Rotations, Speed and Directions by eye (may be biology)

In summary, the human eye can perceive multiple rotations in one second, as seen in figure skaters and divers. However, the eye's ability to track movement is limited to a few degrees per second. This is why the eye is capable of moving in its socket and on the neck. For more information, you can search on Wikipedia.
  • #1
Mt. Nixion
47
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I have a problem thinking about rotations. As we all know, it takes 360 degrees to complete a circle, 720 to do two rotations, 1080 for three full rotations, 1440 degrees for four and 1800 for five and so on. My question is, what is the amount of complete rotations a human eye can see in one second? Also, what is the maximum speed a human can completely see and lastly, how many changes in directions can the human eye see?
 
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  • #2
Figure skaters and divers rotate pretty quickly in the air, but experienced viewers have no trouble keeping up with the number of turns. Jugglers generally toss objects with a double or triple flip. Of course the person doing this has to be able to time it or have a good sense of what is going on. A quadruple back flip followed by an overhead view of a double twisting double layout off the flying rings from the 1970s:

quad.wmv
 
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  • #3
It's not a question of rotation, speed or number of changes in direction. Your eyes don't have any trouble following a fighter jet a couple of miles away do they? Or seeing bubbles forming in a champagne glass?

The eye itself can't cope with anything moving across its field of view of more than a couple of degrees per second. Note this has NOTHING to do with how fast something is spinning; if a skater is spinning 200m away you'll have no problem seeing this, if it's only a metre away your eye alone will not be able to track it. This is a reason why your eye is capable of moving in its socket; and your head on your neck.

There's some excellent information on Wikipedia if you fancy doing a search.
 

1. What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Rotation refers to the movement of an object around its own axis, while revolution refers to the movement of an object around another object. In biology, rotation is often used to describe the movement of joints in the body, while revolution is used to describe the movement of planets around the sun.

2. How do animals use rotations, speed, and directions by eye?

Animals use rotations, speed, and directions by eye to navigate their environment, locate food and shelter, and avoid predators. They have evolved specialized visual systems that allow them to detect and interpret these movements with precision.

3. How is eye movement related to rotations, speed, and directions?

Eye movements play a crucial role in processing rotations, speed, and directions by providing visual information to the brain. Our eyes constantly move to track moving objects and maintain focus on a specific point of interest.

4. What is the importance of understanding rotations, speed, and directions in biology?

Understanding rotations, speed, and directions is important in biology because it helps us understand how organisms move and interact with their environment. It also has practical applications, such as in the development of prosthetics and robotics.

5. Can rotations, speed, and directions be affected by genetic factors?

Yes, rotations, speed, and directions can be affected by genetic factors. Many animals have specialized visual systems that are genetically determined and allow them to detect and interpret movements. Additionally, genetic disorders can affect eye movements and lead to issues with rotations, speed, and directions.

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