What is the relationship between linear speed and angular speed?

1 Answer
Jul 17, 2015

v=omegaR

Explanation:

Linear velocity v is equal to the angular speed omega times the radius from the center of motion R.

We can derive this relationship from the arclength equation
S=thetaR where theta is measured in radians.

Start with
S=thetaR

Take a derivative with respect to time on both sides
d S/"dt"=d theta/"dt"R

d S/"dt" is linear velocity and d theta/"dt" is angular velocity

So we're left with:
v=omegaR