When two [[rock]]s are thrown simultaneously into a pool of still [[water]], ripples move outward in concentric [[circle]]s. These circles intersect in points which form a curve known as the hyperbola. The same phenomenon is used in [[radio]] tracking stations. Objects are located by sending out signals from two sources to a receiving station, such as one found on a [[boat]] or [[airplane]]. The constant time difference between the signals from the two stations is represented by a hyperbola. | When two [[rock]]s are thrown simultaneously into a pool of still [[water]], ripples move outward in concentric [[circle]]s. These circles intersect in points which form a curve known as the hyperbola. The same phenomenon is used in [[radio]] tracking stations. Objects are located by sending out signals from two sources to a receiving station, such as one found on a [[boat]] or [[airplane]]. The constant time difference between the signals from the two stations is represented by a hyperbola. |