What is the relationship between period, frequency, and angular velocity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the relationship between period, frequency, and angular velocity. The period is defined as the time taken for one complete rotation, while frequency is its inverse, measuring how many rotations occur per unit time. Participants emphasize that there is no concept of "centripetal velocity," and instead, angular velocity (ω) is the correct term, expressed in radians per second. They explain that angular velocity can also be measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or revolutions per second (RPS), with all units convertible through the factor of 2π. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping rotational motion concepts.
bfusco
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Homework Statement


im confused on something. if the period is the amount of time to make 1 spin once, and the frequency is the inverse of that, i don't understand how frequency isn't the same thing as centripetal velocity.
 
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bfusco said:

Homework Statement


im confused on something. if the period is the amount of time to make 1 spin once, and the frequency is the inverse of that, i don't understand how frequency isn't the same thing as centripetal velocity.

I have heard of Centripetal acceleration, but never centripetal velocity??

Do you perhaps mean angular velocity ω - which I have often seen written in radians per second, not (full) cycles per second, so they would vary by a factor of 2∏
 
bfusco said:

Homework Statement


im confused on something. if the period is the amount of time to make 1 spin once, and the frequency is the inverse of that, i don't understand how frequency isn't the same thing as centripetal velocity.

Perhaps because there's no such thing as centripetal velocity? :smile:

Are you thinking of angular velocity? The units of that are radians per second. This is not the same thing as cycles per second (frequency), since in rotational motion a "cycle" comprises ##2\pi## radians of angular distance. Thus ω = ##2\pi f##.
 
gneill said:
Perhaps because there's no such thing as centripetal velocity? :smile:

Are you thinking of angular velocity? The units of that are radians per second. This is not the same thing as cycles per second (frequency), since in rotational motion a "cycle" comprises ##2\pi## radians of angular distance. Thus ω = ##2\pi f##.

wait...can angular velocity be calculated in revs/minute, or radians/sec? i thought that the revs/min was "centripetal velocity", and radians/sec was angular velocity
 
bfusco said:
wait...can angular velocity be calculated in revs/minute, or radians/sec? i thought that the revs/min was "centripetal velocity", and radians/sec was angular velocity

RPM, RPS, and radians/sec are all measures of angular velocity. They are all related by conversion actors. A "revolution" is ##2 \pi## radians.
 
gneill said:
RPM, RPS, and radians/sec are all measures of angular velocity. They are all related by conversion actors. A "revolution" is ##2 \pi## radians.

oh...didnt know that
 
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