B For oscillations, why do we use angles in waves and oscillat

AI Thread Summary
Angular frequency and phase in oscillations are measured in radians because radians are real numbers that simplify mathematical expressions. This allows for a consistent representation of angles in calculations, making the math for oscillations more straightforward. The units for frequency can be expressed in rad/s or as 1/s, highlighting the interchangeable nature of these measurements. Understanding differential equations is crucial for grasping the underlying principles of oscillations. Overall, using radians enhances clarity and efficiency in the study of wave behavior.
Cr4zyM4tt
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
For example, the term angular frequency, it units is radian per second. For phase, it is also measured in radians or degrees, why is that? Why is the math the same when you use angles to describe oscillations?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cr4zyM4tt said:
For example, the term angular frequency, it units is radian per second. For phase, it is also measured in radians or degrees, why is that? Why is the math the same when you use angles to describe oscillations?
Radians are just real numbers. They are not a completely different unit of measurement like degrees.That's why radians were created: to express angles by real numbers. You can say that the units for frequency are rad/s as well as you can say they are 1/s or s-1. Also, it helps a lot to understand things related to oscillations if you study about solving differential equations.
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Thread 'Raman Spectroscopy help'

I am attempting to use a Raman TruScan with a 785 nm laser to read a material for identification purposes. The material causes too much fluorescence and doesn’t not produce a good signal. However another lab is able to produce a good signal consistently using the same Raman model and sample material. What would be the reason for the different results between instruments?
View full post »

Similar threads

I Units analysis for this phase shift problem using a differential equation
Replies
3
Views
2K
I What can we scientifically measure directly?
Replies
27
Views
4K
I Atom as a harmonic oscillator of radition
Replies
14
Views
3K
I Can the Inverse Tan Function Justify Phase Lag in a Driven Harmonic Oscillator?
Replies
8
Views
2K
B Doubts regarding equation of waves
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Mechanism of Energy Conservation in Zero-Amplitude Sum of EM Waveforms
Replies
12
Views
711
B Why does the trigonometry of obtuse angles use ref angles?
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Lux-meter, candelas or lux, measuring nits in practice
Replies
2
Views
5K
Angular frequency of a damped oscillator
Replies
1
Views
1K
Multiple-Choice Questions on the Behaviour of Waves and Light 😁
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top