If radii of the two concentric circles are 15 cm and 17 cm, then the length of each chord of one circle which is tangent to other is:
(a) 8 cm
(b) 16 cm
(c) 30 cm
(d) 17 cm
We are given that radii of two concentric circles are 15 cm and 17 cm
We have to find the length of each chord of one circle which is tangent to other
Let A be the centre of the two concentric circles
Let BC be the chord of bigger circle tangent to smaller at F
Therefore AF is the radius of smaller circle
AB is the radius of bigger circle
We know that radius of a circle is perpendicular to its tangent
Therefore $A F \perp B C$
$\triangle A F B$
$\angle A F B=90^{\circ}$
Therefore
$B F=\sqrt{A B^{2}-A F^{2}}$ [Using Pythagoras theorem]
$=\sqrt{(17)^{2}-(15)^{2}} \mathrm{~cm}$
$=\sqrt{289-225} \mathrm{~cm}$
$=\sqrt{64} \mathrm{~cm}$
$=8 \mathrm{~cm}$
We know that a perpendicular from centre of circle to chord of circle bisects the chord
Therefore BF = FC = 8 cm
Length of chord $=B F+F C$
$=8+8$
$=16 \mathrm{~cm}$
Hence option (b) is correct.
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