Angular position

Definition

Angular position is the orientation of a line with another line or plane in a rotational motion system, typically measured in radians. It specifies the angle at which an object is positioned relative to a reference axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It is often denoted by the Greek letter $\theta$.
2. The standard unit for measuring angular position is the radian.
3. Angular position can be positive or negative depending on the direction of rotation.
4. It serves as a basis for defining other rotational variables such as angular velocity and angular acceleration.
5. In a circular motion, the angular position changes as the object rotates around a fixed axis.

Review Questions

• What symbol is commonly used to represent angular position?
• How is angular position different from linear position?
• In what units is angular position commonly measured?

Related terms

Angular Velocity:

The rate of change of angular position with respect to time, usually measured in radians per second ($\text{rad/s}$).

Angular Acceleration:

The rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time, usually measured in radians per second squared ($\text{rad/s}^2$).

Moment of Inertia:

A measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotation, dependent on mass distribution relative to the axis.