Minute

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Minute

A minute is a unit of time traditionally equal to 1/60 (one-sixtieth) of an hour, or 60 seconds. The minute is not an SI unit, but it is accepted for use with SI units for both time and angle. The SI symbol for minute or minutes is min.

Time Measurement

The concept of dividing an hour into 60 minutes dates back to ancient Babylonian civilization, which used a sexagesimal (base-60) numeral system. This division was later adopted by the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans, and it has persisted into modern times.

Usage in Timekeeping

Minutes are commonly used in various aspects of daily life, including:

• Clocks and watches to measure and display time.
• Timetables for public transportation.
• Cooking and other activities that require precise time measurement.

Minute of Arc

In addition to its use in timekeeping, the term "minute" is also used in geometry and astronomy to denote a unit of angular measurement known as the minute of arc or arcminute. One minute of arc is equal to 1/60 of a degree or 60 arcseconds.

Historical Context

The division of time into smaller units such as minutes and seconds has been crucial for the development of astronomy, navigation, and science. The precise measurement of time allows for accurate astronomical observations, navigation at sea, and the synchronization of technological systems.

Modern Applications

In modern times, minutes are used in various fields such as:

• Sports for timing events.
• Medicine for scheduling and timing procedures.
• Computing for measuring CPU time and other processes.

See Also

• Hour
• Second
• Time
• Clock
• Arcminute
• Sexagesimal