Angular speed

Definition

Angular speed is the rate at which an object moves through an angle. It is usually measured in radians per second.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angular speed is defined as $\omega = \frac{\theta}{t}$, where $\theta$ is the angle in radians and $t$ is the time.
2. The unit of angular speed in the International System of Units (SI) is radians per second (rad/s).
3. Angular speed can be related to linear speed by the equation $v = r\omega$, where $v$ is linear speed and $r$ is the radius.
4. In uniform circular motion, angular speed remains constant.
5. When converting between degrees and radians for angular calculations, remember that $360^{\circ} = 2\pi$ radians.

Review Questions

• What is the formula for angular speed?
• How do you convert between degrees and radians when calculating angular speed?
• What relationship does angular speed have with linear speed?

Related terms

Radians: A measure of angle size where one radian equals the angle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius of the circle.

Linear Speed: The distance traveled per unit time along a path. It can be related to angular speed using $v = r\omega$.

Uniform Circular Motion: Motion in a circle at constant speed; here, both magnitude and direction of velocity are constant.