What is the Difference Between Line Segment and Ray?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a line segment and a ray lies in their endpoints and extensions:
- Line Segment: A line segment is a part of a line that has two endpoints and is finite in length. It contains all the points of the line between its two endpoints. Line segments can be measured in terms of length, and they have fixed lengths.
- Ray: A ray is a line segment that extends indefinitely in one direction. It has one endpoint (i.e., a starting point) and extends infinitely in a single direction. Rays cannot be measured in terms of length, as they go on forever in one direction.
In summary, a line segment is a finite, one-dimensional shape with two endpoints, while a ray is a one-dimensional shape with one endpoint that extends infinitely in one direction.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Line Segment and Ray? Comparative Table: Line Segment vs Ray
Comparative Table: Line Segment vs Ray
The main difference between a line segment and a ray lies in the number of endpoints they have and their lengths. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between line segments and rays:
Feature | Line Segment | Ray |
---|---|---|
Definition | A part of a line with two endpoints | A part of a line with one endpoint |
Endpoints | Two | One |
Length | Definite | Not measurable |
Extends to | Both directions | One direction |
Examples | Pencil, ruler, paper | Flashlight, sunrays, projector, arrows |
A line segment has two endpoints and extends in both directions, with all the points between them making up its length. On the other hand, a ray has one endpoint and extends infinitely in one direction, but its length cannot be measured.
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- Line vs Line Segment
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- Raster vs Vector Graphics
- Circle vs Ellipse
- Mode Theory vs Ray Theory of Light
- X-Rays vs Gamma Rays
- Visible Light vs X rays
- Longitudinal vs Transverse Section
- Circle vs Sphere
- Row vs Column
- Reflection vs Refraction
- Angle of Incidence vs Angle of Refraction
- Arc Measure vs Arc Length
- Chord Secant vs Tangent