Using Angular Velocity
Recall the formula v = rω, where v is the velocity of a small body moving on a circular path, r is the radius, and ω the angular velocity.
Exercise. A stone is tied to a rope of length 1 m. It is swung round and round in a circle. If it makes one turn in 1 s, find the linear velocity. Answer. The angular velocity ω is 2π rad/s. So the linear velocity is v = rω = 1 x 2π = 2π rad/s.
Exercise. I take a stroll along a circular lake or radius
10 m. If I walk 1 m every 2 s, what is my
angular velocity?
Answer. My linear velocity is 1 / 2 = 0.5 m/s.
My angular velocity ω = v/r = 0.5 / 10 = 0.05 rad/s.
Copyright 2010 by Kai Hock. All rights reserved.
Last updated: 22 September 2010.