What is the term for a line passing through the center of a circle from one side to the other?

What is the term for a line passing through the center of a circle from one side to the other?

• A. Radius
• B. Circumference
• C. Diameter
• D. Chord

Answer: (C)

The term for a line that passes through the center of a circle from one side to the other is known as the diameter. This line has two significant properties: it is the longest distance across the circle and it divides the circle into two equal halves, each representing a semicircle. Understanding the relationships between the key terms related to circles is crucial. The radius, for example, is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference, and it is half the length of the diameter. The circumference refers to the total distance around the circle, rather than a line segment within it. A chord, while also a line segment, only connects two points on the circumference of the circle and does not necessarily pass through the center. Thus, the diameter is the correct term because it specifically identifies that unique line segment that spans across the circle's center, reinforcing its definition and importance in circle geometry.

The term for a line that passes through the center of a circle from one side to the other is known as the diameter. This line has two significant properties: it is the longest distance across the circle and it divides the circle into two equal halves, each representing a semicircle.

Understanding the relationships between the key terms related to circles is crucial. The radius, for example, is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference, and it is half the length of the diameter. The circumference refers to the total distance around the circle, rather than a line segment within it. A chord, while also a line segment, only connects two points on the circumference of the circle and does not necessarily pass through the center.

Thus, the diameter is the correct term because it specifically identifies that unique line segment that spans across the circle's center, reinforcing its definition and importance in circle geometry.