What do divided circles on a drawing provide information about?

Divided circles on a drawing serve the purpose of indicating the identity of components and the quantity needed. These circles are often used as a visual shorthand in technical drawings to quickly convey important information. For example, a divided circle can represent a component that has multiple instances required in the assembly, where each section of the circle signifies one of those instances. This provides clarity to the fabricator or constructor about how many of a particular part will be needed for the project without having to sift through extensive text or additional notes.

In contrast, while location of welds, specifications of materials, and dimensions of parts are crucial elements of a technical drawing, they are typically represented using different symbols, annotations, or lines specific to those concepts. Thus, divided circles are distinctively used for indicating parts and their quantities rather than the other options listed.