Cross Sections

A cross section is the shape we get when cutting straight through an object.

cross section of prism



The cross section of this object is a triangle.

 

It is like a view into the inside of something made by cutting through it.

This is a cross-section of a piece of celery. cross-section of a piece of celery

Geometry

In geometry it is the shape made when a solid is cut through by a plane.

cylinder cross section

Example:

The cross section of this circular cylinder is a circle

 

We don't draw the rest of the object, just the shape made when you cut through.

cross-section of a pyramid

Example:

The cross section of a rectangular pyramid is a rectangle

 

Cross sections are usually parallel to the base like above, but can be in any direction.

Example:

torus cross section

The vertical cross section through the center of this torus is two circles!

torus horizontal cross section

And the horizontal cross section is an annulus

More Examples of Cross Sections


Square Prism: Cross-Section:
square prism square

Cube: Cross-Section:
cube square

Pentagonal Prism: Cross-Section:

pentagonal prism
pentagon