Let’s assume the problem means: the minute gear turns 720 times in 24 hours due to an automated display — so average speed = 720 / 24 = 30 rotations per hour. But a real minute hand does 1 rotation per hour — so this system turns 30 times faster.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:29:17 +0000

Understanding the Speed of a Mechanical Gear System in Automated Displays: Why It’s 30 Times Faster Than a Traditional Minute Hand When observing a precision gear system in a modern automated display—such as a digital clock or rotating showpiece—you might notice the minute hand completing 720 full rotations every 24 hours. At first glance, this suggests an astonishing average speed of 30 rotations per hour. However, this interpretation overlooks a fundamental distinction: a real mechanical minute hand completes just one full rotation per hour, not 720. So why does the system appear to turn 30 times faster? Let’s break down the mechanics and clarify the real-world behavior. ### The Real Mechanics of a Minute Hand In traditional mechanical clocks, a standard minute hand advances 1 full rotation (360 degrees) every hour. This means it completes just 1 rotation per hour, or 60 seconds per rotation—approximately 1 rotation every 60 seconds (1 rotation per hour). The average speed, therefore, is 1 rotation per hour, not 30.