SECTION A (Answer all questions) 1. Define the term 3D Modeling in the context of CAD.(2 marks) 2. Explain how CAD software can be used in the field of electrical (2 marks) 3. List three common file formats used in CAD applications. (3 marks) 4. Describe the function of each of the following commands as used in a CAD I) Mirror (2 marks) II) Array (2 marks) III) Scale (2 marks) 5. What is the AutoCAD command for drawing a rectangle? (2 marks) 6. Outline the steps to create a polygon with a specific number of sides in AutoC marks) 7. Identify four types of coordinate input methods used in AutoCAD. (4 marks) 8. Differentiate between the MOVE and COPY commands in AutoCAD. (4 marks) 9. Name any three industries that heavily rely on CAD software. (3 marks) 10. Explain the function of the following commands as used in AutoCAD: I) Rotate command (2 marks) II) Mirror command (2 marks) 11. Discuss the advantages of using cloud-based CAD software. (5 marks)

**1. Define the term 3D Modeling in the context of CAD. (2 marks)** <br />3D Modeling in the context of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) refers to the process of creating a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object or shape using specialized software. This model can be viewed, manipulated, and analyzed on a computer, allowing designers to visualize and refine their designs before physical production.<br /><br />**2. Explain how CAD software can be used in the field of electrical. (2 marks)** <br />CAD software is used in the field of electrical engineering for designing and drafting electrical circuits, schematics, and layouts. It allows engineers to create detailed diagrams of electrical systems, simulate circuit behavior, and ensure compliance with industry standards. CAD tools also facilitate collaboration and documentation, improving accuracy and efficiency in electrical design projects.<br /><br />**3. List three common file formats used in CAD applications. (3 marks)** <br />- DWG (Drawing): A widely used format for storing two and three-dimensional design data.<br />- DXF (Drawing Exchange Format): A format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.<br />- STL (Stereolithography): Commonly used for 3D printing and computer-aided manufacturing.<br /><br />**4. Describe the function of each of the following commands as used in a CAD:**<br /><br />I) **Mirror (2 marks)** <br />The Mirror command creates a mirrored copy of selected objects across a specified axis or line. This is useful for creating symmetrical designs without manually duplicating and positioning elements.<br /><br />II) **Array (2 marks)** <br />The Array command duplicates selected objects in a specified pattern, such as rectangular or polar arrays. It helps in efficiently creating repetitive patterns or arrangements of objects.<br /><br />III) **Scale (2 marks)** <br />The Scale command changes the size of selected objects by a specified scale factor, either enlarging or reducing them while maintaining their proportions.<br /><br />**5. What is the AutoCAD command for drawing a rectangle? (2 marks)** <br />The AutoCAD command for drawing a rectangle is "RECTANGLE" or simply "REC".<br /><br />**6. Outline the steps to create a polygon with a specific number of sides in AutoCAD. (3 marks)** <br />1. Type "POLYGON" in the command line and press Enter.<br />2. Enter the number of sides for the polygon and press Enter.<br />3. Specify the center of the polygon by clicking a point or entering coordinates.<br />4. Choose whether to inscribe or circumscribe the polygon around a circle.<br />5. Specify the radius of the circle or the distance from the center to a vertex.<br /><br />**7. Identify four types of coordinate input methods used in AutoCAD. (4 marks)** <br />- Absolute Coordinates: Specifying points based on a fixed origin (0,0).<br />- Relative Coordinates: Specifying points relative to the last point entered.<br />- Polar Coordinates: Using a distance and angle to define a point.<br />- Direct Distance Entry: Moving the cursor in a direction and typing a distance.<br /><br />**8. Differentiate between the MOVE and COPY commands in AutoCAD. (4 marks)** <br />The MOVE command relocates selected objects from one location to another within the drawing, effectively changing their position without duplication. The COPY command, on the other hand, creates duplicates of selected objects at a new location while leaving the original objects unchanged.<br /><br />**9. Name any three industries that heavily rely on CAD software. (3 marks)** <br />- Architecture<br />- Automotive<br />- Aerospace<br /><br />**10. Explain the function of the following commands as used in AutoCAD:**<br /><br />I) **Rotate command (2 marks)** <br />The Rotate command rotates selected objects around a specified base point by a given angle. This is useful for aligning objects or adjusting their orientation within a design.<br /><br />II) **Mirror command (2 marks)** <br />The Mirror command creates a mirrored copy of selected objects across a specified axis or line, facilitating the creation of symmetrical designs.<br /><br />**11. Discuss the advantages of using cloud-based CAD software. (5 marks)** <br />- Accessibility: Cloud-based CAD software allows users to access their designs from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and collaboration.<br />- Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, enhancing teamwork and communication.<br />- Automatic Updates: Software updates are managed by the provider, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and security patches.<br />- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for expensive hardware and IT infrastructure, as processing is done on the cloud.<br />- Data Security and Backup: Cloud providers often offer robust security measures and automatic backups, protecting against data loss and unauthorized access.