Angular velocity
The rate of change of angular position, measured in radians per second (rad·s⁻¹). Denoted ω, it relates to linear velocity by v = ωr and to period by ω = 2π/T. For uniform circular motion, angular velocity is constant. Angular velocity is related to frequency by ω = 2πf.
Formula
ω = 2π/T = 2πf ; v = ωr
Real World
The Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth every 96 minutes; its angular velocity is ω = 2π/5760 ≈ 0.00109 rad s⁻¹, used to calculate the linear speed needed to maintain its stable orbit.
Exam Focus
Convert frequency to angular velocity (ω = 2πf) before substituting into centripetal force equations — forgetting the 2π factor drops marks.
How well did you know this?