To find the angle \(\theta\) in a right triangle where you know the lengths of the opposite side and the adjacent side, you can use the tangent function:
\[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}} \]
In this case, the opposite side is 2 cm and the adjacent side is 5 cm:
\[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{2}{5} \]
Next, you will use the arctangent function (also known as the inverse tangent) to find \(\theta\):
\[ \theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{2}{5}\right) \]
Using a calculator:
\[ \theta \approx 21.80^\circ \]
Rounding to the nearest whole number:
\[ \theta \approx 22^\circ \]
Therefore, the measure of \(\theta\) is approximately \(22^\circ\).