Clockwise
As the name suggests, clockwise means moving in the same way or direction as the hands of a clock move. This movement can be seen in our day-to-day lives, whether it is the turning of a knob, or closing the circular lid of a bottle. Let us understand more about the concept of clockwise and anticlockwise in this page.
What Is Clockwise?
Clockwise refers to moving in the direction of the hands of the clock. Let us understand the meaning of this term now.
Clockwise Meaning
The clock is an instrument that shows time. The hands of a clock always move towards their right and hence, the term 'clockwise' explains itself. Most screws and bolts are tightened by turning them clockwise. The circular lids of bottles that we use are also closed by turning them clockwise.
Clockwise Direction
Clockwise and anticlockwise are terms that can only be applied to a rotational motion. Clockwise motion proceeds within the same direction as that of a clock's hands. Moving from the top to the right, then down and then to the left, and back up to the top. Anticlockwise can be considered as the opposite sense of rotation or revolution.
In the image given above, the letter "F" is rotated clockwise. Note that although the direction of the letter has changed but the size of the alphabet "F" remains the same. This shows that the symmetrical aspect of a shape does not get affected on rotation. There are many examples that make us notice these movements every day, like, the taps are closed clockwise, screws are tightened clockwise, angles are measured anticlockwise, and many more.
Clockwise and Anticlockwise Angle Measurements
Angles describe the amount and direction of rotation and are always measured anticlockwise on a line. It should be noted that angles that are measured clockwise are negative angles. Have a look at the protractor given below which shows how the angles are measured.
Difference Between Clockwise and Anticlockwise
Clockwise and anticlockwise are ways of indicating the direction of a turn. Clockwise involves a turn to the right, following the direction of the hands of a clock. It is a negative rotation direction. Anticlockwise involves a turn to the left, against the direction of a clock’s hands. This is a positive rotation direction.
Important Notes
- Clockwise means moving in the direction of the hands of a clock.
- Anticlockwise is a direction opposite to that of the normal rotation of the hands of a clock.
- Anticlockwise is also called counter-clockwise.
Topics Related to Clockwise
Solved Examples on Clockwise
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Example 1: Taking the first figure as the original position of the owl, identify if the images (i) and (ii) given below are turned in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
(i)
(ii)
Solution:
(I) The figure has moved from its original position to its left. Thus, we can say that it has moved anticlockwise.
(ii) The figure has moved from its original position to its right. Thus, we can say that it has moved clockwise.
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Example 2: Observe the map given below. If Myra leaves her home and starts walking in a clockwise direction, which of the following will be the first place that she will come across?
(i) Picture Gallery
(ii) Zoo
Solution:
If we face the given map, and assume that Myra leaves her home and starts walking in a clockwise direction, she will come down towards the picture gallery, then go towards the supermarket and then reach the zoo. Therefore, picture gallery is the first place that she will come across.
FAQs on Clockwise
Why Does a Clock Go Clockwise?
In medieval times when clocks were being developed, their hands were made to turn in this direction. This was done because in the northern hemisphere, it was observed that the shadow of the dial traces clockwise as the sun moves through the sky.
Is Turning To the Right Clockwise?
Yes, clockwise means constantly turning to the right.
What Is the Opposite of Clockwise?
Clockwise means moving in the direction of the clock. Thus, the opposite of clockwise is anticlockwise (counterclockwise), which means moving in the direction which is opposite to the movement of a clock's hands.
Is Clockwise Left or Right?
Clockwise is moving or turning in the direction of an analog clock and this also describes a circular motion. Left or right turns are just ways of describing a change in approach. Thus, clockwise is constantly turning to the right.
What Does a 180 Degree Turn Look Like?
A 180-degree angle is a straight angle or a straight line. Thus, a 180-degree turn looks like a straight line.