Question

A clock is mounted on the wall. As you look at it, what is the direction of the angular velocity vector of the second hand?

a) Clockwise
b) Counterclockwise
c) Radial outward
d) Radial inward

Answer 1

The angular velocity vector of the clockwise-rotating second hand on a clock is directed radially inward according to the right-hand rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

If we observe the second hand of a clock that is mounted on the wall, it typically rotates in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front. To determine the direction of the angular velocity vector of the second hand, we can use the right-hand rule. The right-hand rule stipulates that if you curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of rotation, your thumb will point in the direction of the angular velocity vector.

Since the second hand rotates clockwise, if we apply the right-hand rule, the thumb would point directly into the wall. Therefore, the angular velocity vector of the second hand is directed radial inward towards the axis of rotation.