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Angular Velocity Formula Physics

Angular Velocity Formula:

\[ \omega = \frac{\Delta\theta}{\Delta t} \]

radians
seconds

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1. What is Angular Velocity?

Definition: Angular velocity measures how fast an object rotates or revolves relative to another point, describing the rate of change of angular displacement.

Purpose: It's crucial in physics and engineering for analyzing rotational motion in systems like wheels, gears, and celestial bodies.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \omega = \frac{\Delta\theta}{\Delta t} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates how much angle is swept per unit time. Positive values indicate counter-clockwise rotation, negative values indicate clockwise rotation.

3. Importance of Angular Velocity

Details: Understanding angular velocity is essential for designing rotating machinery, analyzing planetary motion, and solving problems in rotational dynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the angular displacement in radians and the time interval in seconds. Time must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is angular velocity different from linear velocity?
A: Angular velocity describes rotation rate (angle/time), while linear velocity describes straight-line motion (distance/time).

Q2: What's the relationship between angular and linear velocity?
A: They're related by v = ω × r, where v is linear velocity, ω is angular velocity, and r is radius.

Q3: Can angular velocity be negative?
A: Yes, negative values indicate rotation in the opposite (typically clockwise) direction.

Q4: How do I convert RPM to rad/s?
A: Multiply RPM by 2π/60 (1 RPM ≈ 0.10472 rad/s).

Q5: What's a typical angular velocity for car wheels?
A: At 60 mph (26.8 m/s) with 0.3m radius wheels: ω ≈ v/r = 26.8/0.3 ≈ 89 rad/s (≈ 850 RPM).

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