CAD dimensioning practice: selecting the correct tool On the Dimension toolbar in common CAD software, which specific tool places the measured length of an arc (that is, the distance along the curved edge) onto the drawing?

Introduction / Context:
In technical drafting and CAD, different geometry requires different dimension tools. Straight segments use linear or aligned dimensions, circles often use radius or diameter, and curved edges such as arcs require a dedicated tool to show the distance along the curve. This question checks your ability to pick the correct CAD dimension tool for an arc's true path length.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The geometry is a circular arc (a portion of a circle).
• The desired value is the arc length, not radius, diameter, or chord length.
• The context is a typical CAD environment where tools are grouped on a Dimension toolbar.

Concept / Approach:
Arc length is the linear distance measured along the curved portion of a circle between two endpoints. CAD systems therefore provide an Arc Length dimension, which reads the endpoints and center geometry to place a dimension showing the true length of the curve. Radius and diameter tools do not measure along the curve; they report size parameters of the parent circle.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Confirm the value by computing s = r * theta, where s is arc length, r is radius, and theta is the included angle in radians. The CAD value and the computed value should match if the geometry is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Arc Radius / Radius: Reports the circle's size parameter (distance from center to arc), not the distance along the curve.
• Diameter: Reports twice the radius; again, not a path length along the arc.

Common Pitfalls:
Using linear or aligned dimensions across an arc produces chord length, not arc length. Also ensure the correct annotation style per company standards so arc-length symbols and arrowheads are consistent.

Final Answer:
Arc Length