CIRCULAR ARC Meaning and
Definition
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A circular arc is a segment of a circle or a portion of the circumference of a circle. It is formed by two points on a circle and the continuous curve that connects those points. The circular arc can be thought of as a curved line that is part of a larger circle.
In geometry, a circular arc is described by its central angle, which is the angle subtended by the arc at the center of the circle. The length of the circular arc is directly proportional to the central angle and the radius of the circle. The measurement of the arc is often given in degrees, radians, or the length of the arc itself.
Circular arcs have unique properties and characteristics that distinguish them from other types of curves. They are uniformly curved, meaning that the curvature remains constant along the arc. In addition, a circular arc is a smooth, continuous curve without any sudden changes in direction or shape.
Circular arcs find numerous applications in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering. They are frequently used in architectural designs, as they form the basis for creating arches, domes, and other curved structures. In trigonometry, circular arcs are utilized to define and solve problems related to angles, triangles, and circles. Moreover, circular arcs are essential in the study of optics, where they help describe the path of light as it bends or reflects off curved surfaces.
Etymology of CIRCULAR ARC
The word "circular" has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "circulus", meaning "a circle" or "a ring". The Latin term "arcus" translates to "a bow" or "a curve". When combined, "circular arc" refers to a portion of a circle, describing a curved shape.
