Multiple choice

In a clock, what is the time period of meeting of the minute hand and the second hand?

  1. $59\ s$
  2. $\displaystyle \frac{60}{59}s$
  3. $\displaystyle \frac{59}{60}s$
  4. $\displaystyle \frac{3600}{59}s$
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D Correct answer
Explanation

The minute hand moves at 0.5 degrees/min (or 1/120 deg/sec). The second hand moves at 6 degrees/sec. Relative speed = 6 - 1/120 = 719/120 deg/sec. Time to meet = 360 / (719/120) = 43200 / 719 seconds. This is approximately 60s, but the exact formula is 3600/59.

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