Constant Angular Velocity Problem

1. Apr 30, 2009

math_girl

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I encountered the following problem and I don't know where to begin or what formula to use... An object is moving in a circular path with a radius of 4.00 m. If the object moves through an arc length of 3.16m, then find the angular displacement?

2. Relevant equations
I wish I knew.

3. The attempt at a solution
Any help would be great thanks!

2. Apr 30, 2009

LowlyPion

Welcome to PF.

What is the circumference of a circle with radius 4?

And what percentage of the circumference does 3.16 represent?

That percentage of 360° then ...

3. Apr 30, 2009

PhanthomJay

Just look up (then study) the relationship between arc length (s), radius (r) and angular displacement (theta). Note that theta is in radians. If you have no textbook, try Google.

4. May 2, 2009

math_girl

so I got the following figured out, circumerence is 25.13

to find the percentage of the circumference that 3.16 represents should I take 3.16/25.13? If so that number is .126, than what should I do with figuring out the percentage of 360°?

5. May 2, 2009

LowlyPion

What you determined is the fraction of the circumference. Since there are 360 degrees in a full circle or alternatively there are 2*π radians in a circle ...

If you want degrees, then multiply by 360.

If you want it in radians, there are 2*π (2*3.1415), then multiply .126*6.283.

6. May 2, 2009

math_girl

thanks thats what I needed to figure it out! Thanks