Is angular frequency absolute?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of angular frequency in classical mechanics, specifically whether it is absolute or varies depending on the inertial reference frame from which it is observed. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding reference frames and angular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if angular frequency is the same across all inertial reference frames for rotating objects and planetary systems.
  • Another participant asserts that all reference frames can agree on a common clock and direction for the object, provided they agree on the center of rotation.
  • It is suggested that the independence of angular frequency from the inertial reference frame depends on whether the center of rotation is part of the reference frame. For objects circling around their common center of mass, angular frequency is independent of the frame, while rotations around the origin of a coordinate system may lead to frame-dependent instantaneous angular frequency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which angular frequency can be considered absolute or frame-dependent, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of the center of rotation and the choice of reference frame, which may influence the interpretation of angular frequency. There are unresolved aspects regarding the implications of these factors on angular frequency calculations.

tade
Messages
720
Reaction score
26
In classical mechanics, is the angular frequency of a rotating object, planetary system etc. the same as viewed from any inertial reference frame?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
All reference frames can agree on a common clock, and all frames have a meaningful way to assign a direction to the object.
They have to agree on the center of rotation, but that should be easy for rotating solid objects, planetary systems and so on.
 
The key to the answer is whether the centre of rotation is part of your reference frame. If two objects circle each other around their common centre of mass the angular frequency of this rotation is independent of the inertial reference frame. If, on the other hand, you consider rotations around the origin of your coordinate system (something that is usually done in conservation of angular momentum calculations) then the instantaneous angular frequency will depend on the inertial reference frame.
 
0xDEADBEEF said:
The key to the answer is whether the centre of rotation is part of your reference frame. If two objects circle each other around their common centre of mass the angular frequency of this rotation is independent of the inertial reference frame. If, on the other hand, you consider rotations around the origin of your coordinate system (something that is usually done in conservation of angular momentum calculations) then the instantaneous angular frequency will depend on the inertial reference frame.

I understand. thanks
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Angular frequency of a damped oscillator
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate Angular frequency of a non-sinusoidal pulse
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad How to Measure the Energy of an Electromagnetic Wave?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Angular frequency versus normal frequency?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
36K
Undergrad Is angular frequency absolute?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Antenna made from a pair of metal cones, radiation gain verses frequency.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Atomic units of frequency and angular frequency
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Undergrad Properties of angular momentum
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Definition of angular frequency in nuclear structure
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Axial angular momentum calculation
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K