Arc length

l=α360∘⋅2πrl=\dfrac{\alpha}{360^\circ}\cdot 2\pi r

Result unit: length units

What it describes

The length of the arc corresponding to a central angle α\alpha.

Symbols

ll
arc length
α\alpha
central angle
[°]
rr
radius

Where it comes from

An arc is the portion of the circumference proportional to the central angle — a full angle of 360∘360^\circ gives the whole circumference.

When to use it

Portions of a circle, central angles, circular motion.

Example

The radius is r=6r=6 and the central angle is 90∘90^\circ. Find the arc length.
Substitutionα=90∘\alpha=90^\circ, r=6r=6.
Resultl=90360⋅2π⋅6=3π≈9.42l=\dfrac{90}{360}\cdot2\pi\cdot6=3\pi\approx9.42.

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