x^2+y^2-z^2 = 1 i would need...
  26. P

    Creating Stunning Shapes: Tips and Tools for Physics Teachers

    Good morning, First of all I would like to express my congratulations for the forum ! It is very nice. I am new colleague in physics teaching and i would like to ask how can sb draw beautiful shapes like these : wikipremed.com/interdisciplinary_course.php?code=010102 Does any special software...
  27. S

    Solve the Puzzle: Draw 4 Identical Shapes from a Square

    Hi all, Can anyone let me how the following puzzle can be solved : draw a square. divide it into four identical squares. remove the bottom left hand square. now divide the resulting shape into four identical shapes Thanks, Suppie
  28. S

    Why Does the 1/3 Factor Appear in the Moment of Inertia Calculation?

    Ok I am try to understand how to find the moment of inertia of different shapes by using direct integration. In a lot of the solutions I see they always have this one thing that I don't understand. Example: Determine by direct integration the moment of inertia of the shaded area with respect...
  29. B

    Volume integral with two intersecting shapes

    The question I am dealing with has to do with the volume contained by two intersecting shapes I have created this integral and can't find a reasonable way of solving it. What is the best approach to solve this: \int_{r=0}^{\pi/2}\int_{u=0}^{2\cos\theta} \sqrt{9-r^2} * r drdu=
  30. N

    How Do You Calculate Electrical Resistance in Complex Geometric Shapes?

    How would I find the resistance of said circle Outer Radius 4a Inner Radius a Thickness .15 mm
  31. B

    Exploring Gene Expression: What Shapes Our Ability to Change?

    What makes us able to change the expression of some genes and unable to change the expression of other genes?
  32. M

    Discreteness of Electron Orbits: Elliptical Shapes?

    We know that orientations of electron orbit are discrete , what exactly do you mean by discreteness ,& also is there any particular shape of orbits like an ellipse ?
  33. N

    Can You Convert a 2D Shape into 3D by Rotating It?

    Hi all, I wanted to know if anyone had any advise on how to transform a 2D geometric shape into a 3D one. I have some 2D shape which is given by the equation f(x,y) = const. = k. I wish to rotate this 2D shape into the 3rd dimension by an angle theta and then write down what the 3D function...
  34. Y

    Electrostatic force between two arbitrary shapes

    I am looking some help on applying the well known formula of the electrostatic force between two parallel capacitor plates on charged surfaces which have non usual shapes. My approach is to break apart the total surface into segments with common shapes and calculating the force between each two...
  35. N

    Identifying Fluoride Molecules: Shapes & Formulas

    Homework Statement Give the formula of a fluoride molecule that: is octahedral in shape is trigonal bypyramidal in shape is T-shaped ...etc The Attempt at a Solution Ok, I'm not really actually looking for an answer, because I already know the answers are SF6, PF5, and ClF3. And I have...
  36. M

    Trying to understand absolute uncertainties in geometric shapes

    I've been studying absolute uncertainties and do not understand any of it. If someone can explain it will really help. Especially with uncertainties including diameters and area.
  37. A

    Classifying 3D Shapes into Finite Categories

    Please can someone tell me whether anyone has managed to classify all possible 3-D shapes into a finite and usefully small number of categories? At school level, most shapes seem to be some part, or combination, of:
  38. kach22i

    Fan & Propeller shapes: Sickle and Curved

    Air or Water: I'm looking for information on fan and propeller shapes (ducted and non-ducted) which might lead to more quiet if not more efficient shapes. Noise is lost energy just as heat is lost energy in a mechanical system, right? I have a thread which contains many bits of...
  39. D

    What geometrical shapes can you see in the picture?

    how can i solve this problem!?? thx
  40. K

    Modeling Heat Transfer for Different Shapes and Fluids

    Hi, I have nothing to do this summer so I figured I would like to model the heat transfer for different shapes and fluids and compare with experimental values.. :) Anyway I searched on google and found nothing. What are the main problems? For example is it acceptable to assume that the...
  41. M

    Using geometeric series to get different shapes

    We have this final project for my math class and I was thinking of using geometeric series to get different shapes. I found this great website http://www.ugrad.math.ubc.ca/coursedoc/math101/notes/series/serapp.html but our teacher has already used it as an example. Do you know any other easy...
  42. N

    Chemistry Chemistry molecular shapes prob.

    1. Determine the shapes of Br2 (2 Bromine atoms) and HBr. Which is more polar and why? 2. No equations. 3. Okay, I know that Br2 and HBr molecule shapes are linear (I know how to draw them) but I do not get how to find which one is more polar. :confused:
  43. S

    Exploring the Possibilities of Drawing 4D Shapes in 3D Space

    this may seem quite stupid to many of you but i was wondering how it is possible to draw 4D objects. I have seen pictures of 4D objects such as the hyper-cube etc, but they are drawn in three dimensions. The picture of a hyper cube that i looked at seemed to me to just look like a cube with a...
  44. H

    Chemistry Lewis Structures: Shapes and Hybridization & Molecular Orbital Diagram

    I don't think the problems I'm going to post are very difficult, but I'm totally clueless regarding chemistry, so they're pretty difficult for me ^^;; I also have a lot of questions to ask, so I hope you don't mind my sticking them all into one topic. I'm looking forward to your help. You don't...
  45. S

    3D shapes with perfect polygons

    Hello, (edit should be regular polygons in title) I have been thinking a lot recently about 3D shapes formed by 2D regular polygons. I was asking myself if there would be any way to calculate the minimium number of regular polygons to form a complete 3D shape. It is fairly easy with an...
  46. Mk

    How can I tell how many four sided shapes are here?

    How can I tell how many four sided shapes are here? Counting seems so... not what a smart person would do. http://www.mensa.org/images/fourside.gif
  47. DaveC426913

    Project 251A: calculating area of dynamic shapes

    I don't even know how to phrase this, let alone which forum it should go in. I'm trying to design a valve, like in a blood vessel. I want to ensure that the design "works" i.e. the shape of the valve will be determined by the volume of fluid moving through it. So, what shape will it take over...
  48. S

    Aero-Efficient Shapes: Investigating Why

    This is an my topic for my essay. I'd like it if people can post up some theories to this topic. I am investigating why is it that commercial planes have a round nose whereas most fighter planes have sharp noses (Like the beaks of birds) and why F1 cars cars have a conical nose cone instead of a...
  49. T

    Chemistry Figuring molecule shapes and polarity

    I am having a lot of trouble understanding the following: 1) How do I determine if the shape is a trogonal planar? Is it because it would have more bonds than the tetrahedral? 2)Is figuring the polarity of a molecule only based on the electronegativity? Please help! I have a big test...
  50. daniel_i_l

    A gravity graph is a kind of art "tool" that lets you draw nice geometric shapes

    A gravity graph is a kind of art "tool" that let's you draw nice geometric shapes. It has a board the size of a piece of paper that is weighted in the middle, each of the corners is connected to a piece of string and the strings are tied to a small rectangle (paralell to the board) about 1.5...
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