Vector Displacement Components for Minute Hand from 8:00am to 8:20am

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SUMMARY

The displacement vector of the tip of the minute hand from 8:00 AM to 8:20 AM is calculated using trigonometric functions based on the angle of 120 degrees. The minute hand, which is 2.0 cm long, results in an x component of -1 cm and a y component of 1.73 cm when expressed in Cartesian coordinates. The correct calculations involve using the sine and cosine of 120 degrees, leading to the final vector components of x = -1 cm and y = 1.73 cm. This method clarifies the process of vector addition in circular motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions.
  • Familiarity with vector addition and Cartesian coordinates.
  • Knowledge of angular motion and how to calculate angles in degrees.
  • Basic geometry related to circles and arcs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study trigonometric functions for angles greater than 90 degrees.
  • Learn about vector components in circular motion.
  • Explore applications of vectors in physics, particularly in rotational dynamics.
  • Practice problems involving displacement vectors in different contexts.
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of vector displacement in circular motion.

Lamnia
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The minute hand on a watch is 2.0 cm in length. What is the displacement vector of the tip of the minute hand from 8:00am to 8:20am. Express the vector in x and y components.
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I'm beginning to be a little frustrated with what I thought was a simple vector addition problem.

Here's my approach:

at 8 the y component is 2cm, and the x component is zero

as the minute hand moves in 5 minute intervals around the clock, it covers intervals of 30 degrees. Therefore at 8:20, the y component should be -(2cm*sin30) and the x component should be 2cm*cos30.

Upon addition of the components we would have x = sqrt 3 and y = 2-1 =1

However, I've submitted these answers, and they are incorrect.

Can someone please indicate where I went wrong so that I can recalculate and resubmit this homework problem? Thank you :)
 
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Let's be clear that:
Code:
(360 degrees) / (60 minutes) = 6 degrees/minute
Or, if you like:
Code:
(30 degrees) / (5 minutes) = 6 degrees/minute
It seems like at 8:20 the correct angle would be:
Code:
(6 degrees/minute) * (20 minutes) = 120 degrees
 
Thanks, so much... I'd even calculated 120 degrees and then just looked at the 30 degrees below the horizontal to determine the components :) I can finally move on to the next problem!
 

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