How many rotations will the hour hand of a clock complete in 72 hours?
Aptitude
Clocks
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A3
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B6
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C9
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D12
Answer
Correct Answer: 6
Explanation
### Concept & Clock Rotations
A standard analog clock is divided into 12 hours. Therefore, the hour hand completes exactly one full 360-degree rotation every 12 hours.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **Given:** Total time period = 72 hours.
2. We know that 1 rotation of the hour hand = 12 hours.
3. To find the number of rotations in 72 hours, divide the total hours by the hours per rotation:
$$\text{Rotations} = \frac{72}{12}$$
4. $$72 \div 12 = 6$$ rotations.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Memorize standard day conversions: 24 hours = 2 rotations of the hour hand (1 full day). Since 72 hours is exactly 3 days, multiply 2 rotations/day by 3 days = 6 rotations.
### Common Pitfall
Confusing the hour hand with the minute hand or the Earth's rotation. The hour hand rotates twice a day (every 24 hours), not once!
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **6**.