What type of angle is formed by a tangent and a radius in a circle?

Study for the Geometry Regents Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

The angle formed by a tangent to a circle and the radius drawn to the point of tangency is always a right angle. This holds true because when a line is tangent to a circle, it meets the radius at exactly one point (the point of tangency) and creates a perpendicular relationship between the tangent line and the radius. This property stems from the definition of a tangent: it touches the circle at a single point without crossing it, ensuring that the angle created with the radius is precisely 90 degrees. Thus, the correct classification of the angle is a right angle.

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