Understanding the Difference: Radius vs Chord of a Circle

Explore the key differences between a radius and a chord in geometry.

84 views

No, not all radii are chords of a circle. A radius is a line segment from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference, while a chord is a line segment whose both endpoints lie on the circle. Thus, a radius is not considered a chord.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the definition of a radius in a circle? A radius is a line segment that connects the center of a circle to any point on its circumference.
  2. What is the definition of a chord in a circle? A chord is a line segment whose endpoints both lie on the circumference of a circle.
  3. Are all radii in a circle also considered chords? No, not all radii are chords. While a radius connects the center to the circumference, a chord connects two points on the circumference without needing to pass through the center.
  4. Can a radius be a chord? Yes, a radius can be considered a chord when it connects two points on the circle, but it specifically refers to the segment from the center to the circumference.