Dr. Neal, WKU MATH 117 Angular Velocity vs. （尼尔博士WKU数学117角速度vs。）.pdf

Dr. Neal, WKU MATH 117 Angular Velocity vs. Linear Velocity Given an object with a fixed speed that is moving in a circle with a fixed radius, we can define the angular velocity of the object. That is, we can determine how fast the radian measure of the angle is changing as the object moves on its circular path. v r r v = linear speed = angular speed v = r We always use radians as the unit of measure when working with angular velocity. For instance, our angular velocities should be in units such as (rad ) / sec or (rad ) / hr . However sometimes we will give the result in other layman’s terms, such as revolutions per minute or degrees per second, so as to give a better understanding of how fast the angle is moving. But in order to do calculations with angular velocity, we always must use radians. (rad ) Note though that radians will be an “invisible” unit. For example the units ft sec will yield ft/sec. Relationship Between Angular Velocity and Linear Velocity v Given a fixed speed v and radius r , then v 2 v = r = = r time of 1 rev. Ex