Calculation of Angular Frequency

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of angular frequency based on input angular speed, specifically addressing the conversion between degrees and radians. Participants explore the appropriate formulas and units for angular frequency in the context of physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the formula for angular frequency as f = ω/360°, questioning its validity.
  • Another participant argues against using degrees, emphasizing the need to keep angular measurements in radians.
  • A participant suggests converting angular speed from degrees per second to radians per second before applying the formula f = ω/2π.
  • Confusion arises regarding the equivalence of angular velocity in degrees per second and radians per second, with a participant attempting to derive a formula that simplifies to f = ω/360.
  • Clarifications are made about the standard units for angular frequency and the implications of using degrees instead of radians.
  • One participant expresses curiosity about contexts where angular frequency might be measured in degrees per second, highlighting potential pitfalls in standard formulas.
  • A later reply notes the importance of using radians in calculus and trigonometric functions, mentioning cultural variations in angular measurement systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the use of degrees versus radians for angular frequency calculations. There are competing views on the appropriateness of the proposed formulas and the implications of unit conversions.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the standardization of units for angular frequency and the potential for confusion when switching between degrees and radians. Participants highlight the importance of clarity in unit usage, particularly in mathematical contexts.

yadunandan
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Hi everyone,

I need to calculate the Angular frequency based on the input angular speed.
I'm thinking the formula would be

Angular Speed, ω = 2∏f
=> Angular Frequency, f = ω/2∏ = ω/360°

so, does the formula "f = ω/360°" will give me correct solution.

Kindly guide me please.
 
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No...do not use degrees...you need to leave 2.pi in radians...in other words, you just performed some kind of bad conversion...is 2.pi = 360? is it? No, it is not. 2x3.14=6.28!
 
But, my input angular speed is in Deg/sec...
so, you say, i convert that deg/sec to radian/sec and then use the formual f = ω/2∏ ??
 
oh...that's weird.

Then, yes, convert deg/s to rad/s, first and then...
 
I'm little confused :(

Is in't the same thing ?

Lets say,

1. Angular Velocity = 10deg/sec
2. Convert it to radians/sec --> 10*(∏/180)
3. Now, calculate the angular frequency, f = ((10*∏)/180)/2∏
4. If we see in the above equation, ∏ in the neumarator and ∏ in the denominator will be cancelled. So, I left with the equation, f = 10/2*180 = 10/360.

So, angular freq, f = ω/360 (Hertz) ..
where ω - Angular velocity in deg/sec

Am I thinking correctly?
 
You are kind of correct..you just need to be more careful and keep things absolutely clear.

In your first posting, you never specified in which units ω was...typically, it is understood that it is in rad/s...what's more, you even included your starting equation as ω=2∏f...in this equation, ω is necessarily in rad/s! Then, suddenly, you replaced 2∏ with 360...what was I to think of this?

You see what I am coming from?

More often than not, it is best to keep things in radians or radians per second...you'll see.
 
yadunandan said:
Am I thinking correctly?
Close enough.

Generally, ω is called the angular frequency and is measured in radians/second. f is just the frequency.

So, in standard units ω = 2πf. (Since one cycle = 2π radians.) But if you wanted the angular frequency in degrees/second instead, then ω = 360f. (Since one cycle = 360 degrees.)

I'm curious as to what context would give you an angular frequency in degrees/sec? I'd be very careful, since standard formulas for simple harmonic motion assume that ω is in radians/sec.
 
gsal said:
More often than not, it is best to keep things in radians or radians per second...you'll see.

This is particularly true when you start using Trig functions in Calculus. If you try to work in degrees, life becomes a nightmare.

It is worth while remembering that the three fingered Grigs of the planet Tryd will be dealing in exactly the same Radians that we deal in on Earth. However, their 'degrees' could be any fraction of a complete turn, depending on their particular culture - 1/360th, 1/350th, 1/297th or whatever.
 

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