Understanding the Infinity Sign for Beginners

AI Thread Summary
The infinity sign, often mistaken for the Greek letter omega (ω), represents angular velocity in physics, particularly in orbital mechanics. As a satellite moves to a higher orbit, its velocity decreases, which relates to the concept of angular velocity. Angular velocity is influenced by both the radius of the orbit and the satellite's linear velocity. Understanding the relationship between angular velocity, linear velocity, and radius is crucial, and relevant sections in textbooks on Newton's Law of Gravitation and Kepler's Laws provide essential insights. For further clarification, reviewing these topics is recommended.
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Can someone explain to me what the infinity sign is I'm new to this topic.

All I know is that as a satellite goes to a higher orbit that the velocity decreases.
 

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It looks like that "infinity" sign is really a greek letter omega, "ω". It is the symbol used for angular velocity when given in terms of radians.
 


Oh ok. The only knowledge i have of angular velocity is it determines how fast something is turning. So wouldn't the angular velocity be proportional to the velocity and since the satellite is going to a higher orbital, the speed would thus decrease and so if angular velocity is decreasing, wouldn't the velocity be decreasing as well? =}
 


Angular velocity depends on both the radius (of the orbit) and the velocity. I would expect your textbook to have a discussion of how ω, v and r are related. There should be other important information in the book's sections on Newton's Law of Gravitation and also Keppler's Laws. If you're really stuck on understanding this problem, you'll want to go over those parts of your book. Post back with questions if you don't follow it.
 

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