Question

which solids can have horizontal cross sections that are circles? check all that apply. cones prisms cylinders pyramids spheres

Explanation:

• Cones: A horizontal cross - section (parallel to the base) of a cone is a circle. The base of a cone is a circle, and when we take a slice parallel to the base, the resulting figure is a circle (with a smaller radius as we move up from the base towards the apex).
• Prisms: Prisms have polygonal bases (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.). A horizontal cross - section of a prism will be a polygon similar to the base, not a circle. For example, a rectangular prism will have rectangular cross - sections when cut horizontally.
• Cylinders: A horizontal cross - section (parallel to the bases) of a cylinder is a circle, as the bases of a cylinder are circles and a horizontal cut parallel to the bases will result in a circle with the same radius as the base.
• Pyramids: Pyramids have polygonal bases (e.g., square, triangular). A horizontal cross - section of a pyramid will be a polygon similar to the base (but smaller as we move up from the base towards the apex), not a circle. For example, a square pyramid will have square cross - sections when cut horizontally.
• Spheres: Any horizontal cross - section of a sphere is a circle. This is because a sphere is a perfectly round three - dimensional object, and any plane that cuts through it horizontally will form a circular cross - section.

Answer:

A. cones, C. cylinders, E. spheres