Angular Frequency

Key Stage 5

Angular frequency is the rate of change of angular displacement with respect to time, often used in oscillatory systems.

Angular frequency is given by the symbol 'ω' (a lower case Omega in the Greek Alphabet).
Measured in radians per second (rad/s).
Relates to the frequency of oscillation (f) by the formula ω = 2πf.
Indicates how quickly an object moves through its circular path.
Angular frequency is used to describe the motion of objects in periodic motion, such as pendulums and springs.
Angular frequency is an important concept in the analysis of wave motion and simple harmonic motion (SHM).
Angular frequency is also used in alternating current circuits to describe the oscillations of voltage and current.

ω = 2πf

Where:

f is the frequency of oscillations.

The angular frequency of a pendulum can be calculated from its period.
In alternating current (AC), angular frequency relates to the electrical frequency.