Chapter 8.1, Problem 9SSC

To determine

Whether all parts of the minute hand on a watch have the same angular displacement andmove the same linear distance.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Angular displacement is the angle by which a line rotates.

Linear distance is the length covered in a straight line.

As the angular displacement is the angle by which a line rotates, all the parts of the minute hand rotate for the same angle.

The linear distance of the minute hand is a function of the distance from the point of interest to the axis of rotation. Hence it depends on the radius. Therefore every part of the minute hand travels a different linear distance.

Conclusion:

All parts of the minute hand cover the same angular displacement but different linear distance.