Question

For an n-fold symmetry axis, an object rotates________ from ______.

a) Clockwise, its center
b) Counter-clockwise, a fixed point
c) Vertically, its axis
d) Diagonally, its origin

Answer 1

An n-fold symmetry axis involves an object rotating counterclockwise from a fixed point, such as its center. This concept, often observed in merry-go-rounds or celestial rotations like Earth's, is referred to as spin in physics.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an n-fold symmetry axis, an object rotates counterclockwise from a fixed point. When objects like a merry-go-round or a CD rotate, points on the object trace circular paths around the center, which is the axis of rotation. This movement is typically described relative to a coordinate system where rotation can be observed as occurring in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In physics the default direction of rotation is often assumed to be counterclockwise when viewed from above the rotation axis, unless otherwise stated.

Importantly the rotation of an object on its symmetry axis demonstrates the concept of spin, which is a fundamental type of movement within physics. As stated in the reference, an example of counterclockwise rotation was observed when a person on a merry-go-round slid a ball towards the edge and the ball followed a curved path to the right. This exemplifies counterclockwise motion, which can also be observed on a larger scale with Earth's rotation from west to east.