Arc vs. Ark — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
An arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle or other curve, often used to describe shapes or trajectories. An ark, however, refers to a vessel or sanctuary, historically significant in religious contexts, such as Noah's Ark.
Difference Between Arc and Ark
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An arc in geometry is defined as a segment of a circle's circumference, representing a continuous curve between two points. An ark, on the other hand, is traditionally known as a large boat or ship, notably Noah's Ark from the Bible, symbolizing safety and survival during a divine flood.
While arcs are fundamental concepts in mathematics, especially in the study of circles and curve plotting, arks are deeply rooted in cultural and religious narratives, serving as symbols of protection, survival, and covenant between the divine and humanity. An arc's significance lies in its geometric properties and applications in various fields like engineering and astronomy, whereas an ark's significance is more historical and symbolic, often associated with stories of salvation and preservation.
In practical applications, arcs are used to describe the path of projectiles, components of architectural designs, and elements in graphic visualizations. Arks, conversely, are referenced in literature and art, representing themes of rescue, faith, and endurance against calamities. The concept of an arc is utilized in calculations and designs requiring precision, like bridges and arches, showcasing the importance of geometry in tangible creations. In contrast, the concept of an ark embodies the idea of refuge and sanctuary, extending beyond physical structures to encompass spiritual and moral dimensions.
The terminology surrounding arcs is rich with specific mathematical expressions, such as arc length, chord, and sector, highlighting the precision and analytical nature of geometry. Ark terminology, however, is imbued with historical and allegorical meanings, emphasizing narratives over numerical analysis, and often evoking emotional and spiritual reflections.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A segment of a circle's circumference.
A vessel or sanctuary, often with religious significance.
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Origin
Mathematical geometry.
Religious and cultural narratives.
Significance
Geometric properties, precision in design and calculations.
Symbolic of protection, survival, and covenant.
Practical Uses
Engineering, architecture, astronomy.
Themes in literature and art, symbolic representations.
Associated Terms
Arc length, chord, sector.
Safety, survival, covenant, sanctuary.
Compare with Definitions
Arc
Arcs influence architectural and design principles.
The architect incorporated arcs into the building's design for aesthetic appeal.
Ark
An ark is historically a vessel for saving life, as in Noah's Ark.
The story of Noah's Ark is about survival and faith.
Arc
It represents a continuous curve between two endpoints.
The rainbow formed a perfect arc across the sky.
Ark
The concept of an ark extends to spiritual sanctuaries.
The church was considered an ark, a place of refuge for the faithful.
Arc
They are used to describe trajectories in physics.
The path of a thrown ball can be modeled as an arc.
Ark
Arks are featured in historical and allegorical narratives.
The Ark of the Covenant holds significant religious importance.
Arc
An arc is a curved segment of a circle or other curve.
The engineer calculated the arc length for the bridge design.
Ark
They represent themes of salvation and covenant in literature.
In literature, an ark often symbolizes a journey of faith and redemption.
Arc
Arcs are essential in the study of geometry and trigonometry.
We use the concept of an arc to understand circular motion.
Ark
It symbolizes protection and safety in religious contexts.
The ark represented a sanctuary amidst the flood.
Arc
Something shaped like a curve or arch
The vivid arc of a rainbow.
Ark
Often Ark(Bible) The chest containing the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets, carried by the Hebrews during their desert wanderings. Also called Ark of the Covenant.
Arc
(Mathematics) A segment of a circle.
Ark
Often Ark(Judaism) The Holy Ark.
Arc
An electric arc.
Ark
(Bible) The boat built by Noah for survival during the Flood.
Arc
(Astronomy) The apparent path of a celestial body as it rises above and falls below the horizon.
Ark
(Nautical) A large, commodious boat.
Arc
A progression of events suggesting narrative cohesion, especially one that rises to a climax and settles to a final conclusion.
Ark
A shelter or refuge.
Arc
To form an arc.
Ark
A large box with a flat lid.
Arc
To move or seem to move in a curved path
The stars that arc across the sky.
Ark
Noah's Ark: the ship built by Noah to save his family and a collection of animals from the deluge.
Arc
(astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.
Ark
Something affording protection; safety, shelter, refuge
Arc
(geometry) A continuous part of the circumference of a circle (circular arc) or of another curve.
Ark
A spacious type of boat with a flat bottom.
Arc
A curve, in general. Category:en:Curves
Ark
(Judaism) The Ark of the Covenant.
Arc
A band contained within parallel curves, or something of that shape.
Ark
(Judaism) A decorated cabinet at the front of a synagogue, in which Torah scrolls are kept.
Arc
(electrics) A flow of current across an insulating medium; especially a hot, luminous discharge between either two electrodes or as lightning.
Ark
A chest, or coffer.
Bearing that precious relic in an ark.
Arc
A story arc.
Ark
The oblong chest of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, which supported the mercy seat with its golden cherubs, and occupied the most sacred place in the sanctuary. In it Moses placed the two tables of stone containing the ten commandments. Called also the Ark of the Covenant.
Arc
(mathematics) A continuous mapping from a real interval (typically [0, 1] ) into a space.
Ark
The large, chestlike vessel in which Noah and his family were preserved during the Deluge. Gen. vi. Hence: Any place of refuge.
Arc
(graph theory) A directed edge.
Ark
A large flatboat used on Western American rivers to transport produce to market.
Arc
The three-point line.
Ark
(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments
Arc
(film) An arclight.
Ark
A boat built by Noah to save his family and animals from the Flood
Arc
(ambitransitive) To move following a curved path.
Arc
(transitive) To shape into an arc; to hold in the form of an arc.
Arc
(intransitive) To form an electrical arc.
Arc
A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.
Arc
A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant.
Arc
An arch.
Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs.
Arc
The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night.
Arc
To form a voltaic arc, as an electrical current in a broken or disconnected circuit.
Arc
Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
Arc
A continuous portion of a circle
Arc
Something curved in shape
Arc
Form an arch or curve;
Her back arches
Her hips curve nicely
Common Curiosities
What defines an arc?
An arc is a segment of a circle's circumference, defined by two endpoints.
What practical applications do arcs have?
Arcs have practical applications in engineering, architecture, and physics, particularly in designing curves and calculating trajectories.
What is the significance of an ark?
An ark symbolizes protection, survival, and divine covenant, often within a religious context.
How are arcs used in mathematics?
Arcs are fundamental in geometry, aiding in the study of circles and the calculation of curve lengths.
Can the concept of an ark be found outside of religious texts?
Yes, while arks are rooted in religious narratives, they also appear in literature and art as symbols of safety and redemption.
How does an ark differ from a traditional boat?
An ark is often imbued with a deeper symbolic or religious significance, beyond its physical structure as a vessel.
What cultural significance does an ark hold?
Arks hold cultural significance as symbols of hope, survival, and divine promise in various traditions.
Is the concept of an arc limited to circles?
While commonly associated with circles, arcs can also refer to segments of other curved shapes.
Are arcs relevant in everyday life?
Yes, arcs are relevant in various fields, from architectural designs to the trajectories of sports balls.
What materials were arks traditionally made from?
Historically, arks, like Noah's Ark, were depicted as made from gopher wood, though materials vary in allegorical stories.
What is the difference between an arc and a sector?
An arc is a portion of a circle's edge, while a sector is a part of a circle's area, bounded by two radii and an arc.
Can an arc be measured?
Yes, the length of an arc can be precisely measured using formulas based on the radius of the circle and the central angle.
How do arcs and arks compare in historical importance?
Arcs are pivotal in the development of mathematical and scientific understanding, while arks carry historical and spiritual importance.
How do architects use arcs in their designs?
Architects use arcs to create visually pleasing and structurally sound designs, such as arches and domes.
What lessons do the stories of arks teach?
Stories of arks often teach lessons about faith, redemption, and the importance of heeding divine warnings.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
