Question

a sphere has a radius of 16 inches. a horizontal plane passes through the center of the sphere.
part 1 out of 2
describe the cross section formed by the plane and the sphere.
it is a (select) with a radius of in.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Cross - Section Shape

When a plane passes through the center of a sphere, the cross - section formed is a circle. This is a fundamental property of spheres: any plane that passes through the center of a sphere will intersect the sphere in a circle whose radius is equal to the radius of the sphere.

Step2: Determine Radius of Cross - Section

The radius of the sphere is given as 16 inches. Since the cross - section (a circle) is formed by a plane passing through the center of the sphere, the radius of this circular cross - section is equal to the radius of the sphere. So the radius of the cross - section is 16 inches.

Answer:

It is a \boxed{circle} with a radius of \boxed{16} in.