Angular velocity

Science

Definition

Angular velocity (ω) is the rate at which an object rotates or revolves around an axis, measured in radians per second. It describes how quickly the angular position of a rotating object changes over time.

Examples

  • A clock's second hand has an angular velocity of π/30 rad/s (one full revolution in 60 seconds)
  • A CD spinning at 500 RPM has an angular velocity of about 52.4 rad/s
  • Earth's angular velocity of rotation is approximately 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s
Key Fact

ω = Δθ/Δt; v = rω relates linear speed to angular velocity; 1 revolution = 2π radians.

Related Terms

Angular momentum Rotational inertia Centripetal force Torque

Study This Concept

Practice angular velocity with free review games in these units:

AP Physics 1 Unit 5: Rotational Motion