Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Angular velocity is the rate at which an object rotates or moves in a circular path. It measures how quickly an object changes its angular position over time.
Related terms
Tangential Velocity (v_t): Tangential velocity refers to the linear speed of an object moving along a circular path. It represents how fast an object is moving tangent to the circle at any given point.
Centripetal Acceleration (a_c): Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It always points towards the center of the circle and keeps the object in its curved trajectory.
Period is the time it takes for one complete revolution or cycle of motion to occur. It is inversely proportional to angular velocity, meaning as angular velocity increases, period decreases, and vice versa.