Angular Frequency vs. Angular Velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concepts of angular frequency and angular velocity, particularly focusing on the use of pi in different contexts (as a numerical value versus as a representation of degrees) when applying the formula T=2pi/omega. Participants express confusion regarding when to use radians and when to use degrees in calculations related to simple harmonic motion (S.H.M).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the application of pi in the formula T=2pi/omega, questioning when to use pi as 3.14 and when to consider it as representing 180 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem or instructor should clarify whether to use radians or degrees for the calculations.
  • A different participant emphasizes that pi is a numerical value and clarifies that angular frequency, denoted as omega, is typically in radians per second, leading to the formula T=2pi/omega. They note that if angular frequency is in degrees per second, the formula would change to T=360/omega.
  • There is a request for more specific information about the questions being referenced, indicating that repeating previous statements without additional context is unhelpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the confusion regarding the use of pi in different contexts. Multiple viewpoints are presented, with some participants clarifying concepts while others express uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved ambiguity regarding the specific questions being referenced, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. The distinction between radians and degrees in the context of angular frequency and period is a key point of contention.

gracy
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In S.H.M omega denotes?I am really confused where to put pi=3.14 and where to put pi=180 degrees.In one question while solving for omega when Time period is given from formula T=2pi/omega i took pi=3.14 and got right but in other question in similar situation i.e solving for omega when Time period is given from formula T=2pi/omega ,when i took pi=3.14 i got wrong when i saw solution i came to know that there has to be pi=180 degrees.I am really confused.where omega is radian per second and where it is only per second?And where to put pi=3.14 and where to put pi=180 degrees in formula T=2pi/omega?
 
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I would think that either the question itself, or your instructor, should be telling you whether to do the problem in radians or degrees.
 
In one question while solving for omega whenTime period is given from formula T=2pi/omega i took pi=3.14 and got right but in other question in similar situation i.e solving for omega when Time period is given from formula T=2pi/omega ,when i took pi=3.14 i got wrong when i saw solution i came to know that there has to be pi=180 degrees.I am really confused.
 
Repeating what you've already said without giving any more information isn't going to help anyone help you. What exactly do the questions say?
 
gracy said:
And where to put pi=3.14 and where to put pi=180 degrees in formula T=2pi/omega?
pi is never equal to 180 degrees; pi is a number. Angular frequency, ##\omega##, is usually given in radians/sec. In that case, the period is given by ##T = 2 \pi/\omega##. If angular frequency is given in degrees/sec, then you'd have to use ##T = 360/\omega##.

Note that ##2\pi## is the number of radians in a complete cycle and 360 is the number of degrees in a complete cycle.
 
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