Vector components on the tip of hand on a clock

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics homework question regarding the vector components of the velocity of the tip of a clock hand at specific times. The original poster is tasked with drawing vector diagrams to represent the horizontal and vertical components of this velocity, given the length of the hand and its motion over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the velocity of the clock hand and is uncertain about how to determine the x and y components at different times. Some participants suggest that the components need to be calculated for each position, prompting questions about the differences in motion at various points on the clock face.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of how to approach the problem. There is a suggestion to consider the vertical component as potentially zero at certain times, and another participant introduces specific velocity values for different times, indicating a direction towards calculating vector components.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the homework question, including the need to draw diagrams and calculate components based on the clock hand's position at specified times. There is an emphasis on understanding the differences in motion at various points on the clock face.

tak160
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Hiya all, I'm stuck on a physics question set for homework. It asks "draw vector diagrams to scale to show the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity of the tip of the hand at quater-past, twenty past, twenty-five past and half past the hour." The hand is 20cm long so using the circumference formula and dividing it by time, i get 0.00034m/s as the velocity at quater past. I've drawn the hands and the x and y-axis so is the x and y-axis both 0.00034m/s or that x=0.00034m/s and y=om/s? or do i have to work out the velocity of the tip at those points and then work out the components? if so, how do i do that?
thanx.
 
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Yes, you will need to work out the components of motion at each postion. Think about it! How is the motion different at 3 then at 9?
 
so will i have to make the verticle 0?
 
and will the points be 0.2266666m/s at 20 past and 0.0001133333m/s at 25 past and then use FcosA on the points to find the vectors?
 

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