SUMMARY
The displacement vector of the tip of a 2.0 cm minute hand from 8:00 to 8:20 is calculated using the angle covered in that time frame. At 8:20, the minute hand has moved 120 degrees, resulting in a displacement of approximately 1.8 cm at an angle of 60 degrees from the vertical. From 8:00 to 9:00, the minute hand completes a full rotation of 360 degrees, yielding a displacement of 0 cm, as it returns to the original position. Proper attention to significant figures is crucial in these calculations.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of vector displacement
- Basic knowledge of circular motion
- Familiarity with trigonometric functions
- Ability to calculate angles in degrees
NEXT STEPS
- Study vector addition and subtraction in physics
- Learn about angular displacement and its applications
- Explore trigonometric functions related to circular motion
- Review significant figures and their importance in scientific calculations
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of practical applications of displacement vectors.