Why do you think domes and arches are most prevalent in churches and cathedrals? why do you think they are not used more in residential construction?

Because it is a strong "formal religion" symbol and if its used in normal building it will lose its "religious powers." in heaven and come in hand with a gothic tradition.  On ed this is right just include the words strong, heaven, gothic, and tradition.

Explanation:

domes and arches have a specific esthetic look and feel. that is very important in architecture. churses and cathedrals are usually also large spaces and arches and domes is a good way to distribute the weight so that the rooms can be larger to hold more people. they are also beautiful and can be in many different forms so the architects can create art with them inspiring feelings in people.