What is the difference between a square and a rhombus?

When we talk about the differences between a square and a rhombus, we need to consider their properties in geometry.

1. Side Lengths and Angles: A square is a special type of quadrilateral where all four sides are equal in length and all four angles are right angles (90 degrees). In contrast, a rhombus also has all four sides of equal length, but its angles are not necessarily 90 degrees. The angles can vary while the sides remain equal.
2. Shape Classification: Both squares and rhombuses belong to the same family of shapes known as parallelograms. However, not every rhombus is a square. In fact, all squares are rhombuses, but not all rhombuses are squares, due to the difference in angle measurements.
3. Angle Properties: In a general rhombus, the opposite angles are equal, but they can be acute or obtuse. A square, with its right angles, meets the criteria for being a rhombus but also has the unique property of having all angles the same, which is crucial in defining it as a square.

In summary, while a square and a rhombus share some similarities, the key distinctions lie in their angles and classification. Recognizing these differences helps in better understanding the geometry of these shapes.