To solve this question, we need to understand the structure of a cylinder.
1. Cylinder Basics: A cylinder has two circular bases that are parallel and congruent. These bases are connected by a curved surface that runs perpendicular to the bases.
2. Perpendicular Distance Between Bases: The perpendicular distance between the two parallel bases of a cylinder is the measurement that runs straight from one base to the other. This distance is measured at a right angle (90 degrees) to the bases.
3. Options Analysis:
- The radius of the bases: The radius is the distance from the center of a circular base to its edge. This is not the length that connects the two bases.
- The diameter of the bases: The diameter is twice the radius and spans across the circular base through its center. Again, this dimension does not connect the two bases.
- The area of the bases: The area of a circular base is a measure of its surface (calculated as [tex]\( \pi \times \text{radius}^2 \)[/tex]). This does not measure the distance between the bases.
- The height of the cylinder: The height is the measure of how tall the cylinder is. It is the perpendicular distance between the two bases and connects the bases straight up and down.
Given all the information above,
the correct phrase that describes the perpendicular distance between the two bases of a cylinder is:
the height of the cylinder.
