Angular Velocity
Definition
How fast something is spinning — the rate at which its angle changes, measured in radians per second.
Symbol: · Unit: rad/s
Technical definition
The vector ω = dθ/dt, with magnitude in rad/s and direction along the rotation axis (right-hand rule). Related to linear speed by v = ωr for a point at radius r.
Example
A wheel spinning at 10 rad/s completes about 1.6 revolutions each second (10 ÷ 2π). A point on its rim at 0.3 m radius moves at 3 m/s.
Common confusion
Angular velocity is the same for every point on a rigid spinning object, but linear velocity is not — points farther from the axis move faster (v = ωr). Do not mix up rpm, rad/s, and m/s.