arch
Arches span doors, windows, bridges, and other openings. This topic is part of Architecture within Arts & Culture. This page currently draws on 14 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
arch trivia questions
An arch is a curved structure used to span what?
Answer: An opening
Bonus fact: Arches span doors, windows, bridges, and other openings.
Which force mainly travels through a masonry arch?
Answer: Compression
Bonus fact: Arches transfer loads largely through compression.
What wedge-shaped stone at the top center of a traditional arch is called?
Answer: Keystone
Bonus fact: The keystone locks the arch's wedge-shaped stones into place.
Which architectural style is especially known for pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses?
Answer: Gothic
Bonus fact: Gothic cathedrals often used pointed arches and flying buttresses to support tall walls and large windows.
What force mainly acts to squeeze the curved structure of a traditional masonry arch bridge?
Answer: Compression
Bonus fact: Arches carry loads largely by transferring compressive forces into their supports.
The Gateway Arch is located in which U.S. city?
Answer: St. Louis
Bonus fact: It stands near the Mississippi River.
The Gateway Arch symbolizes westward expansion of what country?
Answer: United States
Bonus fact: St. Louis was known as the Gateway to the West.
Who designed the Gateway Arch?
Answer: Eero Saarinen
Bonus fact: Saarinen won the design competition in 1947.
An arch bridge supports loads mainly through what curved structure?
Answer: Arch
Bonus fact: Compression forces travel through the arch to its supports.
What force dominates in the arch of a traditional masonry arch bridge?
Answer: Compression
Bonus fact: Stone performs especially well under compression.
What is the wedge-shaped central stone at the crown of a masonry arch called?
Answer: Keystone
Bonus fact: The keystone locks the arch stones into compression.
What are the three basic fingerprint pattern categories?
Answer: Loops, whorls, and arches
Bonus fact: Most fingerprints fall into loop, whorl, or arch categories.