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
Tangential velocity refers to the instantaneous linear speed of an object moving along a curved path. It represents how fast an object is moving in the direction tangent to its circular path.
This term refers to the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.
Angular Velocity: Angular velocity is the rate at which an object rotates around a fixed axis. It measures how quickly an object is changing its angular position.
Centripetal force is the net force acting on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. It keeps objects from flying off their circular paths.