1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 134: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

In an accurate clock, over a period of 2 hours 20 minutes, the minute hand will move over

a520°
b320°
c840°
d140°

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The minute hand turns 360 degrees in an hour, which is 6 degrees a minute. A period of 2 hours 20 minutes is 140 minutes, so the hand moves 140 x 6 = 840 degrees. Remember: minute hand - 6 degrees per minute; hour hand - 0.5 degrees per minute.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) 520 degrees corresponds to only about 87 minutes.
  • (b) 320 degrees corresponds to only about 53 minutes.
  • (c) Right: 140 minutes x 6 degrees = 840 degrees.
  • (d) 140 is the number of minutes, not the number of degrees.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.