Does a cone cut from a sphere have a name?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the naming of a specific geometric shape: a cone cut from a sphere, where the broad end follows the surface of the sphere. The inquiry seeks to clarify whether this shape has a specific designation in geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if the cone, which has its broad end following the sphere's surface, has a specific name.
  • Another participant suggests the term "spherical cone" as a possible name for the shape in question.
  • A third participant introduces the term "hypercone" and seeks confirmation on whether this aligns with the original inquiry.
  • A visual example of a simple spherical cone is provided by one participant to illustrate the concept.
  • A later reply confirms that the suggested term aligns with the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to converge on the term "spherical cone," but the discussion includes the introduction of "hypercone," indicating that multiple terms may be in use or that some uncertainty remains regarding the nomenclature.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve whether "spherical cone" or "hypercone" is the more appropriate term, nor does it clarify any definitions or mathematical properties associated with these terms.

Grimble
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A very basic question: does such a cone, where the broad end is not cut flat but follows the surface of the sphere whose radius is the length of the cone's side, and is centred at the cone's point, have a name?
 
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Are you thinking of a spherical cone?
 
Grimble said:
A very basic question: does such a cone, where the broad end is not cut flat but follows the surface of the sphere whose radius is the length of the cone's side, and is centred at the cone's point, have a name?

Doc Al said:
Are you thinking of a spherical cone?

Is this what you mean... AKA a hypercone ?
 
Here's a simple spherical cone:
SphericalCone_1000.gif
 
Thank you, that is exactly what I was meaning. :)
 

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