By the chord definition, the degree of curve is the central angle that subtends a 100 ft ______.

In the context of surveying and civil engineering, the degree of curve is an important concept used when designing circular curves in roads and railways. The degree of curve is defined as the angle (in degrees) subtended at the center of a curve by a chord that measures a specific length—in this case, 100 feet.

When stating that the degree of curve is the central angle that subtends a 100 ft chord, it is essential to understand that a chord is a straight line connecting two points on a curve. This definition ensures that you can relate the circular arc's geometry directly to linear measurements on a survey plan, allowing surveyors and engineers to calculate the necessary parameters for designing safe and effective road networks.

Understanding this concept helps in the practical application of curve design, as the chord's length and its corresponding angle at the center determine the arc's layout. Using the chord length as a reference helps maintain uniformity in calculations across various projects, giving a clear standard for comparing curves.