Zaymiey

📐 Mathematics  ·  Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry  ·  JEE

The locus of a point whose distance from the z-axis is a constant a is:

Answer: A cylinder of radius a with the z-axis as its axis.

  • A A circle of radius a lying in the XY-plane only
  • B A pair of planes parallel to the XY-plane
  • C A cylinder of radius a with the z-axis as its axis
  • D A sphere of radius a centred at the origin

Correct answer: C. A cylinder of radius a with the z-axis as its axis

Explanation: The condition x² + y² = a² places no restriction on z, so the point can sit at any height - sweeping out an infinite circular cylinder.

zxyOP(x, y, z)first octant:x>0, y>0, z>0

Concept context

Coordinate axes and planes in space, octants, distance between two points, and the section formula

Read the full Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry notes →