Question

Calculate the angular velocity of a clocks second hand, its minute hand, and its hour hand. State in Rad/s. What is its angular acceleration in each case?

Answer 1

Second hand:

1 rev per minute = (2π radians/minute) x (1 min/60sec) = π/30 rad/sec

Minute hand:

1 rev per hour = (2π radians/hour) x (1 hr/3600 sec) = π/1800 rad/sec

Hour hand:

1 rev per 12 hours = (2π rad/12 hr) x (1 hr/3600 sec) = π/21,600 rad/sec

As long as the clock is in good working order, and the hands are turning steadily at their normal rate, there is no angular acceleration.